After a year dominated by high shine nail looks like champagne chrome and glazed doughnut finishes, a new minimalist style is stepping into the spotlight for 2026. It is called the glass manicure, and it is all about making nails look clean, healthy, and unbelievably glossy. Think of it as that fresh, just polished effect taken to the next level. The end result is reflective, but softer and more refined than classic chrome.
The idea is often compared to the popular glass skin aesthetic, only translated to nails. The look is believed to have roots in Korea, where beauty trends frequently champion clarity and glow over heavy embellishment. Nail technician Harriet Westmoreland explains that the goal is an intensely shiny, light catching finish that reads like glass rather than metallic chrome. It is subtle at first glance, yet it still turns heads when it catches the light.
Julia Diogo describes glass nails as ultra transparent and exceptionally glossy, creating an impression of purity and freshness. She also points out what it is not. Unlike glazed nails with a pearly chrome sheen, or soap nails with a soft milky blur, glass nails keep things simple. There is no glittery sparkle and no iridescent shift, just a clear and polished shine that feels effortlessly modern.
Part of its appeal is that it fits the broader move toward understated beauty. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of the Townhouse salon chain, says the industry is leaning into refinement instead of excess, with hair and skin looking more natural and nails following suit. Transparent designs also feel honest and light because they do not hide the natural nail, they highlight it. She adds that this look is not limited to summer, since it pairs beautifully with heavier, darker wardrobes and feels like wearing delicate jewelry.
To get the look right, preparation matters as much as the polish. Diogo recommends starting with a cuticle remover, then tidying the edges with cuticle nippers so the nail line looks crisp. A gentle buff helps create a smooth surface, and it is worth repeating the prep steps until the nails look neat even before color goes on. For a DIY approach, Westmoreland suggests layering a base, then chrome, then a clear builder gel to create a smooth apex, finishing with a top coat for that glassy seal. Huber-Millet also advises avoiding a fully clear shade, since a faint tint can make nails look more lively, but the shine should stay almost mirror like.
Have you tried the glass manicure look yet, or would you wear it in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments.
