Kate Middleton's 'naked nails' are 2025's biggest beauty trend but social media is divided

If you’ve been looking for online, you’ve probably noticed an increasing number of women showcasing their very short, baby pink, demure nails. They’re calling them 'naked nails' or 'princess nails' on TikTok – and women are going to war over them.

But why? The pared-back nail design is becoming the number one nail on , with over 11K posts. Most of the looks consist of a simple nail coat, either with clear polish, or a natural-looking nude base. It looks and sounds completely inoffensive. But a lot of women online are claiming that it’s a trend, or worse, a sign of increasingly conservative values.

Beauty influencer Sophie Amara kicked off an intense debate after posting a TikTok showcasing her bare, short nails. “Did you know that princesses have nails like this?” she began. The video quickly racked up over one million views and more than a thousand comments.

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“I used to not feel put together unless I had long almond-shaped painted nails.” But after she developed a skin issue, she had to have them removed, she explained. “It was hard for me to get used to [my plain nails]. But then my girlfriend told me, these are the type of nails princesses have. Then you can put a sheer coat of something pink or glazed on top.”

While many of the commenters were showing their support, others weren’t so happy. In a video with over 53K views, TikTok money coach Nicole Victoria came online to describe the new nail trend as a “recession cue”. She claimed that 'naked nails' or 'princess nails' are being promoted as a new trend to “sell the feeling of luxury, not the actual thing.”

It’s also become political. Under the comments of another viral video discussing the trend, one TikTok user wrote: “I swear they’re just trying to rebrand conservatism to us like we didn’t have 20 years of progress.” Others expressed their agreement, pointing out that its link to the ‘clean girl’ trend - which is defined by beige, stripped-back styles - is just another move towards conservative beauty standards.

However, many women are drawn to these nails for different reasons. Tinu Bello, an A-list manicurist and senior ambassador confirms that naked nails are definitely a growing trend. She says: "There’s been a definite uptick in clients requesting softer, more feminine nail looks, and 'princess nails' are right at the heart of that. Think sheer pinks, subtle shimmer, glazed finishes and delicate embellishments like gems or pearls.”

She adds: “It's the kind of nail design that feels timeless yet totally on-trend, especially with the current wave of coquette, balletcore and romantic beauty influences."

Tinu also believes that 'naked nails' tap into a feeling of nostalgia and is reminiscent of “2000s beauty” but with a more modern feel. “It's very wearable but has just enough detail to feel luxurious and put-together, which is exactly what many are looking for in a nail look right now,” she continues.

How to get 'naked nails' at home?

Tinu recommends starting with a sheer pink like or a milky nude like gel polish as your base. She explains that it gives you “that soft-focus effect.” Then, layer a subtle chrome or iridescent top coat, such as , which will help mimic a “glassy, 'glazed' finish.”

Of course, despite online critics, ‘princess nails’ don’t have to be boring. Tinu says: “If you want to add embellishments, small stick-on crystals, micro pearls or nail decals work brilliantly.”

In terms of nail maintenance, Tinu recommends keeping nails mid to long length and either softly rounded or almond-shaped. Last but not least, you should always finish with cuticle oil to get that “healthy, princess-perfect finish."