Of all the celebrity nail trends arriving this summer, chiffon nails are perhaps the most unexpected. In a sea of polka dots, lilacs and metallic embellishments, ultra-sheer nails flout an otherwise maximalist mood. Worn by celebrities like Gemma Chan and Gracie Abrams, the ultra-minimal style was a recurring theme on the Met Gala red carpet. Named for its effect, akin to the gauze-like, delicate drape of chiffon, celebrity manicurist Michelle Class breaks down why the simple style is becoming a hit.
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“Celebrities especially are constantly photographed in different outfits, campaigns and at events, so a clean, sheer manicure works with everything,” she points out. “It feels expensive, timeless and camera-friendly.”
Characterised by precisely prepped nails – no rough cuticles, edges or hang nails in sight – with a slick of glossy, sheer polish, a chiffon manicure essentially amounts to your own nails, but on their very best day. Colour-wise, a chiffon manicure includes any shade that’s sheer enough to see the nail beneath. That could be an apricot, peach, soft pink or cream tone.
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How to ensure your manicure looks undone in an intentional way, rather than as though you’re between appointments? Class breaks it down. “It’s all in the finish,” she says. “When the shape is balanced, the cuticles are immaculate, and the colour is sheer but even, it reads as polished rather than unfinished.” For Class, a short nail is ideal as it enhances the “effortless, understated feel”. She likes a short to soft-medium length with gently rounded corners – or a squoval shape – for a chic, modern feel.
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A technician whose client list includes Emily Blunt, Naomi Campbell, Margot Robbie and Nicola Coughlan (as well as Gemma Chan, Lil Simz and Lily Allen), Class has a robust preparation process. “With minimal manicures, healthy-looking skin and clean cuticle lines are just as important as the polish itself,” she notes. With that in mind, this is her prep checklist:
- Gentle cuticle work to create a clean, seamless nail contour
- Refining the nail shape so every nail looks balanced and symmetrical
- Removing any surface dryness or uneven texture with a gentle buff
- Thorough cleansing and dehydration of the nail plate for perfect adhesion
- Hydrating the surrounding skin so the hands look healthy and fresh
Below, we’ve compiled eight of the cleanest chiffon nail examples to take to your next appointment. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, to inspire your next at-home manicure.
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