The BBC has removed an article that suggested the trend of leaving fingernails unpainted could perpetuate 'White supremacist' beauty standards, following widespread criticism.
The article, titled 'How the bare nails trend became a class issue,' argued that minimalist nail trends could stigmatize Black, Latino, and Asian communities that historically popularized heavily designed nails. The piece cited beauty journalist Kristina Rodulfo, who claimed the trend promotes 'blankness' and erases cultural identity. The BBC has since taken the article down pending an editorial review.
The removal follows significant backlash from critics who called the piece divisive and unfounded. The Sun editor-at-large Harry Cole described the claim as 'mental,' while radio host Dana Loesch suggested the BBC's reporting was akin to propaganda. Others, including Sex Matters director Helen Joyce, dismissed the article as 'stupid' and criticized the use of public funding to support such content.
The BBC's article explored the growing popularity of 'naked nails'—a trend characterized by natural, buffed nails or subtle nude shades—popularized by celebrities like Zendaya and Emma Stone. Critics argued the piece unfairly linked the trend to systemic racism and classism, while supporters of the article maintained it highlighted legitimate concerns about cultural erasure.
Nail technicians interviewed by the Daily Mail countered the BBC's claims, stating that the minimalist trend is simply a shift in fashion preferences and not inherently tied to race or class. One technician noted that the only universally discouraged manicure is a poorly executed one.
The BBC has not provided further details on the editorial review process or the reasons for the article's removal.