The Minimalist Nail Trend You'll Want To Wear All Summer

By Lexy Lebsack, Refinery29

[post_ads]Everyone is going bare in L.A., but it's not what you think. We're not talking about topless beach protests or Carrie Bradshaw's infamous Brazilian bikini wax (although it is worth re-watching the Escape From New York episode if you have a chance) — but instead, the city's love affair with all things negative space, which just hit a fever pitch.

Over the past few months, we've spotted a massive uptick in half dips, modern French manis, and glitter tips. Now, it seems as if the top salons have taken it a step further with what some call "base coat nail art," which is basically minimalist nail art painted over a clear coat — that's it.

Tiny flowers, chic dots, simple stripes of color done with artful precision — the possibilities are infinite. Call your favorite salon for an appointment — or grab a striping brush and some clear tape — and get ready to expose that nail bed. Check out some inspiration, ahead.

A post shared by sam (@nailartfairy) on Apr 21, 2017 at 5:46pm PDT

This delicate art guarantees your hands will be getting a whole lot of double takes throughout the day.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by Alli Webb (@alliwebb) on Apr 15, 2017 at 11:07am PDT

The Drybar founder got her nails adorned with the cutest little rainbows we've ever seen. We know what mani we'll be going into Pride Month with...

A post shared by Olive & June (@oliveandjune) on Apr 26, 2017 at 10:28pm PDT

We tried not to make a "this manicure is out of this world" pun here, but it's just too good.

A post shared by BASE COAT™ NON-TOXIC NAIL CARE (@basecoatnailsalon) on Apr 19, 2017 at 7:52am PDT

Dotting deep, inky polish at the base makes a buffed manicure look so cool. Bonus: You can definitely do this yourself with a toothpick.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by ❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ (@thehangedit) on Apr 23, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT

It was game over when we discovered nail artist and Olive & June manicurist Hang Nguyen's page — her gorg base coat paintings are works of modern art.

A post shared by Olive & June (@oliveandjune) on Apr 23, 2017 at 8:35am PDT

Olive & June's long been our go-to for trendspotting, and the salon has been posting negative spaces almost exclusively lately. This hack is great inspiration for those with white spots or unwanted coloring on their nail beds: It's a perfectly-matched nude above the colorful line.

A post shared by M A R I E N A I L S (@marienails) on Apr 25, 2017 at 6:49pm PDT

This should get you in the L.A. mindset — no matter where you live.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by M A R I E N A I L S (@marienails) on Apr 14, 2017 at 6:11pm PDT

Essentially a throwback to '90s nail art, this flower-dotted French manicure from Marie Nails gives us major Clueless feels.

A post shared by <3 Ms. Joy <3 (@joymanicure) on Apr 20, 2017 at 5:44pm PDT

These pastel tips are giving us classic spring vibes — and we're here for it.

A post shared by ❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ (@thehangedit) on Apr 15, 2017 at 6:32pm PDT

This look checks off two trend boxes at once: negative space and geode nails.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by Whitney Gibson (@whitneygnails) on Apr 12, 2017 at 11:28am PDT

Feeling confident in your ability to work with striping tape? Then we'd like to present celeb nail artist Whitney Gibson's take on the trend for your DIY consideration.

A post shared by Olive & June (@oliveandjune) on Apr 26, 2017 at 6:22pm PDT

Beachy tips made for the weekend.

A post shared by ❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ (@thehangedit) on Mar 24, 2017 at 4:59pm PDT

Proof you can have short nails and nail art.

The women at Nailing Hollywood (the top nail artist-only agency for the industry) are turning out rad versions, too.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by ❤ Hang Nguyen ❤ (@thehangedit) on Mar 23, 2017 at 6:18pm PDT

A minimalist's springtime dream...

A post shared by steph stone (@stephstonenails) on Mar 23, 2017 at 7:21pm PDT

Not into a bare base? Copy one of the top nail artists in the game, Steph Stone, and fake it with a nude.

A post shared by Madeline Poole (@mpnails) on Apr 10, 2017 at 5:43am PDT

A French manicure gets the coolest update from nail artist Madeline Poole.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by Susan J. Doyle (@thesuzestories) on Apr 14, 2017 at 4:53pm PDT

Ten fingers, all of which are festival ready.

A post shared by Imelda 이멜다 멜다씨 (@meldassi) on Mar 24, 2017 at 6:59pm PDT

I am woman, hear me roar.

A post shared by Rieko (@rieko0102) on Feb 18, 2018 at 9:59pm PST

No one will ever know that this half-dipped mani is your secret to looking chic on a budget.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by NailDoctor (@naildoctor_la) on Feb 21, 2018 at 2:15pm PST

Negative space doesn't mean zero color. This design proves you can have all your favorites in one.

A post shared by Molly (@nailartbymolly) on Apr 23, 2018 at 1:58pm PDT

Disrupt this classic mani with a colorful line right down the middle.

A post shared by @chillhouse on Apr 13, 2018 at 12:03pm PDT

Nothing says summer like a vanilla and strawberry-swirled spin on the half-moon trend.

[post_ads_2]

A post shared by NailDoctor (@naildoctor_la) on Mar 7, 2018 at 6:40pm PST

Take away the bare base and this collision of color might be overwhelming. Add a nude polish underneath and you've got the look that'll rack up the most likes.

See more at: Refinery29