“It’s chic, it’s clean”: Cristina Cordula validates the Japanese manicure, the minimalist trend perfect for summer
Image consultant Cristina Cordula shared her favorite manicure of the moment on Instagram this Friday, June 5, 2026. This minimalist, nurturing technique intrigues as much as it seduces, and it could well change your relationship with nails this summer.
Japanese manicure: the complete opposite of maximalism
Cristina Cordula is clear on the subject: the Japanese manicure is “the complete opposite of the normal manicure, the maximalist manicure with long nails, patterns and impossible colors “. Here, we forget flashy colors, patterns and XXL extensions. Nails are short, clean, hyper-natural and very clean, in an aesthetic that flirts with quiet luxury.
This streamlined approach meets a real need. Between repeated nail polishes, semi-permanent and successive applications, nails often end up damaged, yellowed or brittle. The Japanese technique is a welcome break for tired hands.
This trend is also fully in line with theclean girl aesthetic that will dominate beauty in 2026. Simple to wear, it complements any outfit without ever overdoing it.
A technique based on sanding and polishing
It’s all about precise work on the nail. As Cristina Cordula explains: “They’ll do all the sanding work. They’ll file the nail and sand.” The result is surprising: the nail becomes white with a natural shine, as if it had been waxed.
Whether at an institute or at home, the method follows the same basic steps. First, the nail is cleaned, cuticles removed with tweezers, and then polished to a smooth surface.
“Your nail is going to be all white with a shine, it looks like it’s been waxed.” – Cristina Cordula
Then comes the finishing touch: a discreet varnish. Cristina Cordula recommends “natural, transparent, very light varnishes”, which add care and moisture to the nail. A transparent or slightly pink varnish is enough to accentuate the glossy, chic effect.
Why this manicure lasts longer
One of the great advantages of this technique is its longevity. As Cristina Cordula says: “Japanese manicures last longer and, above all, you can’t have a chipped manicure! By choosing a natural varnish close to the color of the nail, touch-ups become virtually unnecessary.
What’s more, this approach reduces the risk of nail damage. The result is hands that look their best every day, without stress or headaches. This is precisely what many women are looking for, when they’re tired of cumbersome rituals.
As a result, this manicure is a real detox break for nails weakened by repeated application. It nourishes, polishes and strengthens the nail, while giving it a natural shine.
- Nails are short, clean and ultra-natural.
- The technique is based on filing and sanding the nail.
- The result is a natural shine, like a waxed nail.
- We recommend transparent, pink or very light varnishes.
- The manicure lasts longer because the varnish, which is close to the natural color, doesn’t flake off.
Cristina Cordula and manicures: a ritual since she was ten years old
For Cristina Cordula, taking care of her nails is no passing fad. In a video published last April, the Brazilian confides that she has been making appointments with her manicurist since she was ten, a professional she has known for over 40 years. “You know, among Brazilian women, manicure is super important,” she confides.
But while she dares to mix patterns and colors in her dressing room, her nails are a completely different story. She opts for soft, transparent shades of pink and white.
Cristina Cordula’s favourite summer shades
Among her current inspirations, Cristina Cordula cites “Soap nails” and very light shades like “Cloud Dancer”, a fresh, ultra-chic white. These choices confirm her taste for assertive minimalism, far from any extravagance.
What’s more, these shades can be adapted to any summer look. Whether in a light dress or evening wear, a natural, shiny nail is always elegant.
So, by validating the Japanese manicure on her networks, Cristina Cordula may be proposing the signature manicure of summer 2026: chic, healthy and effortless. An invitation to take care of your nails in a different way, by going back to basics.
