From Rihanna to Hailey Bieber, the biggest stars are scaling back on nail art. But the trend is less about “doing nothing” and more about making a very intentional statement.
If you have scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed it. The elaborate nail art, the 3D gems, the loud colors—they’re being replaced by something much quieter. Celebs like Rihanna and Hailey Bieber are currently leading the charge on a much more minimalist manicure, one that whispers rather than shouts.
It’s Not “Bare,” It’s “Chiffon” and “Milky White”
The style has many names, but its essence is the same: ultra-sheer, glossy, and impeccably groomed. Rihanna, a fashion maximalist known for her bold choices, has recently been a fan of the “milky white” manicure. Her go-to nail artist, Kim Truong, describes the shade as “clean and effortless without feeling boring”.
Then there’s Hailey Bieber, who is practically the architect of this minimalist nail movement. Her “glazed doughnut” nails evolved into the “soft pink glaze,” a creamy pink base with a barely-there reflective finish that catches the light without looking metallic. The message is: less is more, but only if the ‘less’ is perfect.
Gigi Hadid’s recent Bazaar India moment with the “luminous” pearlescent top coat similarly falls into the “chiffon” nails category. As celebrity manicurist Michelle Class explains, these sheer polishes “feel expensive, timeless, and camera-friendly”.
The key is that the nails are never truly naked. The look requires precise prep, meticulous cuticle care, and often a translucent “ballet slipper” pink or milky white polish.
The Theory Behind the Trend: Quiet Luxury and Countersignaling
So why is this the look of the moment? It’s the same psychology driving the “quiet luxury” trend in fashion. When intricate nail art became accessible to everyone, the elite needed a new way to signal status. It’s an example of “countersignaling.”
As brand director Miranda Shanahan puts it, “When a status symbol becomes common, the people at the top opt out to show they don’t need it”. A perfect “bare” manicure is the ultimate flex. It signals that you don’t need the thing to feel wealthy—you have the time and resources to invest in something that looks effortless.
The “No-Mani Mani” Is a Labor-Intensive Affair
Here is the contradiction. Achieving this “effortless” aesthetic requires a significant amount of work and, often, money. The Vogue guide to natural nails quotes a celebrity manicurist explaining that when you work with minimalist colors, “prep is everything. There’s nothing to hide behind”. This look is like that particular brand of fashion insiders who prefer to look clean and laid-back, while in reality, their “no-makeup” makeup is a lot more complicated to create than the full beat.
To get the look, you need:
- Impeccable Prep: Healthy-looking skin and clean cuticle lines are non-negotiable.
- The Right Products: Many are turning to “nail concealers,” sheer polishes that blur imperfections like ridges and discolouration, functioning like a “BB cream” for nails.
- Professional Help: For the best results, the “Japanese manicure” is gaining popularity. It’s a treatment that “replenishes the natural nail with minerals and leaves a healthy, glass-like shine”.
Conclusion
The shift to natural nails isn’t a sign that celebrities are getting lazy. It’s a sign that they’re getting strategic. They’re moving away from flashy, loud nail art as a way of signaling they’ve transcended the need for it. In the current landscape of “quiet luxury,” the most expensive thing you can wear is the illusion of doing nothing at all—just as long as it’s been meticulously, and often expensively, prepped
