Jelly nails are taking the beauty world by storm! It’s not a new trend, like butter nails, but it been cropping up every couple of years, and now it’s more popular than ever.
These translucent, glass-like nails mimic the playful, colorful aesthetic of the jelly sandals we adored in the 90s.
Jelly nails work with any season, but I especially love them in spring and summer. They allow you to experiment with a spectrum of colors, from vibrant neons to subtle pastels, and get an eye-catching gloss to your look.
Whether you opt for a full set of sparkly pink nails or a more understated clear polish with glittery accents, jelly nails promise a bold statement.
So, let’s dive into the world of jelly nails and explore how you can rock this trend to brighten your style and mood!
Everything You Need to Know About the Jelly Nail Trend
Jelly nails are the latest craze in the world of nail fashion. They are known for their sheer, glossy finish that resembles the jelly shoes popular in the ’90s.
This trend is a playful, vibrant look that can be customized with a variety of colors and embellishments. Here’s what you need to know to get in on this fun trend:
What Are Jelly Nails?
Jelly nails are made using a translucent gel polish that gives them their signature candy-like appearance. They are typically applied over a clear or colored nail extension to enhance their glassy, see-through effect.
Color and Design Options
The beauty of jelly nails lies in their versatility. You can choose from a rainbow of colors—bright pinks, lush greens, deep blues, and more. You can make them stand out even more by adding glitter, decals, or even designs like flowers and stars for an extra pop.
Application Process
Applying jelly nails can be a bit more complex than your standard polish. It usually involves extending the nail with a clear tip, followed by the application of a translucent colored gel. A UV or LED light is needed to cure each layer.
Durability and Maintenance
Jelly nails are as durable as most gel nails and can last up to three weeks with proper care. To maintain their glossy look, keep your hands moisturized and avoid using harsh chemicals without gloves.
Removal Process
Like other gel nails, removal should be done professionally to avoid damaging the natural nail. The process typically involves soaking the nails in acetone and gently removing the material.
34 Best Jelly Nail Ideas
1. Rainbow Jelly Nails
These jelly nails are an explosion of color. I love that each nail has a unique shade, from sunny yellow to a dreamy purple gradient, for a playful and energetic vibe. It’s a fresh, bold choice for when you want to make a statement!
2. Ombre Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a soft elegance. They transition beautifully from a delicate pink to a clear, sparkling tip. The subtle ombre effect is sophisticated, perfect for anyone who loves a hint of glamour without overpowering. They’re ideal for a refined look with a touch of whimsy.
3. Glitter-Dipped Korean Jelly Nails
These jelly nails are all about adding a bit of sparkle to your everyday look! The pink base with a sprinkle of glitter towards the tips gives them a fun and festive vibe. I think they strike just the right balance between subtle and standout.
4. Pastel Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a mix of soft pastels, iridescent sheens, and adorable designs like hearts and stars. Each nail has its own personality, making this set really fun and unique. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a little extra flair and wants their nails to stand out. They’re just the thing for adding a pop of creativity to your look!
5. Classic Pink Jelly Nails with a Sparkle
These jelly nails have a classic elegance with their lovely pink shade, complemented by sparkle along the tips. It’s a timeless look that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to the office or out for a night on the town. I absolutely love how the glitter adds just the right amount of dazzle without going overboard.
6. Iridescent Jelly Nails
These jelly nails are like holding a sunset in your hands, with colors shifting from a warm yellow to a soft blue, all with an iridescent finish that catches the light beautifully. They’re eye-catching and vibrant, perfect if you love a bit of drama and color in your style.
7. Sweet Pastel Jelly Nails
These jelly nails remind me of cotton candy skies at dusk! The blend of soft pink and subtle blue gives off a dreamy vibe. These nails seem like a great choice if you’re going for a gentle, cheerful look that’s both charming and stylish.
8. Jelly Nails with Pearls and Butterflies
These jelly nails have a transparent base sprinkled with golden stars and tiny pearls. The overall look is whimsical and fun, perfect for adding a magical touch to your style. The playful decorations make these nails a delightful choice for anyone who loves a bit of fantasy in their fashion!
9. Jelly Nails with Hearts and Rhinestones
These jelly nails are all about spreading joy with their pink base and adorable hearts. The blue tips add a contrast, making the nails pop even more. I love the combination of colors and the tiny rhinestones that add just the right touch of sparkle.
10. Jelly Nails with Fruit Designs
These jelly nails are perfect for summer vibes! Each nail is painted with different fruit designs in vibrant colors like orange, yellow, and green, for a fun and fresh look. These nails are definitely a conversation starter and a great pick for warm weather!
11. Elegant Jelly Nails with a Touch of Glitter
These jelly nails have a soft pink base with a gentle sprinkle of glitter. The addition of a single rhinestone on the accent nail adds just a hint of glamour. They are great for everyday wear or special occasions where you want a touch of sparkle without being too flashy.
12. Pastel Speckled Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a blend of soft pinks, blues, and greens that create a serene and frosty look. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a minimalist but colorful style. These nails will brighten any winter wardrobe with their colorful charm.
13. Sheer Pink Jelly Nails with a Golden Touch
These jelly nails have a timeless beauty with their sheer pink base and elegant golden edges. The look is simple and sophisticated, perfect for those who prefer a polished style. I love how the gold adds a hint of luxury without overpowering the nail’s natural beauty.
14. Sculpted Jelly Nails with Pastel Hues
These jelly nails are a true work of art. They have sculpted designs that add a creative touch. I love the variety of shapes and the subtle color transitions, which make these nails a standout choice for anyone who loves detailed and artistic nail designs.
15. Pink Jelly Nails with Glitter Tips
These jelly nails have a gentle pink base that transitions into sparkling glitter tips, giving a simple and striking look. I like how the glitter enhances the natural pink without overwhelming it, perfect for those who prefer a touch of sparkle.
17. Hot Pink Jelly Nails with Glitter
These jelly nails have a hot pink color fading into a glitter gradient. The vibrant shade is perfect for anyone looking to make a statement. I like how the glitter adds an extra pop, making these nails ideal for both everyday fun and special occasions.
17. Colorful Streaks on Jelly Nails
These jelly nails capture the playful spirit of spring with streaks of bright colors like yellow, pink, and blue. The transparent base allows the colors to stand out. I like how each nail has a different pattern, making them unique and vibrant.
18. Charming Jelly Nails with Bows
These jelly nails feature a lovely pink hue with bow designs on the accent nails. The glossy finish enhances the soft color, making them perfect for a cute, feminine look. Great for anyone who loves a bit of charm in their nail art!
19. Vibrant Gradient Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have vibrant gradients that flow from bold pinks to sunny yellows. Each nail has a distinct color, making them bright and eye-catching. They are perfect for someone who loves to add a splash of color to their look.
20. Glittery Blue Jelly Nails with Floral Accents
These jelly nails have glittery blue tones and delicate floral accents that create a frosty and elegant look. The sparkling details add a touch of glamour, perfect for anyone who loves a sophisticated and festive nail design.
21. Gradient Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a beautiful gradient from blue to green that resembles the changing colors of the sky. The smooth transition and subtle shimmer make them eye-catching and stylish. They are ideal for anyone who enjoys a dynamic and colorful look on their nails.
22. Glistening Korean Jelly Nails
These Korean jelly nails glow with a pink shimmer. The metallic finish catches the light beautifully, making these perfect for someone who loves a standout, sparkly style.
23. Lavender Gradient Jelly Nails
These jelly nails feature a soft gradient from a subtle lavender to a pale pink. The gentle hues are perfect for a sophisticated, understated style that still catches the eye with its elegant simplicity.
23. Lavender Swirl Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have lavender swirls with gemstone embellishments, that create a magical, ethereal look. The colorful gems add a playful touch of sparkle, perfect for anyone who enjoys a whimsical and enchanting style.
25. Colorful Speckled Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a playful sprinkle of colorful specks, that gives off a cheerful and light-hearted vibe. The transparent base allows the vibrant flecks to shine through, perfect for a fun and casual look.
26. Pink Hearts Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have lovely pink hearts on a clear base, creating a romantic and charming look. The heart designs are perfectly placed for a sweet and stylish effect, making them ideal for anyone who wants a touch of love-themed art on their nails.
27. Lavender Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have lavender swirls on a translucent base. The gentle curves and the soft color palette create an elegant and soothing appearance, ideal for anyone who prefers subtle but striking nail art.
28. Pink and Clear Jelly Nails
These jelly nails blend pink and clear tones with designs like stars, flowers, and subtle sparkles. The intricate decorations and rhinestone accents provide a touch of glamour and fantasy, perfect for anyone who loves detailed and imaginative nail art.
29. Mossy Green Jelly Nails
These jelly nails are a deep, mossy green color that’s both rich and soothing. The sleek finish gives them a refined look, ideal for anyone who enjoys a more natural but polished style. They are perfect for a touch of earthy charm in your everyday look!
30. Pink Ombre Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a lovely pink ombre effect, blending from a rich blush at the tips to a clear base near the cuticles. It’s a sweet and feminine look that’s perfect for adding a gentle splash of color. They are ideal for anyone who loves a soft, romantic nail style!
31. Red Jelly Nails with White Bows
These jelly nails are a deep red color, accented with artistic white designs on select nails, creating a unique look. The glossy finish adds sophistication, making them perfect for both everyday elegance and special events.
32. Soft Pink Jelly Nails
These jelly nails have a lovely pink ombre that blends seamlessly from a richer pink at the tips to a clear base. The subtle transition and glossy finish make them a perfect choice for a delicate and understated look, ideal for everyday elegance or special occasions.
33. Pearlescent Jelly Nails with Gem Accents
These jelly nails shimmer with a pearlescent finish and are embellished with small gems, creating a magical effect. The soft swirls and pops of color make them perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any look.
34. Neon Tips on Jelly Nails
These jelly nails feature clear bases with neon tips in yellow and pink. The vivid colors provide a bold contrast, making these nails a standout choice for anyone looking to add a pop of fun to their style.
Check out more nail trends:
- 41 Butter Yellow Nails: Your Ultimate Guide to Rocking the Hottest Mani Trend
- 53 Gorgeous Pink Nail Designs That Are Instagram-Worthy
- 35 Western Nail Ideas for the Wild West Vibe
- 42 Fabulous Graduation Nails to Celebrate Your Big Day in Style
Marina is a content writer with love for fashion and home decor. Fueled by coffee and creativity, she shares inspiring ideas and trends to help you elevate your lifestyle.
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