The Bare Nail Trend: A Symbol of Quiet Luxury or Cultural Erasure?

In recent months, a growing number of clients have walked into Paloma Buddemeier’s London salon, Wumman Spa, seeking a manicure that conceals all signs of effort. According to Buddemeier, these customers desire a finish so natural it appears untouched, yet they still undergo rigorous filing, buffing, cuticle care, and hydration—simply without polish.

This surge in demand reflects a viral social media movement promoting glossy, “naked” nails as the ultimate expression of “quiet luxury.” While the aesthetic has dominated fashion runways and red carpets, it has also ignited a heated debate regarding class, beauty standards, and cultural identity.

Critics argue that framing bare nails as a marker of high status risks stigmatizing bold manicures, which have deep historical ties to Black, Latino, and Asian communities. Beauty journalist Kristina Rodulfo told the BBC that the trend promotes “blankness and sameness,” effectively erasing the cultural significance that nail art holds for people of color. She noted that terms like “elegant” or “tasteful” are often used as euphemisms for white supremacist beauty standards.

For some adherents, however, the shift is pragmatic rather than political. Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon abandoned her bi-weekly manicure routine earlier this year after realizing she viewed it as an oppressive chore rather than a form of self-expression. Her decision, shared on Substack and Instagram, resonated with many women looking to save time and mental energy.

Others cited financial constraints. London resident Khadija described the minimalist look as “chic” and aligned with a desire for less consumerism, while her friend Emmanuella attributed the change to the rising cost of living. A 25-year-old client even noted that practical concerns, such as weightlifting, make elaborate nail art inconvenient.

Despite the narrative of natural simplicity, fashion journalist Suzanne E. Shapiro pointed out the irony that “natural” nails often require expensive, time-consuming salon services to achieve a polished appearance. She also highlighted the historical context of manicures as tools of social signaling, from 13th-century Chinese nobility who wore long talons to signify they did not perform manual labor, to 1930s American women who used red polish as a badge of modern rebellion.

Historians note that women of color, including icons like Josephine Baker and Florence Griffith-Joyner, were pivotal in making nail art a accessible form of self-expression and femininity. The establishment of nail bars by Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s further democratized access to professional manicures.

Rodulfo described the current trend as a classic example of “counter-signaling,” where wealthy individuals adopt understated aesthetics to distinguish themselves once a style becomes mainstream. She expressed concern that this shift conflates class with taste, often centering white celebrities while marginalizing the vibrant nail cultures of minority communities.

Celebrity nail artist Celeste Hampton voiced sadness over the trend, emphasizing that nail art has historically allowed Black women to express softness and beauty. “Anyone should be able to wear what they like—nail polish or bare nails,” Hampton said. “Why is there an argument?”

Scanlon echoed this sentiment, urging the public to stop judging personal beauty choices. “For me, it’s like just stop judging ourselves and everybody else,” she said. “Some people like to have the nails done, some people don’t. The truth of it is: it’s not that deep.”