Beauty’s pendulum has been swinging wildly for years—from maximalist nail art and chrome finishes to barely-there “clean girl” manicures—but for summer 2026, it’s leaning firmly toward a quiet gel rebellion. After years of peeling off BIAB in the back of taxis and pretending another layer of shellac counted as nail care, beauty insiders are embracing something softer, shinier, and significantly lower-maintenance: the Japanese pedicure.
Personally, I’m fully on board—largely because I developed a gel nail allergy courtesy of a haphazard, sleepy Monday-night at-home mani session, which now lives in my memory as a cautionary tale involving cuticle oil and poor judgment. And it seems the internet agrees. TikTok is currently awash with users declaring themselves officially “anti-gel,” with the Japanese technique emerging as the chic, healthier alternative.
But what actually is the Japanese pedi? Well, according to Susan Carroll, founder and director of Young LDN, the treatment focuses entirely on restoring the natural nail rather than covering it up. “A Japanese pedicure is a treatment centered around the condition and appearance of the natural nail, rather than covering it with polish or gel,” she explains. Originating in Japan, Susan shares that “the ritual uses mineral-rich pastes, nourishing powders and precise budding techniques,” all of which restore strength, softness, and shine naturally.
Side note: The technique can, of course, be used on your fingernails, too, but as we edge into sandal territory and the vaguely euphoric (?) return of exposed toes, it’s pedicures leading the charge.
The finish is subtle but chic—think pearly, glossy, healthy nails. And the appeal isn’t purely aesthetic. “Unlike gels, there’s no repeated soaking in acetone, aggressive filing or long-term product wear,” Susan says, making it a gentler option for anyone whose nails are feeling dehydrated or weakened after years of gel loyalty. “Many clients are moving toward Japanese pedicures because they’re far gentler on the natural nail,” Susan adds.
In other words, the Japanese pedicure taps directly into beauty’s latest obsession: understated luxury. The goal is no longer toes that look freshly painted, but toes that look like they’ve never once touched pavement. An ancient Egyptian princess who refuses to walk anywhere unless carried on a chaise longue, kinda energy.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
