'Soap nails' are the newest nail trend that look good on everyone.

February 10, 2025

There seems to be a new nail trend taking over the internet every few months. From 'old money' manis to nail crowns, glitter gradients and pastel ombres, there's no shortage of inspiration to take to your next salon appointment.

But according to TikTok, there's another manicure trend that has people switching out their minimal 'nail tints', classic colours and fine-line nail art for an even more pared-back look — and it looks good on everyone.

Enter: soap nails.

Watch: Kelly McCarren and Leigh Campbell explain how to get the glossy skin look without highlighter or shimmer. Post continues below.

Video via Mamamia.

Here's absolutely everything you need to know about 'soap nails' and why they're about to replace every minimal nail look you've ever come across.

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Juna Xu

February 10, 2025

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What are 'soap nails'?

You might be thinking, "Aren't soap nails' just 'milky nails' or 'lip gloss' manis? I get it, a quick glance and they do look oddly similar.

Basically, 'soap nails' are a subtle and gentle nail finish with a milky quality that mimics the appearance of freshly cut soap or soapy water — hence the name. But the key difference is that they're less milky than milk nails and not as jelly-like or high-shine as a lip-gloss mani.

Getting the 'soap nail' look is intended to make your fingers look freshly manicured and clean all the time (like you just pulled your squeaky clean hands out of a soapy bubble bath), not just five minutes after leaving the salon.

@americasbeautyshow SOAP NAILS: the hottest #trend in #Nails ✨Hard gel in bottle application✨ @pro.nails.lab #soapnails #pinknails #bubblebath #gelnails #trendingvideo #nailsartvideos #nailsoftiktok ♬ original sound - AMERICASBEAUTYSHOW

What's involved in 'soap nails'?

Unlike most manicure trends, it's not about the nail colour. Instead, it's the manicure itself that's the most important part of this trend.

It's all about the prep. Just like the no-makeup makeup look requires on-point skincare routine, soap nails are only made possible with some serious TLC to the nail beds.

Your nail artist — or yourself, if you decide to go in-house — will need to pay close attention to thoroughly cleaning the nails of any previous polish, buffing them until they shine, carefully and neatly trimming away rough cuticles, and filing the tips so they're perfectly symmetrical. To go the extra mile, a light exfoliation of the hands to rid of any dead skin cells (followed by a hand mask) is always a good idea.

Once they look impeccably clean, that's when you can give them a glow-up with a sheer wash of a glossy polish and topcoat.

Then, post-salon, you want to keep your fingers and hands well hydrated with cuticle oil and cream.

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What nail polish colours work well with the soap nail trend?

To stress once again: the colour is not as important as the prep or finish. You can choose to go completely clear or opt for a light pink tint or milky white hue. Below are some of our favourite polishes to achieve the perfect soap nails.