WHAT IS A “Clean Girl” MANI?

Thanks to Hailey Bieber, the trend has been taking over TikTok and Instagram – but what exactly is a clean girl mani? Lollie Hancock finds out

Did Hailey Bieber “invent” the clean girl mani? We’re not sure – but we do know she’s the reason for its rise in popularity.

Zola Ganzorigt, the nail tech behind the viral mani, shared the process behind Bieber’s go-to nail look, sometimes referred to as ‘glazed donut’ nails with Professional Beauty.

“We first did this nail for Met Gala in May. Hailey was wearing a stunning Yves Saint Laurent white satin dress and we wanted something to match her dress,” shares Ganzorigt.

“Originally, we were going to do just thin layer of off-white colour, and after we put on the colour I asked her if she wanted to try chrome on top to match her dress and we fell in love with how it came out. That’s how we found glazed donut nails.”

The nail look is now being recreated across the world, with more and more clients requesting the clean girl mani.

However, the chrome finish on Bieber’s look is an elevated version of a more traditional alternative.

“It’s minimalist and the same time super glowy. It’s different from traditional neutral nails. The pearlescent shiny effects make the nails so fun and eye-catching,” adds Ganzorigt.

The look can even be upgraded for more outgoing clients – try a coloured base or chrome for a more maximalist effect.

“The good thing about glazed nails is that you can choose any colour you like. The most important thing is making the colour sheer by mixing with a clear top (for normal polish) or base (for gel) coat,” says Ganzorigt.

For client who wants an even more understated or natural finish, skip the chrome.

“The key to this aesthetic is chic, minimalistic looks, presented immaculately and with the illusion of them being effortless,” advises Lou Stokes, nail tech and Orly ambassador. “As well as being an extension of the nude nail trend, it also allows clients to show off more natural nail care and embrace natural beauty and elegance.”

Rawr tech Hadis Saleh agrees and adds, “Clients are wanting to keep their nails natural and enhance what they have without extensions. The clean girl mani does just that.

“For a classic clean girl mani look, we would recommend a neutral tone or French manicure. As for shape, look at your client’s natural nail shape, length and contour of their nail bed.”

For Stokes, the key to this trend goes beyond polish colour and shaping. “Although it is meant to look effortless, preparation is key to this look,” she says. “Clean girl manicures place a huge emphasis on hand care. Hands and cuticles need to be exfoliated and moisturised and cuticles are groomed to perfection and conditioned without a hangnail in sight.”