It is true, I have always had a thing for colorful nails.
I remember that whenever I flipped through a magazine or turned on the television, it was my favorite stars displaying talons painted in brighter shades, full of drawings and those long nails which seemed to shout, “look at me!”
For the longest time, nails were all about making a statement whether through jewel-laden tips, cut-out designs or fresh nail shape that never made its way into the mainstream.
But lately, there seems to be a rather interesting change in the universe of manicures.
The tables have turned, and the “less is more” approach is prevailing.
Welcome to 2024 where minimalism in manicures seems to be the trend!
Why Minimalism is Taking Over
We live in a time where things are less complicated and everything seems so straightforward.
Whether it’s fashion, decoration, and currently beauty, minimalism is trending in almost every element.
But what is even more fascinating is how this particular style has shifted the nail trends themselves.
So why the drastic change in the approach to the narratives?
I think it has a lot to do with how fast pace the world has become and the desire to achieve some serenity in the midst of all that.
Let’s be honest: we all know life can get a little bit too crazy sometimes, and clean shapes, muted colors and simple elegance feels good.
It’s like a cool breeze outside.
Also, there’s another point in favor of this tendency.
In today’s world, where everyone is always busy, how many people have the time to waste, or the patience for that matter, having a manicure that takes hours where the nail artist is painting tiny floral decorations on each fingernail?
The minimalistic approach brings us back to the roots but doesn’t look boring.
‘Comfort food’ of the beauty industry, if I may put it that way.
Simple, delicious, and issued decades before, without any wrinkles.
What Exactly is a Minimalist Manicure?
For those few who are still scratching their heads and thinking, “So, what exactly is a minimalist manicure?”—never fear, I understand you.
The good thing about this trend is absolute freedom of choice, but the general direction tends to be: less entertainment and more elegance.
Picture soft, muted colors, fine nuances and shorter nails.
It is about refinement and one does not have to attempt too hard to achieve an elegant feeling.
It is definitely not about noise and shouting with lots of embellishments – these manicures are about coolness – still and understated.
You may notice many simple single- or two- color nails such as beige, pink and other subtle shades without any nail art or even shiny nude and simply clear glossy nails.
The French tips, however, are back in but with a twist, with skinnier lines and in some cases in pastel colors like soft gray rather than the traditional white or even no color at all.
The idea is that in fact every detail included or every element worked with paints in some way will be highly selective.
Neutral Tones: The Heart of the Trend
Let us consider an element in whom minimalist manicure is being characterized – neutral shades.
I cannot deny that I was at one point in time, way too opinionated, especially about beige nails.
I mean, who would want to be bored when you can wear bright colors, right?
But, oh, how my tune has changed.
Neutral tones are everything right now, and it is not as boring as you might think.
The beauty of the neutral colors is that they can be used for every occasion.
So, whether you are attending a formal gathering or you are only out for brunch with friends, neutral nails will work for every scenario.
And it’s not just your standard beige or nude.
There are so many shades of neutral, creamy taupes, soft gray, dusty rose, pale blue and many others.
The trick is finding the right kind of nude that complements your complexion.
For people who highly consider taking care of themselves yet don’t want any fuss, neutral colored nails also do just that.
They’re like the Little Black Dress of the nail world, these classic shades are effortless and suitable.
Subtle Accents: It’s All in the Details
However, just because the minimalist approach in doing the nails is focused on simplifying does not mean that it must also be plain.
The only secret is knowing when to be reserved.
I love the simple stripe or dot.
This seems to be a trend on Instagram lately and it’s so adorable that it can be worked into one’s nails without going overboard.
Envision a soft beige with a pinstripe of black trace in the middle of the nail.
Or maybe a nearly there blush, killer manicure having a cream dot at the base of the cuticle.
You know those tiny details work but do not make it so extra.
It almost feels like teasing the maximalist in all of us but still managing to keep that sharp line and minimalistic tone intact.
Geometric shapes are also common in minimalistic mani but they also take the enjoyment a notch higher.
Just picture some slender lines or some tiny triangles or colored blocks in a slant.
These designs are nice and contemporary yet rely on the basic minimalist rule.
And if you are really feeling adventurous, put different finishes on each nail and bold matte with glossy on the same nail.
Shorter Nails: Embracing the Natural Look
Do you recall when everyone was obsessed with longer nails?
I certainly do!
Long shaped nails be it almond shaped, coffin shaped or stilettos were the ‘thing.’
Cut to 2024, which has witnessed a turn towards daintier and more practical short nails. Personally, I really like it a lot.
For some reason, short nails feel more real and practical.
It’s a kinder surprise to one’s self and others.
Scraping the bottoms of shifting shakes or grasping the edges of pants with buttons because certain fingers were longer than the slits and buttons had no longer become issues.
Quietly short nails have their own stronger message.
Less work, more function.
But, it doesn’t mean that short nails must be devoid of any glamor.
If you want to, your short nails will look gorgeous too, with the appropriate nail polish and design.
Instead, these days even nails look better without too much fuss, the less fashionable way to a longer nail, minimalism works.
Additionally, they do not get brittle as often.
This really works out for people like me, who are a little more handsy.
The Minimalist Mani for Every Occasion
In my opinion the greatest benefit of the style minimalist manicure is that it is pretty flexible.
You can wear this look absolutely on any occasion.
Going to the office?
A soft nude polish with a meticulous metallic detail will make you look office-alike.
Attending a wedding?
Please consider wearing only pink with contours most of the time.
On weekends, when you feel like going casual, a plain glossy finish is all you need to make your fingernails appear clean, pretty and healthy.
As per the wardrobe, minimalist manicures are again good to be worn at any time.
When the weather is warmer, go for the soft shades of pastels and neutral colors.
When it is the fall season, attempt wearing deeper shades like mauve, cocoa, old navy.
The trick is to be kept simple – no frills or excess flourishes but no lack of interest either.
Minimalist Nail Care: Keeping It Simple
The popularity of minimalist manicures created a demand for simpler approaches to nail care.
It was simple, effective and economical.
Elaborate, laborious, ten-step nail care routines with a myriad of products have become just a rather vivid memory.
Practice good nail hygiene.
That is, pamper the cuticles, length of the nails is ideal and a strong base coat is applied on the nails growing long.
Nail care comes first and all the other manicures will sort themselves.
After all, a minimalist manicure is all about the naked state of the fingernails.
There are some great tips that I have gained and one of them is the use of a good quality strengthening polish that is lightly tinted or clear.
Although this is a very basic polish and will not chip, it is designed to be the centerpiece of the nails, looking ravishing while doing, well, nothing.
Outcome: Healthy looking nails with no fuss at all.
The Future of Nail Art?
So, is the basic nail polish an ephemeral fashion or a classic style?
This trend is superficial but I believe it will stand the test of time.
In this crazy, chaotic world, minimalist manicures are a way of going back to basics and finding some peace.
They are always in style, require little effort and are very glamorous.
I agree with you that yes we will get to see some of the extreme nail art come back to us, here and there (like every one of us appreciate a bit of change), but I would advocate the minimalist manicure is forever here with us.
It is flexible, it is permanent, most important, it makes it easy for us to appreciate something as simple as beauty.
So, for those who have not jumped on the minimalist manicure; what are you waiting for?
Maybe you prefer neutral color, small embellishments or even short nails – it does not matter because there is a minimalist mani that is calling you.
And believe me, there is no going back when you convert to the mentality.
Less really is more.
