The latest nail trend for 2025 is soap nails – a minimalist manicure suitable for all nail clients! Enough to make even the most steadfast stiletto nail fan turn to a more natural look! But what is this trend and how can you achieve it?
Soap nails are a natural nail look combining a glossy top coat over a barely there pink or nude polish tone. The look can be achieved using traditional polish or gel polish. For added nail strength, you can even use builder in a bottle gel to help encourage natural nail growth.
This look has evolved from the popular โmilky nailโ trend popular at the end of 2024, which used white or neutral tones. This gentle ballet pink look for soap nails is about giving the impression of healthy natural nails with the wet gloss of soap bubbles.
The look can be achieved using popular nail shades such as OPI Bubble Bath, OPI Put it in Neutral, Orly Rose Coloured Glasses, Essie Ballet Slippers or OPI Rosy Future.
Learn to create beautiful glossy nails with our popular nail courses, suitable for complete beginners. Gain an ABT Accredited diploma allowing you to work from home or mobile offering your nail treatments. Or simply learn the skills to save on salon costs, pamper your own nails or those of friends / family!
Want to take your soap nails to the next level? How about a short, square Russian manicure?
Russian manicure involves use of an electrical nail drill (e-file) to carefully refine and perfect the nail shape and surface for a longer lasting, flawless manicure finish. Combining this with precision gel polish application, that applies the colour to behind just the usually visible nail plate surface to give the appearance that the colour is growing with the nail for an edge to edge, high shine colour result. Nails trends have driven popularity of more natural nail shapes, with shorter and square or squoval looks becoming hugely popular on the catwalks and among celebrities.
Russian manicure techniques work so well when applying a French polish finish, or combine trends with a milky or soap manicure shade to finish!
Learn the skills to provide a longer lasting, high quality Russian manicure with our IPHM Accredited online courseโฆ
The catwalks may have been digital this autumn, but the trends for spring 2021 are out including all the latest predictions for top nail trends for next year. Get ahead with practising your nail art skills and updating the polish shades within your kit, ready to promote your nail services as one step ahead of other nail techs and set your work apart from the competition. Eye catching nail polish shades and distinctive nail art can be real conversation starters and get word of mouth out about your work so don’t miss out…
Nail Shapes
Short, natural nails โ there has been a shift following lockdown towards more natural, lower maintenance nail lengths and we expect to see this continue into 2021.
For those nail extension fans, fashion is moving away from the almond and pointy shapes of 2020 towards stronger, squarer styles. Think squared off ballerina nails, squoval or straight up square for a more modern look.
Nail Colours & Nail Art
The metallic trend remains strong with silver nails created using matte finish polishes, quick dip and glitter infused acrylic powders and pressed glitters for everything from shimmer to high shine chrome finishes that will certainly be popular into the festive period and beyond.
Bubblegum pink is set to be HUGE in 2021, better yet if matched to pink lipstick of a co-ordinating bold statement.
Emerald green, especially when combined with graduated glitter or contrasting metallics like copper or rose gold will be everywhere in spring.
Vibrant shades of blue from royal blue to pastel blues.
Matching your nail shade to your face mask has also been an emerging trend that may continue into early 2021.
Natural nudes from beige to barely there pinks. The classic french tip over clear polish is also another more natural look growing in popularity. Negative space florals over nude shades or clear polish will also be another big look for Spring 2021.
Dark brown shades, especially when combined with tortoiseshell or cow print nail art will be a popular look for Autumn/Winter 2020 and into next year. Animal print in general will also be making a return to favour with leopard prints being a strong contender on nails.
Punk inspired looks from dark black and purple hues will be appearing towards Christmas and into the New Year. Overlaid with chunky crystal embellishments or gold leaf foil over a dark polish will be a key look. Monochrome will also do well over the next 6 months with black and white, nudes and silver touches expected to be in demand.
Geometric nail art continues to be a popular style with everything from patterns on just the tips to a โfeatureโ ring finger alongside neutral shades. Think linear designs in bold colours against softer, muted or pastel shades.
Quirky takes on classic French from a rainbow collection of pastel shades on nail tips only to glitter fades from free edge to centre of the nails. French will be back in a big way so now is a great time to start revisiting your skills in creating crisp smile lines.
Instagram inspired Nail Art for the braveโฆ
Seashell nails as inspired by LA based nail artist Bana have been a huge hit on Insta. The look appears complicated but is actually very simple to create and certainly a talking point design for more open minded clients.
Rainbow nails with a plethora of colour or โanything goesโ nail art that is different on every nail will be very popular with celebrities into the Summer 2021.
Inspired by famous nail artist Unistella, instagram is on fire with crochet nails โ crocheted designs from flowers to stars are adhered to the nail for an โout thereโ nail look that is not for the faint hearted.
Products emergingโฆ
Quick nail systems like quick dip powders and gel polish will be huge in 2021 as more clients seek faster appointments that are easier to wear and care for than traditional nail extensions.
17-Free products will also become much more readily available and sought after as more clients become conscious of the products they are using on their nails and seek healthier options.
Vegan friendly products will also grow in popularity in 2021 as more clients seek more ethical and conscious product choices.
Need to update your nail skills? Explore our Accredited Classroom based & Online Courses to get savvy and all set to take 2021 by stormโฆ
With so many nail treatments to learn, it can be really confusing as to what to offer and why. Our blog breaks down the best nail treatments and the benefits; to help you decide which to learn and to promote them to your clients…
The Staple Manicureโฆ
Everyone loves a manicure, fresh and smooth natural nails and skin. All great nail extensions start with proper care of the natural nails so manicures are also great for use following removal of or when on a break from nail extensions. Manicures are great for those trying to grow their natural nails, in the winter months when extreme weather can dry and dull the skin and nails or indeed before a special occasion or holiday. Using basic products and a traditional air-drying polish, you can achieve incredible results although it can take time and repeated treatments to achieve the best results if nails are damaged or particularly dry / brittle. Recommended to be carried out every 3-4 weeks (or more often if traditional polish is applied, which can chip with time and wear).
Main Benefits
+ Suitable for all clients, both male and female and of all ages
+ Less contra-indications to a manicure versus nail extensions and the benefits of improving nail health and growing own nails can outweigh quick fixes with extensions
+ Less cost and upkeep to maintain results versus nail extensions
+ A wide range of traditional, low cost polishes on the market and offer the option to retail for home use
+ Popular all year round, can be enhanced further in winter with luxury aspects such as warm paraffin or heated mitts and mask
The Perfect Pedicureโฆ
A great additional service to provide alongside manicures, caring for the skin and nails of the feet. So many clients have work or hobbies that keeps them on their feet, so it is a popular treatment to offer all year round but especially around holiday season (who doesnโt love fresh polish on toes for the beach) or for weddings and proms. A great treatment to add into your packages, even for those who usually have nail extensions on fingers. Treatments typically take around an hour and are recommended every 3-6 weeks to maintain results.
Main Benefits
+ Suitable for all clients, both male and female and of all ages
+ A great add on nail service for any nail tech to offer as part of packages or as a standalone treatment
+ A great treatment for holistic therapists to offer alongside massage treatments
+ A great way of retailing home use products to maintain the results
+ Popular all year round, can be enhanced further in winter with luxury aspects such as warm paraffin or heated booties and mask
Good Olโ Acrylicโฆ
It has been around for decades and is one of the most popular nail extension systems in use. Using a powder and liquid applied in combination as a small bead applied to the nail surface, to overlay a false tip to give instant additional nail length and an enhanced look. A full set usually takes around an hour to apply with practice and can last 2-3 weeks before requiring maintenance (infilling the regrown natural nail area and rebalancing the nail shape).
Main Benefits
+ Quick, cheap system to work with. No lamps required to set the nails so great for mobile technicians.
+ Durable, hard-wearing system good for those who want nail extensions but have previous damage to nails such as reformed nail biters, those who do a lot with their hands (horse riders, sports players etc).
+ Lots of acrylic powder colours available allowing the system to be used for creative results or just a classic French look
Trusty UV / LED Gelโฆ
A newer system than Acrylic, it has become popular as it offers a more natural looking nail extension system that is also easier to work with (doesnโt air dry, but only sets when youโre ready, when you cure under a UV or LED lamp). Also without the vapour of Acrylic due to light curing so better for those who work in less well-ventilated work areas or mobile within clientโs homes. Can be applied over tips to extend natural nails or indeed over natural nails alone to give greater enhanced strength to the nails than say, a gel polish. Typically lasts 2-3 weeks before requiring infill to the regrowth area of the natural nail and rebalancing of the nail shape.
Main Benefits
+ Low odour unlike acrylic so great for mobile use or where ventilation may not be optimal
+ Flexible, natural-looking system that is great for those wanting extensions for special occasions such as weddings
+ Easy to master as system only sets once light-cured allowing you to tweak nails until you are happy with the finish
+ Product is ready mixed in pots so easy to store and transport, less risk of spilling as with acrylic liquid for example. No need to master product ratios unlike with acrylic.
Versatile Gel Polishโฆ
Gel Polish has been around for a while now and is well established, despite being one of the newest nail treatments available. It is quick and easy to learn to apply, with a wide range of brands now available to suit all budgets and in a huge range of colours to suit every client. Gel polish is quick to apply, typically taking only 30-45 minutes to apply to fingers and/or toes and provides a chip-free finish for up to 2-3 weeks. Products go a long way and are dry and ready to go once the topcoat has been cured meaning little wastage making it a profitable treatment. Gel polish should be completely removed around 2-3 weeks after application and either a manicure to refresh the nails or reapplication can be immediate.
Main Benefits
+ Quick, easy to apply
+ Profitable service suitable for a wide range of clients
+ Great for those who want to grow their natural nails and donโt want the hassle of nail extensions
+ Suitable for those who want a more natural look but still a polished finish
+ Long lasting, chip free polish and high shine finish. Allow you to be creative and offer nail art within the gel easily too.
+ Products available for all budgets and price points
+ UV and LED lamps have come a long way, now much smaller so easily portable for mobile nail techs
So there you have it, a brief run down of the most popular nail services available. Itโs easy to see how starting with the basics of manicure and pedicure can then lead on to offering either one or both nail extension systems or indeed simply sticking with gel polish. Itโs worth noting that gel polish can also be applied over both UV and acrylic nail extensions allowing for a really top class nail finish and extra revenue for nail techs. You can also see how the maintenance required to upkeep nail treatments easily allows you to build a loyal, regular client base. With 1 day accredited nail training courses starting from only ยฃ199 and online, insurable training courses from only ยฃ99; become a fully qualified nail technician is much easier and more affordable than you may think. Remember most nail technicians typically earn around ยฃ15-ยฃ30 an hour with uncapped earning potential; itโs easy to see why freelance nail technicians are now becoming one of the most popular careers in beauty therapy!
Call us today on freephone 0800 999 2277 or browse the nail course pages below to find the best training option for you!
