Of all the celebrity nail trends arriving this summer, chiffon nails are perhaps the most unexpected. In a sea of polka dots, gems, and metallic embellishments, ultra-sheer nails defy an otherwise maximalist mood. Worn by celebrities like Gemma Chan and Gracie Abrams, the minimal style was a recurring theme at this year’s Met Gala. Named for its effect, akin to the gauze-like, delicate drape of chiffon, celebrity manicurist Michelle Class breaks down why the simple style is becoming a hit.

“Celebrities especially are constantly photographed in different outfits, campaigns, and at events, so a clean, sheer manicure works with everything,” Class says. “It feels expensive, timeless, and camera-friendly.”

Characterized by precisely prepped nails—no rough cuticles, edges, or hangnails in sight—with a swath of glossy, sheer polish, a chiffon manicure essentially amounts to your own nails, but on their best day. Color-wise, a chiffon manicure includes any shade that’s sheer enough to see your nail beneath. That could be an apricot, peach, soft pink, or cream tone.

To ensure your manicure looks undone in an intentional way, rather than as though you’re between appointments, Class says, “It’s all in the finish.” She adds, “When the shape is balanced, the cuticles are immaculate, and the color is sheer, but even, it reads as polished rather than unfinished.” To her, a short nail is ideal as it enhances the “effortless, understated feel.” She likes a short to soft-medium length with gently rounded corners—or a squoval shape—for a chic, modern feel.

With a client list that includes celebrities like Emily Blunt, Naomi Campbell, Margot Robbie, and Gemma Chan, Class has a robust preparation process. “With minimal manicures, healthy-looking skin and clean cuticle lines are just as important as the polish itself,” she notes. With that in mind, here is her prep checklist:

• Gentle cuticle work to create a clean, seamless nail bed
• Refining the nail shape so every nail looks balanced and symmetrical
• Removing any surface dryness or uneven texture with a gentle buff
• Thorough cleansing and dehydration of the nail plate for perfect adhesion
• Hydrating the surrounding skin so the hands look healthy and fresh

Below, we’ve compiled eight of the cleanest chiffon nail examples to take to your next appointment. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, to inspire your next at-home manicure.

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