I have recently noticed that soap nails are a trend for 2025, and I’m super excited about it! I think well-manicured long nails look gorgeous, but long nails just don’t work for me. Even a little bit of length bothers me because they feel heavy and uncomfortable. I’m not sure what it is, but my brain just doesn’t seem to cope with the sensation of long nails. I wonder if it could be a sensory issue. Either way, I get so distracted by them, even when they’re just a tiny bit long, which is why I prefer to keep my nails neat and short. So when I saw some images of soap nails, I was all like – YES! That’s the look for me!
What Are Soap Nails?
Soap nails are all about sheer, milky, and ultra-glossy nails that look clean and hydrated—like that dewy look your nails have after pulling them out of a frothy sink full of dishwater. Or, for a more luxurious image, think of the fresh, polished finish you get after washing your hands with a beautifully scented bar of soap.
They’re a step up from a classic nude manicure, with semi-translucent, neutral tones and a healthy, glass-like shine.
Why Sheer, Milky Polish?
For a true soap nail effect, use a translucent, milky polish instead of an opaque nude or white. This gives a soft, washed-clean look with your natural nails subtly showing through, making them stand out from a classic solid-coloured manicure. Soap nails just look so effortlessly elegant!
What You’ll Need
To achieve the perfect soap nails at home, these are the essentials you will need:
Nail file and buffer – you want to smooth and shape your nails.
Cuticle oil – for nourishing and prepping the nails.
Base coat – to give a nice smooth and even finish.
Sheer milky polish – look for shades like soft white, sheer pink, or translucent nude.
Glossy top coat – this will lock in the ultra-shiny look you want to achieve.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Soap Nails
1. Prep Your Nails
Start with clean, dry nails.
- File your nails into a natural, soft shape.
- Lightly buff the surface to create a smooth canvas.
- Apply cuticle oil and push back cuticles for a clean look.
2. Apply a Base Coat
A thin layer of base coat helps your sheer polish apply evenly and last longer. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
3. Layer on a Sheer Milky Polish
The key to the soap nail look is a soft colour you can build up to your liking.
- Apply one thin coat of a milky, semi-transparent polish.
- Let it dry before adding a second coat for a smooth, jelly-like finish.
4. Lock It in with a Glossy Top Coat
A high-shine top coat gives soap nails their signature glossy, wet look. Apply one or two thin coats and let them dry completely.
5. Finish with Cuticle Oil
Massage a bit of cuticle oil around your nails to keep them healthy and give them a clean, hydrated look.
Tips for the Perfect Soap Nails
Stick to sheer, neutral shades for the best effect, and go with thin layers to avoid streaks and keep the finish natural. If they start to lose that shiny, soapy look, just add a quick top coat between manicures.
Why I Love Soap Nails!
One of the main reasons I love soap nails is that they make short nails look great. They’re neat, shiny, and not loud or bold. That’s just my style, and it doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate long nails with a big vibe—it’s just that I don’t think that style suits me.
I’m all about that minimalist look when it comes to dressing—neutral tones, simple pieces, nothing too colourful or dramatic. Soap nails fit perfectly with my love for low-key, quiet fashion.
Soap nails are also an easy manicure to do at home, which is a huge win. With the cost of living these days, it’s a serious money-saving bonus!
pretty! I love the brighter colors on toenails, but this is beautiful for clean and healthy looking hands.
They look beautiful!