Keeping up with new nail trends can feel exhausting, but if you haven’t swooned over the jelly nail trend yet, I would truly be surprised. Thanks to them being customizable and practically fool-proof, they are shockingly easy to pull off at home or in the salon, which is half the reason why so many people love them. The other half? Well, they look like candy, and that’s just straight-up fun, especially when you’re searching for summer nail trends.
If you’re familiar with the jelly shoes trend, you can picture jelly nails. They are translucent, shiny, and come in all different colors and shapes. The trend originated in South Korea, so their rise to fame is not surprising considering how much we all love and swear by Korean beauty, but what wins most people over is that they are low-effort while still making your manicure look oh-so polished. Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly what a jelly manicure is, how it differs from other popular trends like popsicle nails, the best jelly nail ideas to try, and how to get the look yourself.
What are jelly nails?
Jelly nails are sheer, glossy, translucent manicures that have a soft, candy-like finish. They’re created using sheer or semi-sheer polish that provides a wash of color while still letting the natural nail subtly show through. Finished with an ultra-shiny top coat, they create a smooth, glass-like effect that makes the nails look plump, luminous, and almost “juicy.”
Jelly Nails vs. Popsicle Nails vs. Syrup Nails
Jelly nails, popsicle nails, and syrup nails all fall into the sheer, glossy manicure trend category, but each one creates a slightly different effect. Here are their main differences regarding finish, what each trend is best for, and more.
| Trend | Finish | Look | Standout feature | Best for |
| Jelly nails | Translucent and glossy | Glassy, sheer color | See-through “jelly” effect | Minimal summer nails |
| Popsicle nails | Blurred gradient | Diffused, melted color | ombre-like finish | Bold colorful nails |
| Syrup nails | Ultra-sheer and layered | Milky, syrup-like wash | Natural “your nails but better” look | Clean girl aesthetic |
How to try the jelly nail trend
Jelly nails are known for their translucent, glassy finish that looks juicy, sheer, and ultra-glossy. While the trend might look intricate, there are actually several ways to achieve the look depending on your preferred nail style, maintenance level, and budget.
At the salon
The easiest way to achieve a jelly manicure is by asking your nail tech for a sheer manicure with a translucent finish. Most salons create the look by layering tinted polish to build up color while still letting light pass through the nail. Bring inspiration photos to show your nail tech so they don’t confuse them with similar trends like syrup nails or glass nails.
READ: This $19 Product Made Me Cancel My Monthly Manicure Appointments
DIY at home
You can recreate a jelly manicure at home using either regular polish or gel polish. Follow these steps:
- Apply a clear or milky base coat
- Layer a sheer polish in thin coats
- Build color gradually without losing translucency
- Finish with an ultra-glossy top coat
The best colors for jelly nails
One reason they are so popular is that the finish works with almost any shade. Bright shades tend to create the most noticeable jelly effect, while neutral nail polishes give a softer “your nails but better” finish.
Some of the most popular jelly nail colors include:
- cherry red
- strawberry pink
- peach
- coral
- milky nude
- lavender
- sea glass green
- icy blue
READ: The OPI Nail Polish Shades We’re Wearing on Repeat This Summer
Jelly nail ideas for your next manicure
Here are our favorite jelly nail inspiration photos to save for your next manicure appointment or DIY at-home manicure.
1. Light blue jelly nails
As someone who rarely departs from her go-to light blue at the salon, I need this dreamy, jelly blue on my nails immediately. It reads as playful rather than basic and offers a fun twist on a classic color, which is perfect for a summer manicure.
2. Short, neutral jelly manicure
If you usually avoid bright nail colors, that doesn’t mean you can’t still participate in the jelly trend. Opt for a sheer, neutral nail polish like the one above for a soft jelly effect that doesn’t require straying from your classic palette.
3. Sheer pink jelly nails
Bubble Bath girls, you’ll love this jelly manicure that incorporates the slightest tinge of pink for a sweet finish. With one coat, the pink stays especially sheer and delicate.
READ: The Best OPI Pink Nail Polishes of All Time
4. Long red jelly manicure
The red nail train is always chugging along the track, and while I’ll never part with a classic red manicure, this jelly version brings a bold update for summer. The shade still looks vibrant despite the sheer jelly effect.
5. Rainbow jelly nails
Why choose one color when you can mix shades and get a rainbow look this good? It’s the ideal manicure for anyone who’s indecisive. Plus, a multi-colored manicure always screams summer.
READ: OPI Just Released a New Collection: Bold Colors Are In for Summer
6. White jelly french manicure
If you want to keep things clean and simple, you can never go wrong with a white manicure. White jelly is an easy way to try the trend, with a fresh wash of color rather than an opaque white.
READ: The “Invisible” French Manicure Gives Classic French Tips a Softer, More Modern Finish
7. Soft cherry jelly nails
This soft cherry color is pretty much the basis of where this trend started from. It offers the perfect amount of color, softness, and juiciness that we love so much about jelly nails.
8. Deep purple jelly nails
Jelly nails can go dark, too! This gorgeous deep purple color is definitely elegant, but it’s still juicy enough to make it totally eye-catching.
9. Turquoise jelly manicure
I’m a huge fan of jewel tones on the nails, so, naturally, I’m obsessed with this turquoise shade. The green-blue shade is perfect for any time of year.
10. Baby pink jelly almond nails
When in doubt, a baby pink will always pull through. The jelly style adds a playfulness beyond your typical pink manicure set.
11. Mint green jelly nails
This soft green nail polish is perfect for summer, especially because it’s reminiscent of another nail trend we love so much: matcha nails.
12. Subltle lavender jelly manicure
A soft lavender color is a great way to incorporate color while still keeping things understated. Whether you’re a bride looking for your bridal shower nails or you’re a corporate girl looking for a fun yet still professional manicure, this jelly nail color a great option.
13. Red polka dot jelly nail art
Looking for jelly nail art inspiration? Look no further than these red polka dots nails. They are classic, fun, and look good on any skin tone.
14. Barbie pink jelly nails
This jelly manicure looks like it just walked out of the chicest candy store in town. The Barbie pink shade is feminine and fun, so this is a manicure you’ll want to have on repeat.
15. Watercolor jelly nails
If you’re looking to have even more fun with this trend, this watercolor set is totally dreamy. It is the perfect example of the jelly nail trend being totally customizable.
16. Deep wine jelly manicure
These nails remind me of a crisp glass of deep red wine. What’s not to love about that? Perfect for date nights, weddings, or just an average day when you want a sophisticated manicure that’s also on-trend.
17. Mauve jelly nails
Sign me up for these mauve nails! The soft shade is the perfect in-between color that pairs with just about anything. Plus, its subtle so even minimalist nail lovers will love it.
18. Grape jelly nails
These nails are giving me some serious nostalgia. They remind me of bright grape jelly from my childhood—and they look just as sweet, too.
19. Neon pink jelly nails
If you’re looking to add some brightness to your nails this summer or need a standout shade for your vacation nails, this shade is it.
20. Pastel rainbow jelly nail art
If you want to have a little fun with your nails, you can try a rainbow of jelly shades! I love the softness of the pastel colors, and the juiciness is totally enhanced by the clear 3D designs on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long do jelly nails last?
Jelly manicures typically last about one to two weeks with regular polish and up to three weeks if done with gel. Using a good top coat can help keep the glossy, translucent finish looking fresh for longer.
Can you do jelly nails on short nails?
Absolutely! They look great on short nails because the sheer finish gives them a clean, playful look without needing extra length.
Are jelly nails gel or regular polish?
Jelly nails can be done with both gel and regular polish. The jelly trend is more about the translucent finish than the formula itself, so you can recreate the look with regular polish, gel polish, or even DIY jelly polish mixes at home.
What colors work best for jelly nails?
You can go one of two ways! Bright, juicy shades tend to work well—think cherry red, hot pink, orange, lime green, and ocean blue. Or, soft pastel jellies are also popular if you want something more subtle and wearable.
Are jelly nails still in style in 2026?
Jelly manicures are totally in style! They are one of the biggest nail trends of summer 2026 thanks to their glossy finish, nostalgic feel, and low-maintenance vibe. They’re fun without looking too overdone.
What’s the difference between jelly nails and syrup nails?
Jelly nails usually have a brighter, more transparent, candy-like finish, while syrup nails tend to look softer and more blended with a subtle gradient effect. Syrup nails are often more natural-looking, while jelly nails are a bit more playful.
Lauren Blue, Associate Editor & Book Club Co-Host
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives, from must-read books and behind-the-scenes interviews to beauty products she can’t live without. When she isn’t sitting in an AMC watching the latest buzzy release, she can be found scouring Goodreads for the perfect pick for The Everygirl Book Club. There, she co-hosts discussions with members, debating plotlines, fancasting characters, and, of course, tossing in her own recommendations.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
