Bare nails are only getting more sophisticated for fall 2026.
For the past few years, a variety of natural nail trends have managed to cut through the noise of maximalist manicures and delicious new shades, from squeaky-clean soap nails to matte blurred nails. However, over the course of a year, it seems nearly-bare manicures with clear or skin-tone polish have completely taken over red carpets as celebrities lean into elevated versions of the “undone” look.
To be fair, celebrity nail artist and OPI global ambassador Zola Ganzorigt always expects an uptick in naked-nail requests around fashion month and awards season. “My clients tend to get more neutral colors during this time because it goes with their every outfit and looks clean and timeless,” she says. Still, the clean, naked look has completely taken over, as ghost lashes, soft dewy makeup looks, and quiet-luxury hair trends dominate current press tours.
Chase Sui Wonders rocks short bare nails and soft glam at the Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2026.
Jacopo Raule/Getty Images
Of course, beauty experts know it takes precision to look truly effortless. Below, Ganzorigt shares her tricks and tips for creating the most elevated, natural-looking manicures for fall 2026.
So what are bare nails, exactly?
Bare—or naked—nails are meant to mimic a natural nail, with either a neutral or a clear polish. Most of the time Ganzorigt reaches for Put It in Airplane Mode, a creamy brown nude favored by client Kendall Jenner, though she also reaches for pinky and true neutral shades like Bubble Bath, Bare My Soul, and Put It in Neutral depending on her client’s skin tones.
