Soap Nails Trend Explained and How to Get the Best Look

Have you noticed? There’s a fresh new manicure style sweeping through the country in 2025. Celebrities like Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, and Ariane Grande are all leading the way when it comes to the soap nails trend. Not heard of it? Where have you been? It is all over social media! The soap nails trend is a chic, soft, clean, dreamy nail look, and it is fast becoming a favourite among beauty lovers everywhere.

So, what exactly are soap nails? Why are they suddenly everywhere? And, the most important question for any fashionista: how can you achieve the look for yourself (or offer it to your clients)? Whether you’re a nail enthusiast or a budding beauty therapist, this guide has everything you need to know.

Let’s dive into the soap nail trend and find out what makes it so special.

What Are Soap Nails?

Soap nails are a minimalist nail style designed to look clean, sheer, and subtly glossy, just like freshly washed hands covered in a layer of soap bubbles. Hence the name! Think of it as the manicure version of a soft-focus filter on your AI photo editor.

The soap nails trend is different because they’re not matte, but they are not super shiny either. We can best describe them as having a slightly cloudy, milky finish with a soft pastel or sheer base. The final look is delicate, elegant, and very fresh-looking. Essentially, they mimic the look of clean nails under running water. The result? Nails that appear healthy, hydrated, and polished to perfection.

Why Are Soap Nails Different?

Unlike bold nail art or vibrant polishes, this season’s soap nails trend is all about the soft details. Their appeal lies in their simplicity.

Here are 4 reasons why they stand out:

1. No harsh lines or loud colours

This trend leans toward sheer, neutral, and pastel tones only.

2. They suit every nail shape

Whether you love almond, oval, round, or square tips, the soap nails trend complements them all.

3. Perfect for everyday wear

Their understated finish works for casual days, office settings, or formal events. It is so nice not worrying about matching your nails to your outfit!

4. Low maintenance

Chips or regrowth are less noticeable compared to bolder styles, so less quick trips to the salon or faffing about when you are in a rush for lunch with the girls!

It is because of their versatility that they’ve become a favourite for brides, professionals, and fashion-forward individuals alike.

Why the Soap Nails Trend is Taking Off?

There’s no denying it, the soap nails trend is blowing up on Instagram and TikTok. So, what’s fuelling this newfound obsession?

Here are a few reasons why this style is trending:

1. The clean girl aesthetic

Let’s face it, minimalist beauty is everywhere right now. From natural makeup to slicked-back buns, people are currently leaning toward a “less is more” approach to beauty. The soap nails trend fits perfectly into this vibe.

2. Skin and nail health focus

With more focus on self-care, many are embracing natural, healthy nails. Soap nails give the illusion of well-moisturised, nourished hands.

3. Celebrity inspiration

As we mentioned right at the beginning of this article, celebs and models like Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge have flaunted barely-there, glossy nails on red carpets and in casual looks. Their followers love to keep up with their looks and trends, so it’s no wonder their subtle manicure choices have sparked the viral soap nails trend.

4. Easily customisable

You can keep it sheer, add a tiny shimmer, or even include a soft French tip. The soap nail look is a beautiful blank canvas. and easily customisable, but keep it simple.

5. Works year-round

Whether it’s summer’s soft pastels or autumn’s warm tones, this current soap nails trend transitions seamlessly across seasons. We love the adaptability of it.

How to Achieve the Soap Nail Look

Now that you’re totally on board (we don’t blame you!), let’s talk about how you can achieve the look. After all, we all like being on trend, don’t we?

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

Start with a clean base. Trim, file, and shape the nails to your liking. Gently push back the cuticles and remove any excess skin. Remember not to push them back too far, we don’t want any infections!

As we highlighted earlier, you can opt for a shape to your nail; the soap nails trend is versatile and subtly stunning, whatever your preference.

Buff the surface lightly to smooth any ridges. Hydrate with a cuticle oil and hand lotion, then wipe off any excess oils before applying polish. After all, this look is all about your hands and nails looking healthy and cared for.

Step 2: Choose the Right Polish

The key to the soap nails trend is choosing the right colour and finish. Look for sheer, milky, or pastel shades with a jelly-like consistency.

Some popular choices include:

• Sheer pink
• Milky white
• Baby peach
• Pale lavender
• Soft nude

Some polishes are specifically designed to give that “bubble bath” look, you know, light, translucent, and shiny without looking wet. That’s what you are aiming for.

Step 3: Layer with Care

Apply 1-2 thin coats of your chosen polish. The trick is to keep the layers light and even, keep thinking minimalist. You want just a subtle hint of colour, not full, heavy coverage. Naturally, you need to let each coat dry completely before adding the next. This prevents streaks and helps the colour look clean and glassy.

Salon tip: You can add a subtle shimmer or a super-fine chrome powder between the layers for a little extra dimension. But remember to keep it soft! Think the glisten of morning dew, not a vibrant 70s disco!

Step 4: Finish with a Glossy Top Coat

A clear, high-gloss top coat is essential. It gives the nails that juicy, freshly-washed soap nails trend look that you are after. Choose a top coat that resists yellowing and enhances natural shine. Apply one generous layer and remember to cap the tips to seal everything in.

And don’t be in a rush! Let the nails dry completely before touching anything. You don’t want all that hard work to be for nothing, do you?

Step 5: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Finally, bring that healthy soap-skin glow to your hands. Massage in a nourishing hand cream and reapply cuticle oil daily to keep the look fresh. Oh, we love a look that encourages healthy beauty practices!

The end result? Clean, natural, and timeless nails.

Who Can Wear Soap Nails?

Short answer? Anyone.

Long, short, square, or stiletto, the soap nails trend flatters all nail types. It’s also perfect for people who want their nails to look neat but subtle.

If you’re a professional beauty therapist or nail tech, this is a fantastic trend to offer clients who want something simple yet elegant, so get on board if you haven’t already.

A Quick Recap

So, now that we have explained all the information you need to know, let’s quickly break it all down:

• What are soap nails?
  Sheer, soft, and slightly glossy nails that look like freshly washed hands.
• Why are they trending?
  Minimalist beauty is in, and people love the natural, healthy vibe.
• What do you need to achieve them?
  Sheer polish, a glossy top coat, and hydrated hands.
• Who can wear them?
  Everyone! From beauty bloggers to brides, from busy professionals to students.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re a beauty lover dreaming of turning your passion into a profession, or a new therapist looking to level up your skills, we’ve got great news.

At the Alliance of Beauty Practitioners, we offer fully accredited manicure training courses that teach you everything from classic styles to the latest nail trends, including how to master the soap nails trend. Our courses are designed for beginners and experienced professionals alike. Whether you want to build your own client base, work in a salon, or just refine your technique, we’re here to help you grow.

Likewise, if you are a salon owner or beauty practitioner wishing to establish your own training schedule for the next generation of beauticians, we offer accredited beauty manuals that can be tailored to your brand. If you would like to learn more, please visit our services page here.

Final Thoughts

Trends come and go, but styles like soap nails stick around because they’re timeless, versatile, and easy to love. With the right prep, polish, and care, you can master this soft and subtle trend in no time, whether on yourself or your clients.

And if you’re ready to take your beauty skills to the next level, the Alliance of Beauty Practitioners is here to support your journey.

Stay on-trend. Stay inspired. And most importantly, stay beautifully you.