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 still popular? ›

Jelly nail trends are really taking off for the summer of 2024,” says Choi. She speaks to the versatility of jellies, adding that they can be bright, neutral, or pastel. “The recent Met Gala showcased numerous stunning jelly nail looks, and I had the privilege of creating three out of four of them.”

What is a jelly nail? ›

Jelly nails are the lip gloss of manicures. The look features nails coated with a sheer, ultra-glossy wash of color that leaves them looking like, you guessed it, jelly.

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

If you'd rather head to the salon, ask your nail technician for “crystal” or clear tips, which are key to the jelly nail look. You can get them any length you want, but keep them long enough to clearly see the demarcation between the nail tip and your nail bed for the best effect.

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 is the trendy nail color for spring 2024? ›

If you loved the “blueberry milk” nails that dominated last spring, powder blue nails are set to take over this year. “Soft pastels are dopamine enhancing,” says Gerstein, noting that pastel blue, in particular, is universally flattering across skin tones.

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.

Are jelly pedicures worth it? ›

Jelly spa pedicure can help remove dead skin cells from the feet making them look a lot smoother and softer, especially around the nail beds where most of the dead skin is usually found. It uses hydrotherapy to help soften up hard skin on your feet which makes it easier to remove dead skin during this treatment.

How many coats for jelly nails? ›

After prepping with a base coat, apply one to two coats of a sheer, jelly polish to each nail. Allow time to dry.

Are jelly nails safe? ›

Although gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can be tough on nails. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.

How to do the jelly nails trend? ›

  1. STEP 1: Prep Your Nails. To prep your nails for your mani, soak them in warm water, gently push back your cuticles and shape your nails. ...
  2. STEP 2: Mix Your Colors. To create the sheer, jelly-looking polish, you're going to need a bright or neon nail polish and a top coat, like Essie Speed Setter. ...
  3. STEP 3: Apply Two Coats.
Dec 13, 2022

What is a Russian manicure? ›

What is a Russian manicure? For the uninitiated, a Russian manicure is a dry manicure, so no soaking in water is required. The technique consists of very precise cuticle work, often involving a nail drill and other special equipment to clean and remove excess skin around the nail bed.

What is a jelly like pedicure? ›

So what exactly happens when you get a Jelly Pedicure? Well, when the jelly solution is added to warm water, it instantly starts to become a translucent, fluffy jelly, which will retain its heat up to four times longer than regular water.

Do you need a UV light for jelly nails? ›

Doing gel nails without a UV lamp means finding a high-shine, chip-resistant nail polish. Super Gel is our favourite for the look of a pro manicure without the major time commitment.

What is nail jelly? ›

If you're unfamiliar with jelly polish, it basically gives your nails slightly see-through look with a glass-like finish. Since it's "glass-like," jelly polish makes a great base for nail art.

What nail shape is trending in 2024? ›

Trending nail shapes for 2024

Almond: Almond-shaped nails are characterized by their rounded tips and tapered sides. This shape elongates the fingers and creates a feminine and elegant look. 2. Coffin: Coffin-shaped nails, also known as ballerina nails, feature a square shape with tapered and pointed tips.

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