11 Jelly Nail Manicures You’ll Want to Try ASAP

The pendulum has swung once again in the world of nail art trends. While all of our favorite retro silhouettes are making a return to our wardrobes (think 90s square necklines and boot cut jeans), our nails have also taken a note from the past with jelly nails. The translucent, sometimes sparkly, and often brightly colored nail art look puts one in mind of the jelly shoes we wore in years past—and they’re all over our social feeds for good reason. The great thing about jelly nails (also known as glass nails) is that they’re super versatile and can be as show-stopping or as simple as you’d like. Ready to discover your next jelly nail look? Keep reading for all of the inspo to take to your nail tech, plus expert tips on how to create jelly nails for yourself.

What are jelly nails, anyway?

To get the details on jelly nails, we spoke with Ontario, Canada-based nail technician Micah. In her words, “Jelly nails are a sheer color. Almost like jello! They remind me of the retro color tinted sunglasses that are coming back in style!” This look can technically be done on natural nails, but in order to get a true jelly look with a crystalline finish, you’ll want to create them with gel extensions or clear acrylic—even if you’re keeping the length modest. 

How to DIY Jelly Nails

For the DIY nail lovers and the creatively inclined, it’s possible to achieve jelly nails at home. Micah recommends making sure that you have “colored gel polish, a clear gel base coat [preferably on clear nails], and a gel top coat.” Not sure what to do next? Micah’s step-by-step guide makes it easy. But before you begin, Micah notes some basic things you’ll need, “To do jelly nails at home, first you will need everything you’d use to do a basic manicure to prepare your nails for the jelly art. You’ll need a buffer, cuticle pusher, nail file, isopropyl alcohol, dehydrator, and primer. Now, let’s get started.

Step one: Choose your color(s) and mix them with your gel base coat. (If you have a gel top coat that has a dispersion layer, you can use that instead.)

Step two: Mix the colored polish and gel until it looks sheer. You’ll then paint your nails like normal. You can continue to layer the polish to your liking!

Step three: Add any designs or charms on top of the jelly nails to your taste.

Step four: Lastly, top it off with a super shiny top coat to emphasize the jelly-ness! 

11 Jelly Nail Looks You’ve Got to Try

Need some inspiration to DIY your own jelly nails? Here are some of our faves.

1. Citrus Burst Nails

These playful images of fruit, smiley faces, and other nostalgic stickers are so cute you’ll want to take a bite (but please don’t!). The bright colors and summery imagery make these nails a perfect warm-weather look.

2. Geometric Shapes

Here’s one way to make your jelly nails stand out: Create negative space with geometric shapes in an opaque polish of the same color. The subtle contrast really lets the jelly portion shine while adding some depth to the nail.

3. Shimmering Rainbow Nails

These sheer glass nails are already a fun trend, so why not go all out with a rainbow gradient? Painting each nail with two consecutive shades really highlights the rainbow effect.

4. Glitter Flames

Turn up the heat with head-turning white flames. Clear acrylic is fun, but glitter acrylic is a great option when you want a standout style.

5. Butterfly Sparkles

The transparency of jelly nails makes them perfect for playing around with foils and decals. Butterflies and sparkles are a great combo for a fun, ethereal look.

6. Aqua Blue

Jelly nails are still totally worth your while if you choose to use only one shade. These aqua blue transparent nails make a splash and could be replicated in any color.

7. 3D Jelly Nails

Kylie Jenner turned to these drip-effect 3D jelly nails inspired by her cosmetics brand, Kylie Cosmetics. Note that this look requires a pretty skillful process, so you might want to take this one to your favorite nail artist—unless you have a nail art background yourself.

8. Yellow Glitter

If you’re on the fence about glitter, the answer is always yes. Add some glitz to really channel the shimmery gel pens and jelly shoes of yesteryear.

9. Jewel Tones

Can’t decide on one color? Choose two! Complimentary jewel tones look great when you apply one to each hand.

10. Pastel Flowers

Ditch the colored polish on a few fingers (or your entire hand) and opt for floral nail art or dried mini flowers instead.

11. Color-Blocked French Tips

Playful French tips are the perfect way to add a new twist to a classic style. Add a metallic line at the break to really make them pop.

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