I'm tired of plain neutral manicures, so I consulted an expert for a celebrity-inspired upgrade.

      For beauty enthusiasts, nothing is more thrilling than gaining insight into the glamorous moments of their favorite celebrities. Put on your Artist Pass as we explore behind the scenes of the beauty looks that linger in our memories, crafted by influential tastemakers and their skilled artists. Inside are their most treasured product secrets, unique tricks of the trade, and their opinions on trending beauty moments in pop culture. Toasted chestnut. Peach champagne. Velvet noir. Fleur blush. This collection of descriptors might seem random until you browse Tom Bachik's Instagram, which showcases a wealth of celebrity manicures and definitive beauty trend inspiration. The renowned manicurist has created countless stunning nail designs for your favorite stars (think Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Margot Robbie, Hailee Steinfeld, Anne Hathaway… and that's just the beginning!). Many of these nail looks gain instant popularity the moment they hit his feed (hello, Romeo + Juliet nails). So, if you're curious about the manicures that will be trending in the coming months, consulting Bachik is a smart move; there's a high chance whatever he’s working on will soon be on the chicest nails.

      I had the opportunity to ask him this question in person when I found myself in his temporary salon chair during a trip to New York: What nail trends does he predict will emerge this spring? "I believe we will see a greater emphasis on beautiful, sheer, nude shades," Bachik states. "[There's a] timeless elegance that I think people seek." But there’s a twist! He also anticipates an increase in subtly glamorous, futuristic details, such as gemstones, chrome, or crystals, to enhance the contrast of that minimalist, “naked” base—essentially, "neutral nails 2.0." "I’m pretty confident we will see this quite frequently," Bachik adds.

      And indeed, we have seen. For instance, at the Wuthering Heights premiere in L.A., celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein adorned Margot Robbie's delicate, barely-there nail base with actual diamonds and rubies, or at the Grammys, where Olivia Dean and Laufey sported light-pink manicures embellished with tiny rhinestones. While this isn't a brand-new idea (Bachik executed a similar style for Jennifer Lopez's Super Bowl performance in 2020), it has certainly evolved by 2026. A clean, simple manicure will never go out of style, but it’s clear that beauty aficionados are looking for something a bit more special this spring and beyond.

      The only question left is: How do you achieve neutral nails 2.0 at home? Keep scrolling for a step-by-step tutorial from Bachik himself. Note that his instructions are tailored for gel manicures (consider this your cue to get an LED lamp and gel kit!), but you can certainly achieve the same look with traditional polish too. I've indicated where you might need to adjust, such as allowing extra drying time. Let’s get started.

      **The Ultimate Tutorial for Neutral Nails 2.0**

      1. **Even Out the Length**

      To begin with, proper preparation is essential for an elevated result. "People frequently ask me what’s most important in my look. It’s the manicure. If the manicure doesn’t look good, then your nails won’t look good," Bachik emphasizes. "It’s like having a freshly painted house but a poorly maintained yard." He starts by evening the length of my nails with Tweezerman's Stainless Steel Nail Clipper, beginning at the corners and gradually moving towards the center. "This helps prevent nail splitting," he says, especially for those with thicker nails. "Starting in the middle flattens the nail."

      2. **Perfect the Shape**

      Once you’ve cut your nails to your desired shape (square, squoval, almond, etc.), take a high-grit nail file (240 is usually ideal for natural nails) to refine the edges. As professionals suggest, "I file from the outside edge to the center," Bachik advises. "Whatever I do to one side, I replicate on the other." Avoid "sawing" your nails back and forth, as it can cause splits at the free edge. After filing, use a cuticle pusher to gently round out the cuticle at the nail's base in soft, circular motions—an essential step in Bachik's opinion. He adds, "This helps give the nail a beautiful, natural shape." (If you’re using traditional polish, pushing back cuticles also helps the color last longer.)

      3. **Clean Up the Cuticles**

      This step is technically optional, but if you have any stray pieces protruding from your nail beds, Bachik recommends gently trimming them with a cuticle nipper. Just ensure you only clip loose bits and avoid pulling at the skin, which could lead to more frays. Finally, polish the surface of the nail while focusing on the cut