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If you love naked nails and minimalist manis, you’re going to love glass nails. The simple, clear manicure matches with everything and couldn’t be easier to wear. In an era of soap nails and milk bath nails, the evolution of of glass nails makes perfect sense.
“I think the clear manicure honestly is just a continuation of the soap-nail trend,” says celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik, who is responsible for some of the most iconic nail looks for celebs like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez, NBD.
We first saw the glass-nails trend on Gomez, created by Bachik himself, back in May of this year at the Rare Beauty annual Mental Health Summit in Los Angeles. She paired the polished mani with her signature long almond-shaped nails and we were instantly wondering how to get the look.
Ahead, Bachik gives us the lowdown on everything you need to know about glass nails (including what to ask for at the salon to get the perfect look). Keep scrolling for some manicure ideas to take to your next appointment or DIY yourself.
What are glass nails?
Glass nails are pretty much exactly what they sound like: a clear, super-shiny, glassy manicure. Bachik has created the glass-nail look for Gomez, and it’s totally taken off. Celebs like Hailey Bieber and Anne Hathaway have cosigned on the barely-there nail trend, with Bieber even taking it down to her toes with a totally translucent, fresh summer pedicure.
“Soap nails were a minimalist version of the semisheer lip-gloss nail, and clear nails are minimalist version of soap nails,” says Bachik. Perhaps we’re in for more simplistic manis and pedis this summer than in years past.
Another perk of the glass-nails trend: You can seriously extend your time between nail salon appointments with this style. Thanks to clear polish, your nails will grow out seamlessly (you can even try this style at home). At a time when everyone seems to be talking about recession indicators and finding ways to save money in their beauty routines (low-maintenance hair colors that are easy to grow out and result in fewer trips to the salon, like bronde, continue to remain super popular lately), glass nails join the cause.
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How do you prep for glass nails?
Achieving the glass-nails look couldn’t be easier. But with a simple, clear mani like this, the nail and cuticle prep is key (the glassy polish won’t hide anything, so getting your fingers looking picture-perfect before will be a game-changer!).
“Start with creating the perfect canvas,” says Bachik. “The better the foundation, the better the whole look overall.” He recommends using the Tweezerman X Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set (“Everything you’ll need is included,” he notes).
If you’re a DIYer, here’s exactly how to get your nails ready: “Begin by pushing back cuticles to even and shape,” says Bachik. “Remove any cuticle or bits and pieces of skin that might be sticking up, like hangnails, with your cuticle nipper.”
After, you’ll want to create your preferred nail shape. The beauty of this manicure is that anyone can wear it, regardless of nail length or shape. “It’s so versatile that it works with literally any length or nail shape,” says Bachik. “I don’t think that there’s a better or a best nail length or shape for the clear-nail look. I think that’s what so appealing about it.” In a world of nail extensions and BIAB nails, short nails will have a moment with this look: “I will say it does make shorter nails look great,” adds Bachik.
No matter what length and shape you choose, as for how to create it, use “your nail clipper and perfect it with your nail file,” recommends Bachik. “And lastly, gently buff the surface of the nail to exfoliate and gently smooth the surface. You are now ready to add the gloss!”
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How do you create glass nails?
Once your prep is completed, it’s nail polish time. “I use my favorite go-to tools from Tweezerman to create the perfect canvas, consistent length and shape, and meticulous cuticles,” says Bachik. “I then use a clear or slightly tinted base and topcoat for a high-gloss finish.”
What exact nail polish shade does Bachik use for Gomez’s viral naked mani? His Tom Bachik Click Color in shade Super Clear. The gel polish comes in an easy-to-transport small pen. You just click the pen to release a little bit of gel, brush a thin layer onto the nail, and cure under a nail lamp. If you prefer to avoid gel, you can also get a similar look using any clear nail polish. Though he painted the polish atop Aprés Nail Gel-X tips that he custom shaped for Gomez, you can use your natural nail too.
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How to get your manicure to stay put longer? “I also recommend applying a fresh layer of topcoat every three to five days to keep it long-lasting and brand new,” Bachik says.
Our favorite glass-nails designs:
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Catharine Malzahn is the contributing associate beauty editor at Glamour.
