Achieving clean girl nails: A mini step-by-step guide
For those who've fallen for the allure of the "clean girl" aesthetic, the trend has evolved beyond makeup, extending its influence to manicures. Originating on TikTok, this minimalist and effortlessly chic look places a premium on impeccable yet discreet nail care. In this guide, we'll look into the essence of clean girl nails and provide detailed steps to effortlessly achieve this coveted aesthetic in the comfort of your own home.
What are clean girl nails?
Clean girl nails epitomize the notion of "your nails but better." Characterized by short, rounded nails, a neutral color palette, and a high-gloss finish, this trend bravely departs from the bold colors and intricate nail art of yesteryears. Often referred to as "supermodel" nails, attaining this look involves meticulous grooming, offering a refreshing departure from the flashy nail trends that have dominated in recent years.
Exfoliate and remove cuticles
The trip to immaculate nail care commences with thorough exfoliation and cuticle maintenance. Forget about specialized hand exfoliators; your favorite body scrub will suffice. Eschew the temptation to cut or pull cuticles; instead, opt for a cuticle-softening liquid. Gently push back the cuticle with a rounded pusher, ensuring a delicate touch to promote the health and cleanliness of your nails in line with the clean girl aesthetic.
Shape the nail and prep
The crux of achieving the clean girl aesthetic lies in the meticulous shaping of your nails. Trim nails as necessary, employing a nail file for the majority of the shaping process. Create a subtle, round contour, filing the nail in a single direction to prevent peeling. Utilize the other side of your cuticle pusher to clean underneath the nails, concluding this phase with a thorough wipe of the nail plates using nail polish remover.
Paint nails
Load the brush generously with nude or transparent polish, smoothly gliding it over the nail starting from the center and connecting with swipes on either side. Maintaining light and consistent pressure is crucial. Should any polish spill outside the nail, a small brush dipped in remover becomes your magic wand for error correction. This step lays the foundation for the desired clean and minimalistic look.
Apply top coat and finish with cuticle oil
The finishing touches wield significant influence in perfecting clean girl nails. Opt for a glossy top coat to elevate the clean girl aesthetic. Once your nails are thoroughly dry, apply cuticle oil generously for hydration and a high-shine finish. Regularly reapply the cuticle oil to sustain the impeccable look. This final step ensures your clean girl nails maintain their optimal condition, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your overall appearance.
