In the early 2020s, all the cool girls had bold manicures, embracing long acrylics, bright colors, intricate patterns, and even three-dimensional jewels to embellish their nails.
But in 2024, nail looks are getting much simpler as people gravitate toward "no-manicure" manicures.
The 'no-manicure' manicure is in
As Brooke DeVard, the host of the beauty podcast Naked Beauty, shared on Instagram, celebrities and influencers have been sporting minimalist manicures since the start of the year.
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For some, this means wearing no polish on well-buffed nails, while others are swapping their long acrylics for a shorter style nail with muted polish.
For instance, DeVard noted Ayo Edebiri's nails looked natural and shorter at the 2024 Golden Globes.
The trend has continued to pop up on red carpets throughout the year, including on A-listers like Billie Eilish, Emma Stone, and Zendaya.
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Professional manicurists previously told BI that many bolder nail trends, like long acrylics and heavy beading, are going out of style, so it makes sense that a simpler look is replacing them.
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The shift toward minimalist nails also comes on the heels of more simplistic fashion rising in popularity, with trends like monochromatic outfits and quiet luxury taking the place of more over-the-top looks.
'No-manicure' manicures can save people time and money
The trend also coincides with high inflation rates and skyrocketing costs of living.
According to Byrdie, acrylic nails can cost upwards of $95 on average, and gel extensions are often priced at over $100. Both styles must also be removed in-salon to protect the nail, making them even costlier. People who get regular manicures can end up spending hundreds of dollars a month on their nails.
That high cost has led some people to abandon salons altogether. A search for "nails at home" pulls up videos with millions of views on TikTok, with many users saying they won't return to salons because of how expensive they are.
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It's much easier to create the "no-manicure" manicure than to apply acrylics or gel extensions at home, which makes the trend even more appealing.
Likewise, going to a salon for a buff, shine, and simple coat of nail polish is much less time-consuming than it is to get a more intricate manicure done professionally, and it's also quick to do the style yourself. As of Wednesday, you can get a bottle of clear nail polish for just over $1 on Amazon, and a pack of buffs and files is also under $5.
So, next time you find yourself in need of a manicure, you don't have to block out an entire afternoon or hundreds of dollars in your bank account. Instead, you can look cool and polished — some pun intended — for less than the cost of the gas it would take you to get to the salon.
