It's official: Long, bold acrylics are out, and short, pink tips are in. Girls across TikTok are trading in their sharp claws for softer, more refined princess nails this summer. With over 20 thousand posts under #princessnails and celebrities such as Daisy Edgar-Jones, Gemma Chan, and Alexa Chung embracing the trend, the question remains: What exactly are princess nails?
Related article: 7 Of The Coolest Nail Colours To Wear This Summer
Inspired by the British royal family, the manicure features a short, square-oval shape painted in soft, delicate hues—think your nails, but better. The polish is sheer and subtle, with tones of nude and blush pink. Timeless, elegant, and effortlessly versatile, it pairs well with just about every outfit. A long-time royal favourite is Essie's Ballet Slippers, famously worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
@aaliyahjay Replying to @xiboogers #greenscreen ♬ som original - Royal songs
Related article: The Best Lavender Perfumes To Soothe Your Senses
More than just a stylish choice, the look may even be rooted in royal etiquette. Rumour has it that women in the family are expected to keep their nails short, clean, neutral, and avoiding bold colours in favour of understated, skin-toned shades for official engagements. Though that may be more hearsay than an actual rule as Catherine, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Diana, Princess of Wales, have all been spotted wearing bolder, darker tones in the past.
From the fingertips of royalty to the hands of the masses, princess nails are having their moment. While many are loving the look, others are against it. Soft, natural nails are hardly revolutionary; they've cycled in and out of fashion for decades and are hot among the bridal community. For some, the trend feels tied to outdated ideals that long nails and bold colours are somehow less ‘feminine’ or ‘ladylike’. Others see it as recession indicator, with acrylic sets starting at around $88 on top of a manicure—this is before adding nail art, by the way.
@victorialeatherman_ Bubble bath will never let me down #princessnails #nailinspo @nailsbyxojess ♬ Tyla Truth Or Dare Mash Up - DJ KINGSZN
Related article: An Expert Review Of Hailey Bieber’s Beauty Line, Rhode Skin
Regardless of your stance, princess nails are in and joining the ranks of trends dominating this summer. But if you’re not quite ready to go full-royal, there are ways to give this demure trend a fresh spin.
HOW TO NAIL IT
Pink Jelly
Perfect for weddings and engagement pictures, add a chrome powder on top of your manicure for a pink jelly doughnut hue.
Pink On Pink
For a fun twist on the classic french mani, swipe one coat of a blush colour and paint the tip with a baby pink for a slight contrast that is playful and chic.
Blushed
For someone who is all about the glimmer, a metallic aura manicure using two different pink magnetic gel polishes will be sure to catch anyone's attention.