Summer nails go chic with soap and milk manicures

After “hot girl summer”, women are embracing the clean girl aesthetic , especially with their nails. Celebs like Victoria Beckham , Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande are all sporting soap and milk nails, making soft, translucent, glossy finishes the trend of the season. From soapy whites and pinks to semi-sheer milky tones, minimalistic manicures are taking over.

‘SOAP NAILS WORK WITH ALL SHAPES’
“Whether short, round, long, or almond-shaped, soap nails adds an elegant glow that works with all shapes,” says Reena Batra. Entrepreneur and beauty expert Shahnaz Husain concurs saying, “It’s a versatile manicure trend that works well with all nail lengths.” Aashmeen Munjaal, director of a makeup and hair academy, however, doesn’t recommend the look on square nails.


Trending colour for milky nails: Lavender
Elegant yet playful, lavender milk nails are the must-try shade of the moment. “Lavender nails, especially ombre and matte lavender milk nails, are trending. Simply apply a base coat, finishing colour, and top coat,” says Aashmeen.

Aftercare tips for your clean nail look
 Easy to maintain; just reapply the top coat regularly to retain freshness
 Avoid soaking your hands in hot water for too long
 Use gloves when doing dishes or household chores
 Routinely moisturise your hands and nails
 If using sheer shades, apply a UV top coat – this helps prevent the colour from fading or yellowing – Shahnaz Husain, entrepreneur & beauty expert

‘A part of the clean girl aesthetic’
From monochrome outfits to fresh, dewy makeup, the clean girl aesthetic champions minimalism – and nails are no exception. Nail techs and salon owners say women are opting for minimal nails because they’re effortlessly chic and pair with everything. “One can go all out with nails, and clients often say they don’t like the final result when they experiment with something new. But most clients love the soap and milk nails for their clean, soft finish,” says nail technician Harshita Sharma.

What exactly are soap and milk nails?
Soap nails mimic the look of lathered soap bubbles, as if you’ve just stepped out of a bath. Milk nails, on the other hand, feature a milky, semi-sheer white finish, often serving as the perfect base for minimalist nail art.