Why Wealthy Women Are Skipping Manicures for the Quiet Luxury Trend

A growing trend among wealthy women and high-profile influencers is the rejection of professional manicures in favor of natural nails. According to finance influencer Vivian Tu and brand consultant Miranda Shanahan, this shift represents a move toward “quiet luxury,” where avoiding mainstream beauty standards signals that a person has nothing to prove regarding their social status.

Why are wealthy women ditching professional manicures?

Tiktoker Valeria Lipovetsky claims her quality of life improved significantly after she stopped getting her nails done. Multimillionaire Vivian Tu supports this view, suggesting that spending money on nails simply because it is “expected” is unnecessary for those with true wealth.

Miranda Shanahan, a brand consultant, explains that when a trend becomes too common in the mainstream, the wealthy often abandon it to differentiate themselves. She compares this to the decline of “logomania,” such as prominent Gucci monograms, in favor of expensive materials and understated styles.

Did You Know? Miranda Shanahan notes that this pattern mirrors the shift in tanning trends, where the previously prized “spray-tan” look has become unpopular, leading stars to appear pale on red carpets.

How does the public view the “natural nail” shift?

Public opinion remains divided between those who see natural nails as a sign of class and those who view manicures as a form of self-expression. Carine, 20, believes unvarnished nails possess “more class,” while others, like 21-year-old Nathalie, suspect that long fake nails are often used to hide unkempt natural nails.

For some, the choice is financial rather than philosophical. In Switzerland, 16-year-olds Elena and Ines noted that gel nails are often too expensive to maintain. Elena admitted that gel nails can sometimes help hide dirt under the nails.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter observes that the tension between “quiet luxury” and mainstream beauty trends often reflects a deeper social desire to signal exclusivity. By rejecting a widely available service, the elite redefine what is considered “high class.”

What are the practical and aesthetic trade-offs?

Practicality is a major factor for some. Jean-Luc, 25, remarked that extremely long nails can be dysfunctional, making simple tasks like opening a can difficult.

Conversely, supporters of manicures argue they enhance an overall look. Tamara, 24, believes artificial nails are “megacool” and can upgrade an entire outfit. Sarah, 17, views her short French nails as a core part of her personality and notes that gel nails actually encourage her to wash her hands more frequently.

What could happen next for beauty standards?

The “Clean-Girl” trend may continue to push shorter, more natural nail looks into the mainstream, as suggested by 24-year-old Vanessa. This could lead to a further decline in the popularity of overly long or brightly colored designs.

As “quiet luxury” continues to influence fashion, we may see more people treating manicures as occasional rewards rather than permanent requirements. This shift could potentially make natural, well-kept nails the primary marker of sophistication in high-society circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some influencers believe natural nails are a sign of wealth?
According to Vivian Tu and Miranda Shanahan, wealthy people often avoid mainstream trends to show they do not need to prove their status, opting for a “quiet luxury” approach.

What are the common criticisms of long artificial nails?
Critics and some interviewees suggest they can be used to hide unkempt nails or dirt, and some find them impractical for daily tasks like opening cans.

Is the “Clean-Girl” trend influencing nail choices?
Yes, according to Vanessa (24), the “Clean-Girl” trend is contributing to the return of shorter, more modern nail looks.

Do you think natural nails are more sophisticated than professional manicures?