What Is the 'Clean Girl Nails' Trend and How Can You Achieve the Look?

For those constantly online (guilty as charged), the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic isn’t new. This minimalist, polished look has racked up billions of views on TikTok. At its essence, the aesthetic is all about effortless simplicity that still exudes a luxurious vibe.

You may be familiar with the clean girl makeup—a natural, understated look with light coverage, a glowy finish, a hint of cream blush, and defined brows—but the clean girl manicure might be new to you. Staying true to TikTok's love for highly polished yet subtle trends, it carries the same vibe we all adore: sophisticated yet almost invisible.

What Are Clean Girl Nails?

Imagine your nails, but at their best. This trend is all about neutral tones, often with a sheer layer, applied to short, rounded nails that feature neatly groomed cuticles and a high-gloss finish. Colors like milky whites, soft pinks, light browns, and sheer apricot are in focus, marking a clear shift away from bold hues and intricate nail art we've seen in recent years. Of course, you can add a little nail art, but the secret to clean girl nails is to keep it subtle—pair complementary colors and opt for a simple design.

The beauty of this trend? Clean girl nails, often called ‘supermodel’ nails, are easy to recreate at home. Nail care is key to the look, and that means everything from exfoliating your hands to generously applying cuticle oil, all of which can be done in the comfort of your own space.

How to Achieve Clean Girl Nails

1. Exfoliate: For a solid clean girl nail routine, we recommend using the Sidia Hand Exfoliant, or alternatively, use your favorite body scrub to gently remove dead skin and buildup.
2. Remove Cuticles: Don't cut, clip, or pull at your cuticles. Instead, use a cuticle-softening product like Olive & June Cuticle Remover. Apply a small amount to each cuticle, massage it in, and let it sit for at least five minutes. Gently push back the cuticles using a basic cuticle pusher. Remember: be gentle.
3. Shape the Nail: Trim your nails if needed, then use a nail file to shape them into a subtle round shape. File in one direction to avoid peeling. We recommend the Deborah Lippmann Eco File Nail Set for daily use, but if you're splurging, the Chanel La Lime À Ongles Limited-Edition Nail File is a luxurious option.
4. Prep the Nail: Clean underneath the nails with the other side of your cuticle pusher, then wipe your nails clean with nail polish remover. Once dry, apply a base coat, such as the OPI Natural Nail Base Coat.
5. Paint Nails: Painting can be tricky, especially with your non-dominant hand. When applying polish, load one side of the brush and wipe off the excess. Start at the center of the nail and sweep the polish toward the edges. Keep the pressure light and steady. If you make a mistake, use a small brush like the Olive & June Clean Up Brush dipped in remover to correct it. Apply one to three coats depending on your desired opacity.
6. Apply Top Coat: Finish with a glossy top coat, like LondonTown’s Kur High Gloss Top Coat.
7. Finish With Cuticle Oil: Once your nails are dry, apply cuticle oil to hydrate and give your nails a shiny finish. Reapply daily (or more) to keep your nails healthy and nourished. We recommend the Ten Over Ten Rose Oil Cuticle Treatment, which is deeply moisturizing and perfect for on-the-go care.

Top Nail Polishes for Achieving Clean Girl Nails

• Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers: This timeless shade is a favorite for a reason. Essie’s Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers offers a soft, milky pink with a delicate, sheer finish.
• OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Half Past Nude: If you're after a glossy, neutral hue, OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Half Past Nude delivers just that. Its blush nude shade fits perfectly with the clean girl aesthetic.
• Olive & June Long-Lasting Polish in EC: Named after the effortlessly stylish Eva Chen, the Olive & June Long-Lasting Polish in EC is a chic mix of nude and pink with a glossy, high-shine finish. A truly elegant option.
• Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Polish in Written in the Sand: If you prefer a deeper nude, try the Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro in Written in the Sand. Its creamy beige tone offers full coverage, making it a sophisticated pick.
• Glamentics Press-On Nail Kit in Little Miss: If you're not into painting nails, consider the Glamnetics Press-On Kit in Little Miss. This set features short, rounded nails with a semi-transparent base and subtle micro flower details.
• Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 111 Ballerina: For a refined pale pink look, try the Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 111 Ballerina. This almost-nude pink is perfect for a clean girl manicure, and the elegant bottle is a bonus.