5 TikTok nail trend names debunked: princess nails, sorbet nails & more
By Lilly Delmage | 28 June 2025 | Feature, Trends
Every day there seems to be a new name for a nail style, whether that be ‘princess nails’, ‘sorbet nails’ or even ‘glazed doughnut’ nails – so let’s break down what five key trend names mean…
Do you often hear requests at the nail desk and find yourself wondering, ‘What is that?‘ The ever-evolving nature of social media means that old trends are often recycled — just under new names. Take ‘bubble bath nails’, for example, which simply refers to a subtle, glossy pink overlay. The same look has also been referred to as milky nails, clean girl nails and soap nails.
As a nail tech, keeping up with every new trend name can be a challenge. That’s why Scratch has put together this handy guide to help you feel confident the next time a client makes a trend-specific request.
Princess nails
If a client asks for ‘princess nails’, they are likely requesting muted colour, usually pink or white, on a short nail base. This style is a variation of previous trends like bubble bath, soap and clean girl aesthetic nails. Loved for their chic, minimal look, princess nails have quickly become a salon staple.
Click here to via Scratch‘s soap nail gallery.
Sorbet nails
Sorbet nails boast a light, translucent and glossy finish – resembling the look of an icy scoop of sorbet. These nails often feature an ombré effect with pops of juicy colour, making them a refreshing and playful twist on summer nail art.
Louboutin nails
Inspired by the iconic red soles of Louboutin shoes, this trend involves painting not just the top, but also the underside of nails. Typically, a different colour is used — like a black overlay with a red underside — to create a striking, stand-out finish. This style is also known as flip side nails.
Check out our flip side nail gallery here.
Angel chrome nails
This trend, coined by avant-garde nail artist, San Sung Kim, is all about iridescence. Nail techs are layering a neutral or pink colour beneath a silver cat eye hue, finishing with a dusting of chrome powder. Its optical illusion finish makes it a mesmerising accessory to any outfit.
Glazed doughnut
Model, Hailey Bieber, and her go-to tech, Zola Ganzorigt, are to thank for this nail trend name. After posting a pink chrome mani on social media in 2022, the pair coined the term, ‘glazed doughnut nails’, in reference to its sheer, glossy finish – mimicking that of a doughnut glaze. The look took the beauty industry by storm, and continues to be a popular request at the nail desk.
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