If you’ve ever dismissed sheer nail polish as dull, you haven’t experienced the magic of jelly nails. This shiny, bold trend is making a much-anticipated comeback—think of it as the nail art version of jelly sandals! We’re obsessed with this playful style, and let’s be real, who wouldn’t want their nails to look like candy-coated Jolly Ranchers?
Jelly nails are a fun and energetic contrast to the minimalistic “clean girl aesthetic” manicures that have been flooding Instagram and TikTok feeds. With their vibrant hues and glossy finish, jelly nails are a perfect outlet for showing off your unique style. Plus, they’re one of the easiest fall nail trends to recreate at home, no expert-level skills required. Below, we’ll break down exactly what jelly nails are and share some top-notch ideas for your next manicure.
What Are Jelly Nails?
The jelly nail trend is all about high shine and sheer polish that gives your nails a fun, glossy finish reminiscent of Y2K vibes. The look is achieved with a translucent polish that mimics the sheen of gummy candy. Want to DIY it? Just mix your favorite nail polish with a clear top coat for an instant jelly effect.
The beauty of jelly nails is the endless color variety—every shade imaginable can give your nails that playful, glossy vibe. Whether you want your nails to look like vibrant gumdrops or ethereal icicles, jelly nails offer endless creativity. Nail artists have even been getting experimental by adding textured, high-shine designs using builder gel. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix textures by incorporating chrome, velvet, or metallic elements for added depth.
How to Achieve Jelly Nails at Home
If you’re a fan of DIY manicures, you’re in luck—jelly nails are incredibly easy to pull off. All you need is jelly nail polish, and if you’re using gel polish, a UV nail lamp will help lock in that high-shine finish. Achieving the perfect jelly manicure is as simple as applying one to two coats of polish. This low-effort, high-reward trend is ideal for anyone looking for a fun, vibrant look without spending hours on their nails.
Top Jelly Nail Designs to Try
Jelly French Tips
The timeless French manicure gets a modern twist with jelly polish. By pairing the traditional French tip with glossy, vibrant colors like pink or purple, you’ll give your nails a fresh, candy-like appeal that’s both chic and playful.
Mermaid Jelly Nails
If mermaids existed, they would undoubtedly be rocking jelly nails. These ocean-inspired designs, complete with shell and starfish motifs, bring beach vibes to your fingertips. For an extra dimension, try layering a magnetic polish for a cool cat-eye effect.
Textured Jelly Nails
Take the jelly nail trend to the next level with 3D textures. Nail artist Canishiea J. Sams has wowed with abstract designs featuring squiggles and droplets, creating a tactile masterpiece. If you’re up for experimenting, try adding bows, hearts, or polka dots for a bold, textured effect. However, for precision work, you might want to leave this one to the professionals.
Watercolor Jelly Nails
Even if nail art isn’t your forte, this watercolor jelly design is surprisingly easy to recreate. Nail artist Betina Goldstein achieved this look by blending various jelly polishes with a top coat for a soft, flowing effect. Pro tip: Cirque Colors offers a massive selection of jelly shades—around 100 in total—so you can easily find hues that match your aesthetic.
Marble Jelly Nails
Marble designs might seem intimidating, but they’re surprisingly easy to achieve with jelly polish. The watercolor-like finish of jelly polish makes marble nails look even more artistic and ethereal. Add a gemstone accent to really make the design pop.
Solid Color Jelly Nails
When in doubt, a solid color is always a winning choice. With jelly nails, the hardest part might just be picking a shade because the possibilities are endless. A neutral jelly polish like the one from Gelcare gives off a subdued yet polished vibe. For a more autumnal look, go for a brown jelly polish, much like the one Hailey Bieber has been spotted rocking.
Lava Jelly Nails
Lava lamp-inspired nails might sound unconventional, but once you see them, you’ll understand the appeal. By combining jelly polish with a glossy builder gel, you can create these mesmerizing, retro-inspired nails that practically glow.
Glittering Jelly Nails
For those who believe that sparkle is always the answer, glittering jelly nails are a dream come true. Adding a dusting of chrome powder over jelly polish elevates the shine, giving your nails a dazzling, light-catching finish.
FAQs
How long do jelly nails last?
Jelly nails typically last about one to two weeks if you use regular polish and up to three weeks with gel polish, especially when cured under a UV lamp.
Can I create jelly nails with regular polish?
Yes! You can mix any regular nail polish with a clear top coat to create a sheer, jelly-like finish.
What’s the difference between jelly nails and regular nails?
The key difference lies in the finish—jelly nails have a semi-sheer, glossy effect that mimics the look of jelly candy, while regular nails are usually fully opaque.
