Nearly-nude manicures make even ugly, short nails look chic

The Nail Polish Remover

"A healthy sheen on bare, buffed nails is always a winner but it’s crucial to get the basics right," says Carla Opoku, founder of Cienna Rose. To begin, make sure your nails are clean and tidy. Wash hands to remove any dirt and remember to clean underneath nails. You can also give nails a quick once-over with nail polish remover to wipe away any stubborn bits of polish. If removing normal polish, opt for an acetone free remover, as these are less drying. If you're removing acrylics or gels, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Never pick off gels - if you're doing it at home, follow our guide to removing gel nails without damage.

Cuticle care

Nail growth stems from our cuticles, so keeping them hydrated is arguably the most important step for overall nail health. It also creates that glossy, healthy, well-cared for look. "Leave cuticle trimming to the professionals," says Juanita. "Instead, use an orange stick, cuticle pusher, or damp cotton bud to gently push them back. Even better, get into the habit of pushing them back daily after your shower or bath, when the cuticles are softer from the water and heat. Massage a drop of cuticle oil into your cuticles daily. Townhouse's coconut-scented cuticle oil contains bakuchiol, vegan squalene and sunflower oil to soften the cuticle and surrounding skin."

Hand care

Soft, supple and smooth hands are a vital ingredient in the barely-there manicure. "Don’t neglect the skin on your hands - an easy thing to do when you’re so focused on neatening up your nails!" says Juanita. Treat them to a product packed with rejuvenating ingredients to make a difference, both instantly and over time. Carla adds that “wearing gloves when cleaning/washing/gardening is also a must to protect our hands and nails from chemicals or manual work”.

File to perfection

Neat, well-groomed nails are key to this look, so a nail file is one of the most important tools you'll need. "Remember to always file in a single direction and don't go back and forth in a see-saw action as this can split the nail plate," says Daisy Kalnina, founder of Peacci. Most professionals recommend using glass files over harsher emery boards as their ultra-fine texture is gentler on nails.

If your nails are short, don't worry. "It doesn’t mean they can’t have a neat and uniform shape. Squoval is perfect for shorter nails," says Juanita.

Buff your nails

Buffing increases blood circulation to the nail bed and helps to remove ridges, giving the nail an overall glow. "Our Super Shiner Buffer enhances the surface of the nail, creating a healthy, polished look without the need for polish," says Margaret. However, you don't want to overdo buffing, so always follow instructions. For best results, only buff your nails when they're clean and dry.

Add strength

A nail strengthening treatment to protect and maintain the nails is essential, says Margaret. "It provides a building block for your nails, while enhancing their health and keeping them perfectly groomed." This treatment from Orly recently won the Good Housekeeping Institute's 'Best Nail Strengthener' accolade.

Polish up

This is a nearly naked manicure, so don't skip polish altogether, says Juanita. "While not as strengthening as an in-salon Builder Gel or BIAB treatment, a traditional polish will still offer some level of protection against water damage and wear and tear." Normally you'd add a topcoat to act as a seal, but this time-saving 3-in-1 does triple duty as base, colour and topcoat. We've tested it and love it.

Consider supplementation

Nails supplements really can make a difference but you need to be consistent and patient, committing to daily use for at least two months. The GHI tested leading nail strengthening supplements on a panel of over 130 and these came out joint top, with testers reporting real gains in strength and nail growth. If you prefer a chewy format, Bioglan Beauty Collagen Gummies were our joint winner.