This manicure, nicknamed “grandma”, dethrones Hailey Bieber’s glazed nails and has become THE chic trend of the summer.
In 2026, grandma’s manicure is the hot new trend for summer. It’s directly reminiscent of the glazed nails aesthetic popularized by Hailey Bieber in 2024, but with a cooler, more vintage feel that gives it a character all its own.
Glazed nails: the start of a new trend
If 2024 has had its signature manicure, it’s glazed nails. Popularized by Hailey Bieber, these ultra-shiny nails have made a name for themselves everywhere: from social networks to nail salons, and even on red carpets. Their secret lies in a chrome veil applied to a white base, giving the nails a pearly, almost translucent effect, as if covered in icing.
Two years on, beauty trends are moving towards minimalist aesthetics. So a new variation of this manicure appeared, with an almost endearing name: Grandma’s Manicure.
This new version retains theshiny look of pearly nails. However, it has a more retro, cooler effect, clearly distinguishing it from its predecessor.
Inspiration from the 1980s and 1990s
Grandma’s manicure is directly inspired by the silver pearlescent varnishes many women wore in the 1980s and 1990s. These iridescent shades, long considered unfashionable and replaced by more pop colors like red polish, are now back in the spotlight in a modernized twist.
Today, these shades are associated with chic looks bordering on “quiet luxury”. What’s more, they echo the success of the “grandma core” trend in fashion, which is also appealing to younger people. Old money” nails are finding a new, enthusiastic audience.
“Cooler and brighter than traditional glazed nails, this manicure retains the glossy look while banking on a more retro effect.”
Stars validate the pearly nail trend
If the name evokes past generations, those adopting this aesthetic today are indeed the stars of the moment. Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker were already sporting these frosted nails in the 1990s. Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, on the other hand, are participating in their renaissance.
The success of this aesthetic can also be explained by the evolution of manicure trends. For several seasons now, experts have been observing a return to milky colors, translucent finishes and simple styles. This is also where “soap nails” derive their popularity.
- Frosty nails worn in the 1990s by Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker
- A glossy, pearly finish reminiscent of Hailey Bieber’s glazed nails
- A colder, more retro effect than the original 2024 version
- A trend in line with the “grandma core” and “old money” trends
- A style to suit all nail lengths and shapes
The link with soap nails and pearl nails
As a result, grandma’s manicure doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s part of a wider movement to return to translucent, milky finishes. Soap nails, which focus on this clean, luminous effect, have led the way.
Some versions of this trend also flirt with “pearl nails”. These imitate the natural sparkle of pearls and are set to be one of the biggest manicure phenomena of summer 2026.
How to reproduce grandma’s manicure at home
The advantage of this trend is that it suits all nail lengths and shapes. To reproduce the effect at home, there are two options. The first is to apply a light chrome powder to a white base. The second is to choose a varnish enriched with pearlescent pigments.
This season’s hottest shades oscillate between pearly white, icy champagne, iridescent beige and silver. So everyone can find the shade that best suits their skin tone and style.
Among the products spotted this season are Kiko Milano’s Power Pro Nail Polish in Luminous Pearl, Kure Bazaar’s Vernis Lumière Blanc, Manucurist’s Vernis Green in Moon, Mavala’s Vernis Star Top Coat in Silver, and OPI’m Dreaming in Bienvenue dans votre whirl beige. Each in its own way, these references embody the pearly, iridescent spirit of glazed nails revisited.
By adopting this trend, you’re not just following a passing fad. It’s part of a deeper movement, one of beauty that’s at once chic, accessible and steeped in history. Grandma’s glazed nails are set to last well beyond the summer.
