Bare Nails Take Over Fashion Week

Copenhagen Fashion Week has seen a significant shift away from vibrant, long manicures towards a subtle trend of 'naked nails.' This minimalist approach emphasizes short, unvarnished nails, reflecting a desire for healthy-looking, well-groomed hands rather than statement polish.

This understated aesthetic aligns with Copenhagen's preference for functional style and mirrors the city's 'no-makeup makeup' philosophy. It extends beyond Denmark, with some suggesting it as an economic indicator due to the rising cost of professional manicures.

While seemingly bare, these nails often feature clear, sheer, or barely-there pink polishes. Searches for 'naked nails' have surged 85% since May, indicating growing interest. Experts describe this as a wider embrace of natural features and low-maintenance beauty.

Environmental concerns also play a role, with critiques of waste generated by traditional manicures and microplastic pollution from certain nail products. The 'naked' look has also been associated with the 'clean girl aesthetic,' which has faced criticism for co-opting Black and brown beauty practices.

Critics argue that coding a bare aesthetic as more professional can overshadow more expressive styles historically linked to marginalized communities. This raises questions about beauty standards reflecting cultural power dynamics and racial biases, prompting some to embrace bolder nail art as a form of self-expression.