The Nail Tint Trend Is Officially Taking Over the Minimalist Manicure Scene This Spring
Your nails but better.
Listen, I like a fun manicure as much as the next person. In fact, my wedding nails were a combination of 3D designs, chrome, and a perfectly filed almond shape (courtesy of my fairy nail mother, Julie Kandalec). However, a wedding day is one thing. Every other day? I need something easy to apply and maintain, and still makes me feel and look put together. That's where nail tints come in.
An iteration of a classic minimalist manicure, nail tints are easily one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your hands looking like they’re constantly in tip-top shape. “Nail tints are a type of nail lacquer or gel with a semi-translucent finish, giving a subtle 'tint' of color,” Juli Russell, manicurist and Sally Beauty brand ambassador, tells me. “Similar to how foundation has fuller coverage, nail tints are the equivalent of a tinted moisturizer. They apply a wash of color to the nail to cover any imperfections, and give a subtle your-nails-but-better filter effect.”
The primary difference between nail tints and other trending minimalist manicures is subtle, but there are a few. “Nail tints are often characterized by a water-like texture,” Russell says. “It’s a marked difference between the milky polishes that have had a moment in the past.”
If nail tints sound right up your alley, keep reading to see how you can incorporate the trend into your existing beauty routine. Plus, expert recommendations on polishes on the market that can help you get the look.
"I love this one by Nails Inc. because it's a strengthening base coat, with a beautiful glowy pink tint that dries in 45 seconds," Russell says. "She's a powerhouse."
Looking for more coverage but the same entry-point? Try a jelly polish. "It still gives that sheer, glossy look, just with a bit more pigment you can build up," Russell says. "One coat feels really natural, and when built up, the results can look more polished. It’s a good in-between if you like the ease of a tint but want a little more color or depth."
"I love this polish because it boosts your natural nail color regardless of skin tone," Gersein says. (Editor's note: I've tried this one and can vouch—I love it.)
"The name says it all about the benefits," celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein says. Vitamin E and tea tree oil help to add moisture and antioxidant protection to the nails, and a host of others, like keratin and arginine, help to strengthen the nail and prevent nail breakage, respectively."
If you want to use a traditional polish to get the look, Essie's Jelly Gloss nail polish should be in your cart on your next drugstore run.
Aside from the adorable packaging, this nail polish also provides that sheer, translucent wash of color with one coat.
Want something a little more warm-toned but still translucent? The shade Pink Clear from Double Rhythm on Amazon is less than $10.
Prefer a more neutral pink as well as a gel formulation? This Aillsa polish is about to become your new go-to.
If you want a few options to play with, Beetles is one of my favorite affordable nail brands, and this jelly set will help you do just that.
"Nails Inc.'s Super Dew Collection gives such a beautiful, dewy effect on the nail that is perfect for every occasion," Gerstein says. "This kit has one rose tint, one super sheer pink, and one sheer tint of white with a little bit of blue in it to give it brightening powers and an oil to complete your look and give you super glowy skin and nails."
Why Are Nail Tints Trending?
As for why nail tints are trending, think of it as the continuation of the “skinification” of beauty. “It’s about enhancing natural beauty, and the beauty industry overall is leaning into skin-first, barely-there finishes, and nail trends are following suit,” Gerstein, tells me.
Additionally, they’re extremely easy to achieve and maintain. “Nail tints have risen in popularity due to their low-maintenance nature and customizability,” Russell adds. “Whether you want a barely-there boost of color or a fun summer jelly skittle manicure, they're so versatile and still leave a little room to play.”
Nail Tints vs. Neutral Polish: What’s the Difference?
So, what exactly is the difference between a nail tint and just a regular neutral polish? “The main difference is opacity and formulation,” Gersein says. “Traditional nail polish is designed for full color coverage and bold payoff. Nail tints are intentionally sheer, often thinner in viscosity, and focus on enhancing tone rather than blocking color. Think building on what you already have versus a full transformation." "Plus," Gersein adds, "It’s also a manicure that has fewer steps than traditional versions.”
Russell also states that normal, neutral, and sheer polishes tend to be a bit more “milky” in nature, similar to OPI’s famous Bubble Bath. “Nail tints, in comparison, are ultra sheer and have very little color pigment,” she says. “It’s just enough to boost the look of the nail with one coat. Additionally, they're buildable, but will never become fully opaque.”
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Meet the Experts
Juli Russell is a digital Nail Expert and Educator for Sally Beauty. With over 13 years experience in the online nail space, she’s built a loyal following of 128k on YouTube and 34k on Instagram. Juli’s work has been featured in Marie Claire, Glamour, Byrdie, and more—helping everyone create salon-worthy nails at home.
A natural born nail artist, Elle opened her own business at age 17, with over 80 clients per week. Now one of the industry's top artists, Elle is world renowned for her cutting-edge nail shaping, and her understanding of color, texture and trends. For Elle, nail styling means creating the ultimate glamour. Her celebrity clientele includes Lindsay Lohan, Blake Lively, and Kelly Ripa.
