If you’ve been keeping up with the latest nail trends, you know that maximalism is the new thing. Everyone’s nails look like an extension of the jewellery they wear because they all have different patterns and textures. As a beauty editor who pays close attention to the many colours and styles that are becoming popular, I always notice one thing. No matter how crazy some trends are, people will always come back to a simple clean style at some point.
People don’t always want bold designs these days, but they still want their nails done in a way that isn’t just plain and polish-free. Instead, they’re choosing colours that are barely there but still look classy without a lot of work. Think of tiny French tips, milky nails, short nail designs, and, of course, soap nails. The clean girl look may have ended in 2025, but soap nails are like a new version of it for 2026.
The best part is that soap nails are very easy to make at home, unlike some other trends that take effort. That means you won’t have to wait long for your nails to be done or pay a lot of money. I talked to nail artist Koti Sixxx and nail expert and educator Radina Ignatova to get all the information I needed for a full in-depth breakdown. Their best tips are below.
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What are nails made of soap?
If you’ve never heard of soap nails before, you might be wondering what they are and why everyone is talking about them. Ignatova says, “Soap nails are a clean shiny manicure that makes it look like you’ve just washed your hands.” “They’re usually done in soft nudes or sheer pinks with a shine that looks like glass.” The main goal is to look stylish and polished without trying too hard.
What are the differences between soap nails and milky nails?
It might seem like milky nails and soap nails are the same at first, but they are not. Sixxx says, “The difference is in the opacity and undertone.” “Soap nails are very sheer and have a finish that is almost invisible. Milky nails, on the other hand, are more opaque and lean toward soft pastel colours.” One example she gives is how OPI’s Bubble Bath for soap nails is different from Funny Bunny.
How to Make Soap Nails at Home
No joke, this might be the easiest nail trends to do at home. Here’s a step by step guide on how to get the look without wasting any time.
Things You Will Need
- File for nails
- Pusher for cuticles
- Base coat for the buffer
- Sheer blush toned or French pink nail polish
- Topcoat with a shine
- Optional cuticle oil
Step 1: Get ready
You’ll need to get ready once you have all your supplies in front of you. “Start by shaping the nails into a soft square or rounded shape,” says Ignatova. “Then, gently push back the cuticles and lightly buff the nail surface so it is smooth and even.”
Step 2: First Coat
You have to start with your first coat of paint, just like with any other manicure. Sixxx says, “Put on a structured base coat to shape the nails and make them look the same on all sides.” “This is what makes the illusion of being seamless and almost invisible.”
Step 3: Apply a second coat and shine
The third step is really two steps in one. According to Ignatova, “Apply one to two thin coats of a sheer, pale polish, keeping the layers light rather than thick.” “To get that shiny look finish with a glossy topcoat.”
Step 4: Optional Final Touches
There are a few more things you can do to finish everything off once your nails are dry. You can use cuticle oil but if your nails are broken, Sixxx says to use tinted builder gel instead. It should have a slightly yellow or cream colour along the free edge to look like a natural nail finish.
