Soap Nails Are the Squeaky-Clean Approach to a Fresh and Simple Manicure (2025)

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2025 means a brand-new year with and brand-new nail trends. While maximalist nail art isn't going anywhere, many are opting for a simpler entrée into the year. Enter: “Nails.” Simple, manicured, and shiny, these nails are the perfect choice for those looking for a fresh beauty start in 2025.

What Are Soap Nails?

When you picture soap nails, what comes to mind? If it’s elaborate, designs of rubber ducks and 3D builder gel bubbles, then you’re going in the wrong direction. Soap nails are a simple milky white, beige, or a baby pink that is extremely glossy, manicured, and buffed. Think of them as the milky equivalent to lipgloss nails. The finished effect is squeaky clean, hence the soap. With elements of the rich girl nail and the clean-girl aesthetic, these semi-sheer, extremely shiny nails give a luxurious effect that will surely be on your vision board for 2025.

How to Get The Look

When it comes to soap nails, the experts say that the prep is just as important as the polish.

“This trend really stars with a very detailed/clean manicure,” says Los Angeles based nail artist Brittney Boyce. “It’s important to have all perfect foundation since the polish is sheer.” Start by prepping the nails, with care for your cuticles. Armed with cuticle softener and a pusher, gently press back any excess skin. If you're confident with a pair of cuticle nippers, snip off any raised, excess bits that arise post-post, making sure your cuticle remains intact and functional. This will create a clean-looking and even canvas.

Next, gently file your nails so they are all even and in your desired shape, and then buff them to create a smooth surface to paint on. The smoother the staring base, the sleeker the finished look.

The Best Polishes to Use

When it comes to polish, the experts say to find any the best shades and formulas for you.

“Look for a sheer pink or nude shade that complements your skin tone,” says Boyce. She recommends Aprés gel polishes in shades Flushed or Pink Clouds as well as Orly’s shade Rose Colored Glasses.

Mabelyn Alva, creative director of Paintbox nails, also adds that a high-gloss clear coat is key. "The best way to get this super glossy look is applying base coat and then a gel-like topcoat,” she says.

This look can be done with regular polish or with a gel manicure—but Boyce says that the gel version has some distinct benefits. "Although this look will look good with a regular nail polish, it will of course last longer in gel, but will also give a higher shine/glossier look," she says.