Whether you're an early adopter or loyal to your bi-weekly salon appointment, it can't be denied: the bare nail aesthetic is everywhere. First spotted on the Fall/Winter 2026 runways, courtesy of Marc Jacobs and Altuzarra, "barely-there" nails have since got the seal of approval from bonafide nail influencers, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner.
But what if your nails aren't in optimal condition? This is an issue I've run into time and time again. After years of gel manicures and punishing removals, I was left with incredibly damaged nails that were prone to peeling. Even if I wanted to sport the bare nail look, I didn't have the confidence to.
