Jelly Nails Are Making a Comeback For Spring (2024)

This spring, we lay to rest the minimal manicures that ruled our fingertips for the past year. “Many of 2024’s trends are rebelling against the previously reigning ‘clean girl’ look,” says Los Angeles-based nail artist and Lottie London artist in residence Chaun Legend. So what’s next, you ask? Beauty experts are predicting a widespread return to maximalism this year (it’s already evident in TikTok’s 2016-inspired Mob Wife makeup trend) — and nail designs are no exception. All of spring 2024’s nail trends make a statement with bold art and flashy details.

Artists are getting creative with their finishing touches: The classic French manicure is gilded in gold-dipped tips and pastels are getting the “cateye” treatment. You can expect new textures — like crocodile print —and the addition of 3D jewels to make designs pop. “More nail suppliers are releasing products that create three-dimensional effects,” says Rita Pinto, founder of NYC-based nail salon Vanity Projects. And, of course, the popular chrome manicure isn’t going anywhere.

Even our favorite neutrals and more subtle polishes are getting an eye-catching twist. New York City-based nail artist Honey predicts jelly nails — which have a soft, cloud-like effect — will replace the milky nails of the past. Ahead, more experts share the top nail looks they predict will be all over our feeds this spring.

Meet the experts:

Nail Jewels

Noodle Yess

Noodle Yess

Even the most basic manicure looks like it took a whole lot of effort when you add sparkling 3D nail jewels. “We’re going to be seeing more textured nail art, specifically gel designs that are not only fun to look at but also fun to touch,” says Hailey Cohen a nail artist in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Pick your favorite stone or mix metals, like silver and gold studs. For a more subtle look, adorn a solid-colored manicure with dainty gold pearls.

Jelly Nails

Instagram / @kawaiinailsnyc

Instagram / @nailsbynisa

“This look has a Y2K vibe with a futuristic twist,” says California-based nail artist and V Beauty Pure educator Noodle Yess. Reach for a nail polish with a jelly finish like Lights Lacquer Cherry Jelly or go for a set of jelly-tinted press-ons like the Kiss Gel Fantasy Jelly Color Press-Ons. If you’re in a pinch, mix a few drops of your desired nail polish color with clear nail polish to achieve the perfect sheer shade. The fewer coats, the more transparent the effect will be.

Glitter Aura Nails

Instagram / @nylove_nail

Zola Ganzorigt

Aura nails are nothing new… but Honey does have a suggestion to make them glisten: Swap out the chrome of last year for a layer of glitter over the aura designs. “I recommend using UN/DN LAQR in shade Deep Breath, made with a mylar glitter to make your nails pop,” says Honey.

Cat Eye Nails

Instagram / @_citre

Annie Blay

Cat Eye nails are back in a fresh palette. This spring, experiment with the glittering finish over seasonal colors like pastel yellows and soft, muted blues. If you can’t make a trip to the salon, a simple DIY way to achieve this look is with a magnetic nail polish like the V Beauty Pure Rainbow Cat Eye polish. After coating your nails in the polish, “use a nail magnet to manipulate the particles into any design you’d like,” says Yess.

French Croc

Chaun Legend

Instagram / @klawsby.kiki

The mob wife trend on TikTok has revived our love for animal print. As much as we love leopard spots, Legend says crocodile-print nails are the most popular choice right now. Rather than painting your entire nail in this bold texture, Legend suggests embossing French tips with the design in earth tones.

Jelly Nails Are Making a Comeback For Spring (2024)

FAQs

Are jelly nails trending? ›

From eye-catching prints and patterns to bold colors, summer nail trends are always fun to show off. And according to Jin Soon Choi, famed nail artist and founder of JINsoon nail spas, we'll see one overarching trend for summer 2024. “Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi.

How to ask for jelly nails at a nail salon? ›

You can also ask specifically for the salon's selection of jelly nail polishes before sitting down in the chair; if they don't have any available, inquire as to whether they'd be able to mix clear polish with a drop of colored polish for your manicure. And get creative!

Is jelly nail polish just sheer? ›

So, what are jelly nail polishes exactly? Like creams, mattes, and opalescents, the term jelly refers to the texture of the formula once it's applied. The difference with jellies, though, is that they offer a splash of sheer color and loads of shine—kind of like lip gloss, except for your nails.

Is eating jelly good for your nails? ›

First, the collagen you eat gets digested in your gut. More important, your fingernails are not made up of collagen; they”re made up of keratin. Although it”s also a structural protein, keratin is unrelated to gelatin. That”s why eating gelatin or soaking your nails in it will not affect your nails in any way.

Are jelly nails more expensive than acrylic? ›

A gel manicure on natural nails can average anywhere from $30 to $70, depending on where you live and what salon you go to. Acrylic nails also typically cost somewhere between $30 to $70, with the exact amount varying based on location, desired nail length, and any additional services you get.

What is the most popular nail trend right now? ›

10 Hottest Nail Trends Right Now: From Runway to Your Fingertips
  1. Nail Art with an Edge: ...
  2. Minimalistic Elegance: ...
  3. More than French Tips: ...
  4. Ombré Nails: ...
  5. Embellishments Galore: ...
  6. Negative Space Nails: ...
  7. Chrome and Metallic Finishes: ...
  8. Abstract Nail Designs:

How long do jelly nails last? ›

With proper application and curing, a gel manicure typically lasts 2-3 weeks before starting to peel or chip. But there are a few factors that affect how long your gel mani lasts. Here are a few tips on how to sustain a longer lifespan for your gel nails: Apply 2-3 gel polish coats for longer wear.

What are Korean jelly nails? ›

The delightful glass-like finish looks like lip gloss on your fingertips. If you're ready to give K-nails a try, we've got good news. We've got everything you need to do them at home! A Korean jelly manicure starts with meticulous nail preparation. Then, you'll want jelly nail polish and a glossy top coat.

What kind of nails does Billie Eilish wear? ›

Color is not the only thing that can dictate your nail style. The shape of your nail can also impact the vibe you are going for. For Billie, her signature style is a stiletto nail, also known as a claw nail or pointed nail.

Do jelly nails damage your nails? ›

Gel nails use special polish that is “photocured” with a UV or light-emitting diode (LED) lamp. Over time, repeated gel manicures can damage nails, and some people are sensitive to the chemicals in gel polish. Gel nails typically last longer than traditional nail polish, which can be a major plus for some people.

What is a milky jelly manicure? ›

While milk nails have a bit more pigmentation, the sheer look has a shiny finish like jelly nails. This makes them more glossy than glazed donut nails, which have more of a sheen, though their color palettes are quite similar. Instead, milk nails more closely resemble an old-school glass bottle of milk.

How many layers for jelly nails? ›

After prepping your nails with a nail grooming set (this one from Tweezerman is a favorite) Kandalec says to apply one to four layers of jelly nail polish. The fewer coats you apply, the more transparent your manicure will appear.

What is used for jelly nails? ›

And, according to Choi, jelly nails are actually pretty easy to achieve. While you can buy sheerer jelly polishes (JINsoon's Sheer Gloss Collection in Pixie, $18, is a great option), you can also create your own—just mix the nail color of your choice with a clear base or top coat to help dilute the polish.

Does Vaseline make nails healthy? ›

Using only Vaseline on Your Nails- vaseline seals in moisture, but does not do anything to your nails on its own. It's important that vaseline is used with cuticle oil. 2. Having Nothing on Your Nails- Nails that have nothing on them are more prone to breakage.

How to make your nails look pretty naturally? ›

A Dozen Tips for More Beautiful Nails
  1. Don't cut or manipulate cuticles.
  2. Use nail hardeners sparingly -- or not at all.
  3. Moisturize the nail bed and the cuticle.
  4. Take biotin supplements.
  5. Limit professional manicures.
  6. Avoid acetone-based polish removers.
  7. Avoid rough emery boards.
Dec 16, 2006

What nail shape is trendy? ›

Almond nails aren't the only rounded style gaining attention: Nguyen says that short-to-medium-length oval nails are trending, too. They closely resemble almond nails; the major difference is that the oval has a wider base and softer, rounded tips, giving it a slightly more natural look.

What are the current trends in the nail industry? ›

The influence of coquette fashion, marked by bows and pearls, has seamlessly transitioned into the beauty scene, and we're seeing a surge in the popularity of bows as a major nail trend in 2024, particularly when created in 3D and chrome styles.

What is the most attractive nail? ›

Red conveys a direct attraction and is associated with sensuality and erotic interest. Black, one of the favorite colors, is considered particularly trendy and is therefore also associated with attractiveness.

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