Anne Hathaway’s ‘Coconut Water’ Nails Are the Most Refined Summer Nail Trend: How to Recreate Them
2 min readSimple nude manicures aren’t so simple anymore. Between milk nails, soap iterations and polish-free Japanese manicures—not to mention the array of trendy nail shapes to choose from (squoval, almond, and more)—the staple natural manicure has undergone many a transformation this year.
Now—as evidenced by Anne Hathaway’s latest red-carpet manicure—it seems “coconut water” nails are the latest natural nail look gaining traction this summer. Joining the ever-expanding glossary of trends, Hathaway’s manicure, which was created by celebrity nail technician Tom Bachik for The End of Oak Street premiere in California, featured short, round fingertips with a sheer yet creamy base.
How to recreate coconut water nails
Coconut water nails, unlike coconut milk nails, feature both a sheer and creamy base, and offer up a perfect alternative for anyone who favors a more minimalist yet glossy manicure. “To recreate coconut water nails, prep is essential. Start with trimmed cuticles and a smooth nail surface, as the sheer finish won’t disguise imperfections as well as other shades,” suggests Jack Harper, Mylee brand ambassador. “Apply a base coat before layering one or two thin coats of a translucent gel color, building just enough coverage to create a soft wave of color, allowing your natural nail to peek through. Then, add a high gloss top coat to give the nails a watery, light reflecting ‘coconut water’ finish.”
The shade selection here is also important. “When it comes to color, pick delicate, barely-there tones rather than bright white. Soft ivory, creamy beige, warm porcelain, sheer vanilla, pale almond and soft blush all work perfectly,” shares Harper. “The overall effect should feel clean, sheer and effortless, as though your natural nails are just healthier, shinier and more hydrated.”
Since this is a natural-looking manicure, where your nails are often visible underneath, maintenance is paramount to support nail health and longevity too. “To maintain this manicure, using the right base is key,” shares Daisy Kalnina, founder and CEO of The GelBottle Inc. “If you’re doing your nails at home, you want to look for something with added ingredients to boost nail health and strength, while I’d always recommend BIAB in a salon to strengthen and avoid chipping,” she shares.
Be sure to prioritize cuticle health, too. “Sun and pool water strip moisture in the summer, which can lead to lifted gel edges and brittle nails. Apply a high-quality cuticle oil twice daily to keep them soft and hydrated,” she adds.
With natural nail health at the fore and a refined, glossy finish, it’s easy to see the appeal of Hathaway’s coconut-inspired manicure for the late-summer months.