soap bubble nails
(Photo : Vecteezy/akimomia)

Soap nails, also known as soap bubble nails, snakeskin nails or dragon nails, are the latest manicure trend captivating social media platforms like TikTok. 

Mimicking the intricate pattern of bubbles on your nails, this minimalist yet stylish design is a perfect DIY project for those who enjoy giving themselves gel manicures.

soap bubble nails
(Photo : TikTok/shopnailart)

To achieve this trendy look, follow these step-by-step instructions. With these simple steps, you can effortlessly achieve the trendy soap bubble nails at home. Experiment with different color combinations and metallic accents to personalize your manicure and showcase your unique style.

Step 1: Preparation

Prepare your nails in the same manner as you typically would. Then, start by painting a peel-off base coat on your nails and allow it to fully dry.

Step 2: Base coat and color

Apply a base coat, followed by two coats of your chosen gel polish color. Opt for darker shades to make the bubble effect stand out, although any color will work.

Step 3. Top coat and bubbles

Before curing your final topcoat, prepare a bowl of water with a small amount of shampoo. Use a fork to whip up bubbles in the water. Apply the topcoat to one nail at a time, and quickly scoop the whipped bubbles onto the nail using a spoon.

Step 4: Curing

Once the nail is covered in bubbles, cure it under a UV lamp for 30 seconds. Repeat this process for all nails.

Step 5: Chrome powder (Optional)

If desired, add a touch of metallic flair by applying gold chrome powder using an eyeshadow sponge. Buff the powder firmly into the bubbles.

Step 6: Final top coat

Apply one last layer of topcoat over the bubbles and cure under the UV lamp for 60 seconds.

Step 7: Finishing touches

After curing, use a lint-free cotton pad to pat dry any excess bubbles. File down any raised edges for a smooth finish.

Additional tips

For a flawless finish, follow these additional tips:

1. Thin layers: Apply thin layers of gel polish and topcoat for best results.

2. Curing time: Ensure each layer is fully cured under the UV lamp before proceeding to the next step.

3. Plenty of bubbles: Create ample soap foam to ensure full coverage of bubbles on your nails.

4. Cleanup: Use a cleanser wipe to remove any excess bubbles for a neat and polished look.