Nail Experts Explain the Glass Nails Trend—And Share 20 Stunning Options
You may have noticed that nail artists are getting pretty transparent on Instagram—and not only with the products they use. Glass nails are the latest nail trend to surface, with dozens of inspired iterations.
“Glass manicures have completely transparent base polish and tips, similar to glass,” explains manicurist and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna. “It’s a super fun trend that’ll be sure to catch some attention. The most important part of the glass nails trend is to have completely transparent tips with the same clarity of glass.”
Meet Our Expert
Mazz Hanna is a celebrity manicurist and the CEO of talent agency Nailing Hollywood. Her clients include Julia Roberts, Paris Hilton, Kacey Musgraves, and more.
If you’re well-versed in the nail world, you might be wondering if this is just another name for the shattered nail trend—it’s not. Shattered glass nails feature what look like shards of glass, often made with artfully placed metallic foil. Classic glass nails, however, are structural, crystal-clear masterpieces. To illustrate just how wow-worthy this nail trend is, we rounded up over a dozen glass nail looks that stopped us in our tracks. Keep reading to find your fave.
Bedazzled Glass Nails
From first glance, glass nails look professionally designed. While that’s often the case, it is possible to DIY glass nails. A bottle of clear sculpting gel or a set of your favorite tips (preferably in Long, Extra Long, or Extra Extra Long) will do the trick. Then, Hanna says to trim your natural nails as short as possible to prevent your natural nail from showing underneath the transparent tips. “Having your natural nails showing at all underneath the clear tips will interfere with the glass look,” she says. (Though, some people to end up painting over this portion of the nail, so it’s not the end of the world.)
After trimming your nails, build your tips and add the nail art of your choice. The above manicure by celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce is a great example of an easy-to-DIY glass nail look.
Sculptural Opalescent Glass Nails
Like the look of these scultped shimmering glass nails? You can create the 3D accents using sculpting gel on top of clear tips or builder gel tips that have already been cured. Then, to get the shimmering effect, use chrome or holographic powder, or sheer velvet polish.
3D Fairy Glass Nails
Glass nails don't have to be crystal clear through and through. Here you can see how a glazed donut effect adds a magical touch to the transparent manicure.
Glass Fish Nails
Okay, there's no denying that this sculptural glass fish manicure will require a pro's skill to recreate. When booking an appointment for this intricate of a manicure, be sure to scour the artist's page to ensure they can create such a masterpiece.
3D Snake Glass Nails
We love how this glass nail look combines glossy and matte details for an other-worldly white mani.
Silver Dewdrop Glass Nails
Dewdrop nails are one of the more futuristic manicure trends to make the rounds in 2024. You can get the look by layering clear builder gel droplets on top of clear stiletto tips.
Black and Clear Glass Nails
Whether you want to conceal your underlying natural nail or simply like the idea of a contrasting base, this black and clear glass mani is worth considering. If black nails aren't your thing, you can mimic the overall mani while applying the polish color of your choice.
Black Ice Glass Nails
This glass mani is unique in that it has bubbly tips that almost look shattered. In that way, we're reminded of icicles. That doesn't mean this nail look only works for winter though. It's a cool mani idea that can be worn all year long.
Metallic Cobalt Glass Nails
We love the look of this metallic cobalt glass mani. Clear tips, color-shifting chrome polish, and trendy dewdrops make for a memorable nail look.
Blue and White Mismatch Glass Nails
Here's another way to pair bold cobalt polish with the glass nail trends. This more abstract approach makes for a seriously head-turning clear nail look.
Dior Glass Nails
If you're loving the reemergence of brand logos in fashion, you'll enjoy this Dior-dotted square glass mani. The holographic gems make it really pop.
Celestial Gold Gem Glass Nails
For a celestial glass nail look, opt for clear tips topped off with clear glitter polish and gold gems.
Stiletto Glass Nails
Looking to let the glass tips really shine? Opt for a minimalist polish approach for a mani that still makes maximal impact.
Flower Power Glass Nails
Florals for spring and summer? It might not be groundbreaking but it's a nail art trend that holds true year after year. Pair it with the glass nail trend for a modern take on the timeless design.
Pastel Plaid Jelly Glass Nails
Excuse us while we obsess over these fun pastel plaid jelly glass nails. To ensure a crisp cutoff of color (and to keep your tips glassy), layer a French manicure sticker at the end of your natural nail bed.
Royal Purple Icicle Glass Nails
Royal purple is having a moment and we love how the color coincides with the glass nail trend here.
Rainbow Gemstone Glass Nails
This bedazzled glass mani is giving us major nostalgia. The colorful gems are reminiscent of the stick-on earrings of childhood.
Cherry Red Glass Nails
Red is one of the most classic nail colors of all time, so we love the idea of pairing the timeless hue with the rising glass nail trend. If you look closely, you'll notice that the clear stiletto tips are overlaid with mirror nail gems for an even more eye-catching end look.
Rose Glass Nails
Feeling inspired by Bridgerton Season 3? Opt for a watercolor floral glass nail look to lean into two trendy topics at once.
Clear Water Droplet Glass Nails
If you love the reflective stiletto dewdrop glass nails but want something a smidge more low-key, go all clear like the coffin-shaped mani above. It's easy to DIY with clear tips and builder gel.
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