By Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa
I may be ahead of the trend on this one, because I have not gotten a manicure in over 10 years, yet somehow, my nails have also become one of my most complimented features.
Lately, I have noticed more and more women online saying the same thing. They simply do not want to get manicures anymore, not because they don't care about beauty, but because the process no longer feels worth the time, cost, or upkeep. Sitting in a salon chair every two weeks for hours without being able to work, type, text, or move comfortably feels much less appealing than it once did. Many women are also starting to realize that frequent gel manicures and acrylics almost always leave their natural nails thinner, weaker, and more damaged over time.
What I find most interesting is that this reflects a larger cultural shift. For years, perfectly manicured nails symbolized luxury and status. They suggested that you had both the time and resources to dedicate to beauty maintenance. Now, the aesthetic seems to be moving in a different direction. Celebrities, models, and influencers are increasingly choosing short natural nails, nude polish, or no polish at all. Healthy, low-maintenance beauty has become far more aspirational than overly polished perfection.
As a surgeon, this shift makes complete sense to me. Repeated exposure to acetone, aggressive filing, gel removal, and acrylic application can compromise the integrity of the natural nail plate. Over time, nails can become brittle, dehydrated, and prone to peeling or breakage. I think many women are beginning to appreciate the appearance of healthy natural nails rather than constantly covering them, which after years of acrylic, can be difficult to achieve.
Personally, I have always preferred a more natural approach. I keep my nails short, clean, and healthy. To me, healthy nails always look more elegant than overly maintained ones.
That philosophy is what inspired our Cuticle Cure Serum at Avara. It was created for women who still want polished, beautiful nails without constant salon appointments. The formula helps support stronger, healthier nail growth while glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead cuticles for a cleaner and more refined appearance.
What has become a trend has stayed a lifestyle choice I made a decade ago, and I don’t see myself going back anytime soon. Maybe the future of beauty is not about adding more maintenance, but making your natural features look healthy enough that you need less of it.