For those who are addicted to gel polish, Ramadan is the prime time to give nails a much-needed break and restore their health. With daily wudu requiring water to reach every part of the body—including the nails—many skip polish altogether during the holy month. But that doesn’t mean nails have to look neglected. Enter the no-manicure manicure, the perfect way to keep nails looking polished, without actual polish. In sync with the “soap nails” and clean girl trend taking over our TikTok feeds, the look is simple: clean, glossy nails that mimic the effect of freshly washed hands. No colors, no intricate designs—just pure, natural shine.
Much like no-makeup makeup, going bare actually takes effort. We wish it was as easy as just skipping polish and hoping for the best. Well-maintained, healthy nails require just as much care as a gel set, if not more. The trick is in the details: the smoothness of the nail bed, the hydration of the cuticles, and the subtle gleam of well-moisturized hands. Put simply, it’s minimal in appearance, but never in maintenance. The secret to making bare nails look intentional rather than ignored? Good grooming. Read on to discover how to achieve that effortless, Ramadan-friendly manicure.
View this post on Instagram
1. Trim & Shape: Start with a good trim, keeping nails short and uniform (short nails work better for this look.) File them into a soft square or natural rounded shape, following the natural curve of your nails—nothing too sharp or dramatic.
2. Cuticle Care: Soak your fingers in warm, soapy water to soften the cuticles. Then, gently push them back using a cuticle stick. Skip aggressive trimming—just clean up any obvious excess.
3. Buff to Perfection: A fine-grit buffer is your best friend here. Lightly buff the nail surface to smooth out ridges and bring out a natural sheen. This is what gives nails that polished, healthy glow without any actual product.
View this post on Instagram
4. Hydrate, Strengthen, Repeat: If your nails feel weak or brittle, now’s the time to use a strengthening treatment or nourishing cuticle oil while you’re on a polish pause. A weekly application of a keratin- or biotin-infused formula can help fortify nails and prevent splitting. Follow up with a rich hand cream to lock in moisture—because hydrated hands make even bare nails look better.
5. Optional Gloss:If you want a little extra shine, a halal-certified, breathable polish can add that subtle, glass-like finish while remaining wudu-friendly. Brands like 786 Cosmetics, Tuesday in Love, and Orly’s Halal range all offer water-permeable options.
And if you really miss the feeling of polish? Eid is right around the corner. Consider this your pre-festivities nail rehab.
Main image: @wenailditdubai
Also Read:
A Nail Extensions Dubai Guide: Everything You Need to Know For Next-Level Nails
