Key facts
- A trend for bare, natural-looking nails has become popular on social media and fashion runways.
- Critics argue the trend is a form of 'counter signaling' by the wealthy, devaluing nail art from minority communities.
- Beauty journalist Kristina Rodulfo stated the trend perpetuates white supremacist beauty standards.
- Some individuals are adopting the bare nails trend for simplicity, cost savings, or as a rebellion against beauty standards.
- Historically, long nails and elaborate manicures have been used to signify status and a lack of manual labor.
- Nail art has been a significant form of self-expression for Black women.
A trend for bare, natural-looking nails has gained significant traction, appearing on social media, fashion runways, and red carpets, often associated with the concept of 'quiet luxury.' However, this trend has sparked debate, with critics arguing it carries class implications and potentially stigmatizes nail art historically significant to Black, Latino, and Asian communities.
Nail salon owner Paloma Buddemeier in London has noticed a surge in clients requesting manicures that appear as if no polish has been applied, involving filing, buffing, and cuticle care but no color. This aesthetic, characterized by glossy, naked nails, is being viewed by some as the latest symbol of understated wealth.
Conversely, beauty journalists and cultural commentators argue that the emphasis on bare nails can be seen as a form of 'counter signaling,' where the wealthy adopt a minimalist aesthetic to differentiate themselves from broader trends. This perspective suggests that the trend promotes a 'sameness' and 'erasure of culture and identity,' particularly impacting Black and Brown communities where bold nail art has served as a vital form of self-expression. Journalist Kristina Rodulfo noted that terms like 'elegant' or 'tasteful' when applied to bare nails can perpetuate white supremacist beauty standards.
For some, the shift to bare nails is a practical choice, driven by a desire to simplify routines, save time and money, or rebel against entrenched female beauty standards. Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon's decision to stop her regular salon visits resonated widely online, highlighting a sentiment of shedding perceived obligations. Others, like Londoner Khadija, embrace the 'less is more' philosophy for its chicness and alignment with minimalism and reduced consumerism.
However, the notion of bare nails being inherently simple or natural is contested. Fashion journalist Suzanne E. Shapiro points out that achieving the 'bare nails' look often requires its own time-consuming and costly grooming routine, sometimes involving premium services. Historically, manicures have served as social signifiers, from the lengthy talons of nobility in Imperial China to the red nail lacquer of the 1930s as a symbol of rebellion. Celebrity nail artist Celeste Hampton expressed concern that such trends can be 'weaponised,' taking the fun out of nail expression and creating unnecessary divisions.