35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (2024)

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.

This Is How Long You Can Actually Expect Your Gel Nails to Last

"Choosing gel nail designs over traditional nail polish offers several benefits," saysYesica 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 the 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.

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Blingy Tips

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“I love a good reflective gel design,” says Nolasco. “It’s fun, especially for the holidays.”

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Jeweled Starfish

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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.

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Fluorescent French

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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.

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Double Patterns

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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.

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Chrome Font

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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.”

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Clase Azul

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Drawing inspiration from the Clase Azul tequila bottle, this manicure is both opulent and sophisticated.

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Purple French

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“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.”

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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.

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French Ombre

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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.

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Fluorescent Floral

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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.

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Shimmering Glitter

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Glittery nails immediately spell out fun! You can never go wrong with a glittery gel manicure, especially for a party or a special celebration.

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Red Sparkle

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Elevate the timeless allure of a classic red manicure by choosing a shade that hasa little shimmer. You can hardly see the sparkles, but their presence ups the mani's overall shine factor.

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Flames & Fire

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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.

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Glittery Tips

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Glittery tips add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any manicure, elevating the overall look with a subtle, yet dazzling sparkle.

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Black & Silver Ombré

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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.

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Teal Combo

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A gel manicure with different shades of teal offers a harmonious blend of cool tones. The varying shades create a dynamic, eye-catching look.

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Floral French

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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.

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Dotted Accents

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Elevate your gel nail designs with delightful dotted accent nails. This charming detail brings a playful flair to your manicure.

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Heart Tips

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The playful hearts on these gel nails are perfect for expressing love and embracing a chic, modern trendy look.

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Fall French

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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.

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Zebra Accent

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This bold design with Zebra print accent nails merges sophistication with a touch of untamed flair, creating a perfect balance of style and individuality.

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Fuschia Floral

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“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.

25 Flower Nail Designs to Rock No Matter the Season

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Fluorescent Grid

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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.

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Cloudy Sky

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This stunning cloudy sky nail art perfectly captures the serene beauty of a daydream.

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Butterfly Accent

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Get garden-chic vibes with a butterfly design on a milky nude base.

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Lemon Glitter

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Indulge in the zest of style with lemon nail art. The playful and vibrant citrus motifs evoke a fresh, fruity vibe.

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Watermelon Tips

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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.

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Split Pattern

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Nail tape masterfully divides this nail bed, with one side flaunting the elegance of marble while the other embraces the simplicity of nude.

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Designer Touch

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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.

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Leopard Watercolor

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This fierce design captures vibrant leopard colors for a striking and modern take on the classic animal print.

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Paisley Scarfs

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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.

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Nude Chrome

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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.

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Textured Chrome

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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.

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Tutti Fruity

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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.

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Cactus Tips

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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.

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (2024)

FAQs

Are gel nails still in style? ›

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.

Can you do a design on gel nails? ›

Gel nail polish is perfect to use for nail art, as it's easy to work with and provides a long-lasting, durable finish.

What is gel nails summary? ›

Gel nail polish is painted on similarly to classic lacquer. However, it is cured with a UV or LED light to help lock it in place for long-lasting wear. Each coat of gel polish will need to be cured for about 30 to 60 seconds at a time.

How to do the perfect gel nails? ›

How you can perfectly apply gel nail polish to the nails:
  1. Start by applying a thin layer of gel polish to the nail.
  2. Use the brush provided with your gel polish to spread and shape the polish.
  3. Cure the first coat under a UV or LED lamp for 2 minutes.
  4. Apply a second coat of gel polish, and repeat steps 2-3 above.
Jan 11, 2023

What is the most popular gel nail shape? ›

With their natural look and low-maintenance upkeep, when it comes to nail shapes, round nails are universally popular.

Do gel nails look fake? ›

Gel nails often appear more natural than acrylic due to their thinner application and glossy finish.

Are gel nails better than acrylic nails? ›

If durability and dramatic length are key, acrylics are the way to go. They're tougher and can be sculpted into long, elaborate designs. However, if you crave a more natural look and prioritize nail health, then a gel manicure might be better.

How long does gel 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.

How much is gel nail design? ›

Gel nail art is the most expensive option, typically costing between $35 and $50 per design.

What are the warnings about gel nails? ›

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.

Why do people like gel nails? ›

The good about gel nails

Gel nails tend to look more natural and aren't as likely to yellow as acrylic nails. They're also more flexible and less likely to chip or break than acrylic nails because they're made from a liquid resin that is cured under a UV or LED light.

What is the difference between gel and gel nails? ›

Gel nails are essentially nail enhancements in which faux nails are applied over the natural nails. They can cover the whole nail, or they can be applied to the nail tip as extensions. Gel polish, on the other hand, is a nail polish made with gel. It goes directly on the natural nail.

Can I put regular nail polish over gel? ›

If you have a gel manicure, you can paint straight over it with regular nail polish. Gel nail polish stays wet until it is hardened by UV/LED light and won't be affected by using regular nail polish, which dries over time when exposed to air.

How can I do my nails at home like a professional? ›

Get a Perfect At-Home Manicure in 7 Easy Steps
  1. File Your Nails. Make sure they are completely dry (filing wet nails can cause splitting). ...
  2. Soak Your Nails. Apply a rich hand cream. ...
  3. Push Back Your Cuticles. ...
  4. Apply a Basecoat. ...
  5. Brush On Two Coats Of Color. ...
  6. Apply a Top Coat. ...
  7. Clean Up Any Smudges.

What nail color is in trend for 2024? ›

"I think a clean, natural nail look will be popular in 2024." We'll be seeing variations of neutral shades, like sandy beiges, light pinks, and deep browns, which of course, TikTokers have deemed as "chocolate milk nails." To get the creamy look, make sure to opt for a shade without shimmer (I personally love Mented ...

What is the nail trend for 2024? ›

From latte nails to bubble bath nails, ultra minimalist manicures are totally in for 2024. Lip gloss nails—which entails a clear glossy coat of polish over natural nails—perfectly epitomize this nail trend.

What nail shape is in style 2024? ›

Trending nail shapes for 2024

2. Coffin: Coffin-shaped nails, also known as ballerina nails, feature a square shape with tapered and pointed tips. This shape provides a bold and trendy look that is popular among many fashion-forward individuals.

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