“You don’t have to paint your toenails to wear sandals”: This dermatologist is shaking up the rules of pedicures
The summer of 2026 marks a turning point in beauty trends. The polish-free pedicure is emerging as the top trend for women who want to show off well-groomed feet in their sandals. Gone are the days of chipped polish or constant touch-ups: now it’s all about natural, healthy, and simply well-maintained nails.
Why Natural Pedicures Are All the Rage This Summer
Well-groomed nails without polish speak for themselves. They don’t lie when they’re on full display in open-toed sandals. This more mindful approach to foot care is based on a simple principle: what matters most is no longer the color, but the care.
Judith García, founder of Mani Cure, focuses onnail health andcare. She confirms that this trend meets a real need. In her view, clean nails, moisturized skin, and a natural finish are all it takes to look well-groomed.
“There’s nothing more elegant than healthy, well-groomed nails, and there’s no need to paint them to hide them. Why do we assume that in the summer, you have to paint your nails to wear sandals?”
A matter of health as much as aesthetics
Dermatologist Ana Molina shared this insight on her Instagram account. This perspective is a game-changer for many. The “no-polish” trend is starting to be seen as a way to give nails a break, especially now that feet are more exposed.
Judith García agrees that wearing nail polish is neither mandatory nor always necessary. Alternating periods without nail polish can be part of a healthy routine, always tailored to each type of nail. She explains: “Rather than talking about letting the nail ‘breathe,’ the important thing is to observe its condition and adjust your care routine accordingly.”
- Clean, neatly trimmed nails
- Hydrated Skin Every Day
- A natural finish that looks polished
- A straight shape to prevent ingrown toenails
- Well-maintained cuticles without cutting them
The Key Steps to a Successful Pedicure Without Nail Polish
A good pedicure starts with well-maintained nails. That’s what ensures a clean finish. The idea is to work with what you already have: nails that are neatly trimmed and shaped naturally, so they don’t become brittle.
Ideally, keep them short or medium-length. Always file them in the same direction and avoid sudden changes in shape. Judith García explains it simply: “The best approach is to combine cutting and filing. Cutting helps control the length, while filing shapes the nails and smooths the edges.”
When it comes to feet, she adds that it’s best to keep them trimmed straight to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails. Cuticles also deserve special attention. It’s not necessary to remove them completely; instead, they should be moisturized. As the expert points out, “the cuticle acts as a natural barrier that protects the nail.”
Exfoliation and moisturizing make all the difference
This is often where you can tell the difference between feet that are just clean and feet that are truly well-cared-for. The skin on your feet needs regular care. Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week helps maintain an even texture, especially on the heels.
Daily moisturizing is the most important step for a successful pedicure. It keeps your skin supple and soft. A good tip is to apply cream in the evening and let it work its magic while you sleep.
Judith García agrees with this idea, noting that “nourishing oils help keep the skin and cuticles in better condition.” They “promote stronger, more flexible nails over time.” This simple step transforms your feet without any complicated steps.
How to Maintain This Pedicure on a Daily Basis
One of the advantages of this trend is that it’s much easier to maintain over time. Since it doesn’t rely on a visible color, there isn’t the same “regrowth” effect. The constant need for touch-ups disappears. Daily care remains essential, however.
Judith García emphasizes three essential habits: moisturizing your nails and cuticles daily, avoiding letting them soak for too long, and drying your feet thoroughly after a trip to the beach or the pool. These simple steps are all it takes to maintain a beautiful, natural pedicure.
She adds that signs such as flaking, thinning, or sensitivity indicate that it’s time to reevaluate your routine. One of the steps in your routine might actually be doing more harm than good. There are also strengthening bases and restorative treatments that help rebuild the keratin layers of the natural nail.
The specialist points out that the process isn’t immediate: “It can take several months for a nail to fully grow back, so don’t expect to see visible results overnight. “That’s why taking a break from nail polish—rather than being a one-time interruption—becomes a conscious, long-term practice for a truly well-groomed pedicure.”
