Jelly Nails Are Our New Favorite Nail Trend

When it comes to picking out the perfect nail art, the options are seemingly endless and admittedly overwhelming. One of our favorite ways to narrow down our next nail look? By taking a look at the latest beauty trends, of course! A quick perusal of your social media feeds, and you’re sure to come across jelly nails, the latest must-try nail trend. Wondering what this trend is all about—and how to get the look? Below, we’re getting into what a jelly manicure is, as well as sharing how to use jelly nail polish to get the perfect jelly manicure for yourself!

WHAT IS A JELLY MANICURE?

Before we talk about how to get jelly nails for yourself, you’re probably wondering what, exactly, a jelly manicure is. Jelly nails are long in length, typically in a stiletto nail shape, and perfectly clear—with the exception of a sheer coat of jelly nail polish. The result? Nails with see-through tips in a vibrant, fun color that screams summer. The look is reminiscent of those jelly sandals you loved as a kid, making this mani a nostalgic must-have.

As for what jelly nail polish is, if you’ve never seen this type of formula, it’s simply a brightly colored, sheer polish that goes on evenly with just a single coat. Pretty sweet!

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT JELLY NAILS

Ready to try out the jelly nail trend? Keep reading to find out what to tell your nail technician when getting your next mani or, if you prefer, how to DIY jelly nails at home.

HOW TO GET JELLY NAILS AT THE SALON

Headed to your favorite nail salon and looking to take the plunge and try out a jelly manicure? No problem! Ask your nail technician for clear tips coated in jelly nail polish for a totally Instagramable manicure.

HOW TO GET JELLY NAILS AT HOME

More of a DIY gal? You can totally get jelly nails at home! All you’ll need is a clear, glue-on nail kit and some jelly nail polish to create the look. After applying your faux nails, use a nail file to smooth them into the iconic stiletto shape. Then, coat your nails in a single coat of a sheer, jelly nail polish shade of your choice.

Now, if you’re wondering whether you can use jelly polish on your natural nails, the answer is definitely yes. Just keep in mind that you won’t get the full jelly nail look this way. Long acrylics are key here because you’ll be able to see straight through the tip of the nail. Still, you can never go wrong with a coat of jelly polish!

5 JELLY NAIL IDEAS TO TRY

Like to be unique with your nail art? There isn’t just one way to wear jelly nails! In fact, there are a couple of different options for rocking this trend. If you need ideas, we’ve done the work for you. Here are five of our favorite jelly nail looks to try.

JELLY NAIL LOOK #1: HOLOGRAPHIC

We’re sure by now you’ve figured out the jelly nails are meant for the bold. Embrace your bold side even more with holographic jelly nails. This variation has an iridescent finish that will surely catch the eye.

JELLY NAIL LOOK #2: MULTICOLORED

Who says your jelly nails have to be a single shade? Instead, wear a different color of jelly nail polish on each nail for another standout option.

JELLY NAIL LOOK #3: TWO-TONED

Five colors a bit too much for you? If you want to ease into sporting more than one hue on your nails, consider trying a two-toned jelly nail look. To get the look, choose two coordinating colors, such as yellow and pink or purple and blue. Paint the nail on your pointer and middle fingers in one hue, then paint your remaining nails with the other. How cute!

JELLY NAIL LOOK #4: NEON

The most popular jelly nail look? Neon! There’s just something about topping off these fun, long, see-through nails with a neon jelly nail polish that makes them all the more aesthetic.

JELLY NAIL LOOK #5: COFFIN SHAPED

While stiletto nails are the most common shape for jelly nails, you can totally switch things up! Another popular nail shape for this trend is the coffin shape, which refers to nails that are long, slightly narrower at the tip, and square.

Next up: Prefer short nails? We know the nail trend for you! Here are 5 Ways to Rock Short Neon Nails.