Whether you’re trying to quit an expensive gel manicure habit or just trying to get your natural nails to a healthier place, the bare-nail manicure is a win. After speaking with a nail dermatologist, I started treating my nail care like my skincare, folding in gentle chemical exfoliation (with glycolic acid), hydration (with cuticle oil), and the right tools (a diamond file). Now, I like my nails almost completely bare — but just with a barely-there gloss.