Clean girl: glass nails are the main manicure trend

The clean girl trend continues to develop and take on new, even more restrained forms. In the winter of 2026, the usual nude coating is replaced by a new favorite – glass nails. Despite the fact that chrome designs such as glazed donut or fombré have remained relevant since 2026, it is this minimalist option that is increasingly attracting the attention of the beauty industry.

Glass nails look like a logical continuation of the popularity of “glass skin”. Their main idea is the most clean, well-groomed and shiny look without unnecessary effects. This is an ultra-transparent coating with a crystal shine, which does not contain either mother-of-pearl or milky undertone. Only absolute transparency and gloss. That is why, if there are doubts between a cream and a transparent finish, this season you should choose the second option.

For a manicure to become a trend, it must not only be beautiful, but also be widely supported. Glass nails regularly appear on public figures and are actively discussed by industry professionals, which only consolidates their status. But why are we so attracted to such a laconic design?

Experts explain this by the general trend of modern beauty: today the emphasis is shifting from excess to sophistication. Natural skin, natural hair and minimalist manicure are becoming the new norm. Transparent coatings do not mask the nail plate, but on the contrary – emphasize its healthy state. This is a kind of evolution of the clean girl aesthetic, but more mature, durable and sophisticated.

How to make perfect glass nails

As with most manicure trends, preparation plays a key role. A clean, even and neat base is the key to a good result, especially when it comes to translucent or transparent designs. It is recommended to start with a cuticle remover, thoroughly clean the nail plate, form a clear contour and delicately file the nails so that the surface is as smooth as possible. If necessary, these steps should be repeated – accuracy is critical here.

How to recreate glass nails at home

For a home manicure, it is advised to adhere to a multi-layer technique: a base, a light chrome layer, a transparent gel to create volume and a finishing top coat. At the same time, it is not necessary to make the nails completely “empty”. A barely noticeable depth makes the coating more expressive and more expensive in appearance than a regular transparent varnish. The main thing is the gloss. It should be so intense that the nails literally catch the light and create a glass effect.