35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board
Gel nails have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's no surprise why. With their long-lasting durability, sleek and glossy finish, and the vast array of designs available, gel nails offer a stylish and low-maintenance option for anyone looking to switch up their manicure routine.
Related: This Is How Long You Can Actually Expect Your Gel Nails to Last
"Choosing gel nail designs over traditional nail polish offers several benefits," says Yesica Leal Nolasco, owner of Yes_ica Nails. "Firstly, gel nails provide longer wear compared to regular polish. [And] gel colors blend seamlessly, enhancing the designs." Plus, because gel polish doesn't dry during the painting process unless cured with a UV or LED light, it's easy to make adjustments as you go.
Meet Our Expert
Yesica Leal Nolasco is the owner of Yes_ica Nails, a Sola Salons studio in New Jersey.
Whether you're a nail art newbie or a seasoned pro, gel nails offer endless possibilities to showcase your personal style. Are you ready to take your nail game to the next level? Read on to see an array of inspiring gel nails designs.
Blingy Tips
“I love a good reflective gel design,” says Nolasco. “It’s fun, especially for the holidays.”
Jeweled Starfish
If you're looking to make a statement, consider embellishments and intricate patterns. Rhinestones, studs, and glitter will transform your nails into dazzling works of art.
Fluorescent French
According to Nolasco, this striking neon French manicure draws inspiration from idyllic tropical vacations. The zesty lime green gives a vibrant edge to the classic French manicure.
Double Patterns
A fun way to switch up your manicure is to add a couple of accent nails. This bold design looks great on just a few nails and adds an element of interest.
Chrome Font
Font accents are a great way to mark an occasion. “You can’t go wrong with an old English font,” says Nolasco. “I did this design for my birthday. I’m simple, but I wanted a small design to represent my birthday year.”
Clase Azul
Drawing inspiration from the Clase Azul tequila bottle, this manicure is both opulent and sophisticated.
Purple French
“This look was for one of my clients who was going to a concert,” says Nolasco. “His theme was purple, and he wanted something minimal.”
Autumn Ombré
An orange and burgundy ombré design is a fantastic manicure choice for those who crave a bold and dynamic look. The seamless transition between these warm, autumnal hues adds depth and vibrancy to the nails.
French Ombre
A baby pink base paired with a French ombré and glitter splatter creates a manicure that's effortlessly sweet. The soft, delicate hue of pink provides a subtle and elegant foundation, while the French ombré adds a sophisticated effect.
Related: We Tried 9 At-Home Gel Manicure Kits — These 6 Deliver Salon-Quality Results
Fluorescent Floral
In this look, the fluorescent floral design gives a playful and fun vibe, while the coral accent nails add a trendy and eye-catching element. This manicure is perfect for vacations.
Shimmering Glitter
Glittery nails immediately spell out fun! You can never go wrong with a glittery gel manicure, especially for a party or a special celebration.
Red Sparkle
Elevate the timeless allure of a classic red manicure by choosing a shade that has a little shimmer. You can hardly see the sparkles, but their presence ups the mani's overall shine factor.
Flames & Fire
Orange flame tips on a black base create a fierce, bold, and edgy nail design. Because gel polish is more fluid than traditional polish, the artist was able to create a lot of movement with the flames.
Glittery Tips
Glittery tips add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any manicure, elevating the overall look with a subtle, yet dazzling sparkle.
Black & Silver Ombré
A black and silver ombré manicure design exudes elegance and versatility. The gradual transition from deep black to shimmering silver creates a sleek, modern aesthetic and is a great evening look.
Teal Combo
A gel manicure with different shades of teal offers a harmonious blend of cool tones. The varying shades create a dynamic, eye-catching look.
Floral French
A floral French gel manicure is a fun design that combines timeless elegance with a touch of botanical charm. The delicate flowers add a romantic flair to the classic French style.
Dotted Accents
Elevate your gel nail designs with delightful dotted accent nails. This charming detail brings a playful flair to your manicure.
Heart Tips
The playful hearts on these gel nails are perfect for expressing love and embracing a chic, modern trendy look.
Fall French
Transition into the colder months with a chic and fall-ready French gel manicure featuring silver tips and a burgundy base. This sophisticated design complements the rich, cozy vibes of the season, making it the perfect choice for fashionable and festive fingertips.
Zebra Accent
This bold design with Zebra print accent nails merges sophistication with a touch of untamed flair, creating a perfect balance of style and individuality.
Fuschia Floral
“I love this design because when you’ve had the manicure for a while, the growth isn’t as noticeable due to the neutral base,” says Nolasco.
Related: 25 Flower Nail Designs to Rock No Matter the Season
Fluorescent Grid
This pink fluorescent grid design is the perfect combination of chic and edgy. It's vibrant and trendy, effortlessly fusing modern aesthetics with playful charm.
Cloudy Sky
This stunning cloudy sky nail art perfectly captures the serene beauty of a daydream.
Butterfly Accent
Get garden-chic vibes with a butterfly design on a milky nude base.
Lemon Glitter
Indulge in the zest of style with lemon nail art. The playful and vibrant citrus motifs evoke a fresh, fruity vibe.
Watermelon Tips
This gel design transforms each nail into a delightfully cute watermelon. The design is sure to bring a smile to your face whenever you look down at your fingers.
Split Pattern
Nail tape masterfully divides this nail bed, with one side flaunting the elegance of marble while the other embraces the simplicity of nude.
Designer Touch
Embrace luxury at your fingertips with a Louis Vuitton motif manicure. This intricate design pays homage to iconic fashion, translating the elegance of the famed pattern onto your nails.
Leopard Watercolor
This fierce design captures vibrant leopard colors for a striking and modern take on the classic animal print.
Paisley Scarfs
This timeless design adds a touch of bohemian flair to the fingertips. The swirling white patterns on the vibrant blue and red base creates a visually stunning look.
Nude Chrome
Nude chrome nails are a perfect blend of elegance and modern flair. This chic design combines the sophistication of nude tones with the eye-catching shine of chrome, creating a versatile and stylish look.
Textured Chrome
Textured chrome nails elevate any manicure with a multidimensional and captivating allure. The fusion of the sleek chrome finish with textured elements adds depth and visual interest to the nails.
Tutti Fruity
This bold design injects burst of fun into your manicure, channeling the lively and playful essence of summer. Whether it's luscious strawberries, zesty lemons, or tropical pineapples, these fruity motifs bring a refreshing and delightful vibe to the nails.
Cactus Tips
Cactus nail art is a perfect design for those seeking a touch of desert-inspired charm. With its whimsical depiction of cacti, this manicure captures the essence of nature.
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