During a recent team meeting at Coveteur, the conversation shifted to the trend of bare nails, starting from a discussion about red carpet aesthetics and evolving into considerations about foot care and color preferences. This led to the pivotal question: are bare nails the ultimate style statement?

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The appeal of bare nails is often linked to high-profile personalities like Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, Zoë Kravitz, and Pamela Anderson. Their choice to go nail-free suggests a low-maintenance lifestyle, portraying them as so busy that finding time for a manicure is challenging.

In contrast, many find the bare nail trend to require more effort than it appears. Viktoria Kolodii, Founder and Creative Director of the global nail salon MVK, highlights that natural nails need consistent care. "Natural nails demand attention. You have to actually look after them: are they clean, is the shape holding, has anything chipped or split?" she explains. Unlike gel nails, which can be left for weeks without concern, bare nails require ongoing maintenance. This trend is not merely about minimalism but reflects a commitment to grooming and care.

Kolodii further clarifies that bare nails should be well-manicured and intentional-looking, meaning they are maintained to be aesthetically pleasing without color distractions. Maintaining a consistent nail length and healthy surrounding skin is crucial, along with the regular use of treatment polish. Nicole Wong, Lead Designer at MiniLuxe, points out that consumers are becoming more knowledgeable and thoughtful about their nail care products.

Interestingly, a new trend called coconut jelly nails is gaining traction, where a clean, natural-looking manicure is achieved with sheer, jelly-like polish. "To achieve the look, you want to choose a sheer, jelly-like pink and apply two to three coats," Wong advises. For a resilient French look, a very sheer off-white or transparent pink is recommended, enhancing the natural nail without obscuring it.

Ultimately, the belief that bare nails signify a busy lifestyle or effortless beauty is challenged. Instead, they can represent a version of understated luxury, aligning with current beauty trends. However, Spring/Summer 2027 shows also celebrated bold colors and creative designs, indicating that there is a place in the beauty landscape for both minimalist and maximalist expressions.