Nail trends come and go, and the no-polish manicure trend is one that keeps making a comeback. The no-polish look has attracted renewed attention as customers look for lower-maintenance and more affordable nail routines.
One main reason for this is to keep up with the rising cost of living, which leaves little room for a fresh manicure every two weeks. With the no-polish manicure trend, you can still have beautiful nails without the intense maintenance and hefty price tag.
In this short guide, we will give you a brief overview of what this manicure is, why it is trending, and how you can do a no-polish manicure. We will also share nail products that you can use to achieve the perfect no-polish manicure based on product popularity and customer reviews.
- What the no-polish manicure trend is
- Steps to do a no-polish manicure
What is a No-Polish Manicure and Why is it Trending?
A no-polish manicure is just as the name suggests - a manicure done without any nail polish. The no-polish manicure trend is not new and makes an appearance every now and then. This year, the trend has seen a rise in popularity as more people have felt the pinch thanks to the rising cost of living.
The cost of a manicure depends on the type of manicure and the individual pricing of a salon or nail technician, but according to Airtasker, the average cost of a manicure ranges from $20 to $55. Customers have taken notice of how much they are spending on regular manicures and maintenance, with an essay from Business Insider providing insight into how much can be spent on gel manicures in just a year.
The nail industry is also feeling the ever-rising cost of living, as articles such as one from Joyee Nails report that costs related to materials and labor have pushed the prices of manicures up.
The no-polish manicure trend provides a reprieve by encouraging people to opt for a bare and natural look that won’t strain their budgets. Not only does this trend benefit people financially, but it also encourages healthy nail care habits!
3 Easy Steps to Follow for a No-Polish Manicure
Opting to go without nail polish and manicures does not mean having bare and neglected nails, though. While going for the no-polish manicure look won’t require as much time and effort as other manicures, care is still needed. Achieving the no-polish look is simple, and the 3 steps below (and a few product recommendations) will guide you.
1. Cut and shape your nails
Choose a nail length that works for you and your lifestyle. Then shape your nails, aiming for smooth edges that won’t snag on your clothes. Try to keep a consistent nail length and shape for easier maintenance over time.
Your choice of nail file can make or break your nails. Literally. When choosing a nail file, choose one that has fine grit and aim for a glass or crystal file instead of the common rough nail file (emery board).
Rough nail files can fray and tear natural nails, making it hard to get a smooth finish while shaping your nails. While on the pricier side for a nail file, the Revlon Bacteria Shield Glass Nail File is worth it at $15.59. It shapes and smooths your nails without any damage and has antibacterial properties.
A cheaper option is the one+other Sapphire Nail Shaper for $3.99. This is a metal nail file covered in fine sapphire crystals. The fine grit is perfect for natural nails and will provide just the shaping you need while keeping your nails smooth and intact. A bonus is that the pointed tip of the file can be used to clean under your nails.
Both nail files are available at CVS Pharmacy, and you can use CVS Pharmacy discount codes to save.
2. Buff your nails
Buffing your nails plays a key part in achieving the shine top coat polish normally does, with buffing evening out the surface of the nail.
Buffing can gradually remove the surface layer from the nail; therefore, it is important to avoid being too rough during the process and doing it too often. When using a nail buffer, which often has two sides, start by gently using the rougher side of the buffer to remove any imperfections on the nails. Switch to the smooth side to then smooth out the nail surfaces. At this stage, the goal is not to get that shine. Attempting to do so with a buffer can just result in thin and weak nails.
For $3.99 at Target, you can get the 3-pack of Olive & June Nail Buffers. This pack features one large buffer and two small buffers. They feature a coarse-grit side and a fine-grit side. For any other manicure supplies you need, a Target discount code is available to reduce your cart price.
At Ulta Beauty, there is the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Pro Nail Buffer for $4.99. This nail buffer has 4 sides, and each side is labeled accordingly by step. This buffer shapes, smooths, buffs and shines your nails. Considering this, you do not need to buy a separate nail file since this nail buffer does the job (and an Ulta Beauty coupon code does the job of helping you save).
3. Care for your cuticles
Your cuticles keep bacteria out of your nail matrix and are important in the overall health and look of your nails. To maintain a neat no-polish manicure and keep your nails happy and healthy, you should give your cuticles some TLC.
It is best to avoid cutting your cuticles, as this can increase the chances of damaging them and developing an infection. If you want your manicure to look neat and uniform, you can gently push your cuticles back (Tip: Soak your hands in warm water beforehand to soften the cuticles).
To maintain your cuticle and nail health, aim to oil your cuticles regularly, such as twice a day. Oiling your cuticles will moisturize them, preventing hangnails. The best oil for your cuticles is jojoba oil since it penetrates the skin rather than just sitting on top of it, and it has a non-greasy finish. Note that jojoba oil isn’t the only ingredient to focus on. Other oils and ingredients such as vitamin E and castor oil are great for your cuticles.
The $9.99 bottle of Silk Elements Pure Jojoba Oil is a budget-friendly and versatile option for your cuticles. Since this is pure jojoba oil, you can use it for your cuticles, hair and skin. It is available at Sally Beauty, and you can get a discount on your purchase with a Sally Beauty promo code.
A more convenient way of keeping your cuticles moisturized is with a cuticle oil pen. It is easy to carry around and is mess-free. The Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil Pen is a trusted and popular cuticle oil option that costs $8.12. Another option is the Gellen Cuticle Oil for $8.99.
Both of these cuticle oils provide easy application and keep cuticles moisturized and healthy. They are available at Walmart, and a Walmart promo code can be used to save on all your nail supplies.
Take Part in the No-Polish Manicure Trend with Health & Beauty Promo Codes
Embrace a simpler look with a no-polish manicure. If you need more no-polish products or decide to treat yourself to a manicure once in a while, check out our verified Beauty promo codes for deals that will keep your budget intact.
