After soap nails, this invisible manicure that celebrities are already snapping up for summer 2026

Minimalist nails are on the rise this summer 2026. After the success of soap nailsa new, even more discreet trend is taking hold in salons and on the hands of celebrities: invisible manicure. However, behind this apparent simplicity lie several ways of wearing it, and not all of them are the same.

Soap nails, starting point of an evolving trend

In 2025, the soap nails have won over fans of minimalist nail art. This look promised a bright, clean, wet-look result in sheer pink tones. Thus, it inspired both freshness and a careful aesthetic, without ever appearing too polished.

In 2026, however, a newcomer takes over. The invisible manicure uses the same principles as the soap nailsbut pushes the idea of ​​discretion even further. Concretely, the nails are sublimated, but not decorated or transformed.

Now, this trend is appearing in salons and is even popular on the nails of celebrities. The minimalist era, which we thought was outdated in the face of colorful nail art and XXL floral patterns of summer, has not said its last word.

Why is the invisible manicure so attractive?

The strength of this trend lies in its versatility. It’s suitable for all occasions, from the office to the beach, without ever looking out of place. In addition, it is particularly easy to wear on a daily basis.

Nail technician Svitlana Motyl explained to the media WhoWhatWear: invisible nails do not give a sloppy appearance, but rather a neat and natural look. It is precisely this quality that explains its rapid growth.

“One of the reasons for the success of this trend is its incredible versatility and ease of wearing. Invisible nails do not give a sloppy look, but rather a neat and natural look. HAS”

What to ask your nail artist to adopt this look

It all depends on the desired result. For a very simple version, nail polish very transparent and not very opaque is enough to offer a discreet and neat look. Furthermore, this type of varnish adapts to all nail morphologies.

To go further, a chrome powder with mother-of-pearl effect brings dimension and a glazed touch, timeless since the trend of glazed donut nails launched by Hailey Bieber in 2024. Thus, the nail captures the light without ever appearing busy.

The French manicure is also used on this type of nail art. Some prefer it straight and clear on the edge of the nail. Others, on the other hand, appreciate it more as a blended effect, where the white gradually fades to mix with the pale pink base.

• Transparent and slightly opaque varnish for a very natural result
• Chrome powder with mother-of-pearl effect for a luminous glazed touch
• Straight French manicure for a clean, structured look
• French manicure with melted effect for a softer and more summery result
• Jelly effect varnish for a shiny and elegant finish

Tips from a celebrity nailartist

Analysse Hernandez, star nail artist whose Tate McRae and Kim Stonesfavor French fondue for this type of manicure. According to her, it’s her favorite technique for a simple manicure with a pop of color ideal for summer. In addition, she recognizes its flattering quality: it structures the nail and visually lengthens the fingers.

This approach meets a real need. Many people are looking for a neat result without spending hours in the salon or opting for complex poses. Thus, French fondue on a pale pink base stands out as an option that is as quick as it is effective.

Jelly varnish, the latest version of the invisible manicure

There is also a third way to adopt the transparent manicure this summer: the jelly effect varnish. This very trendy texture is becoming new territory for some brands. Manucurist has just launched its Jelly collection, including Sugar Plum Jelly varnish.

With its almost syrupy, shiny but still elegant finish, jelly varnish gives a healthy glow to the nails. In addition, it never distorts their natural appearance, which makes it an option perfectly consistent with the spirit of the soap nails and invisible manicure.

Compared to the soap nails from last year, the jelly varnish pushes the shiny and delicious side even further. However, it remains in the same minimalist and clean girl vein that has defined this family of trends for several seasons. In 2026, the invisible nail has never been so visible on networks and in salons.

Whether you choose a simple pale pink varnish, a French fondue or a vernis jellythe invisible manicure therefore offers a much wider range of possibilities than it appears at first glance. This is precisely what gives the strength of this trend inherited from soap nails : it adapts to each person, without ever imposing itself.

Read on zaccharie touboulthe June 18, 2026