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

What is the most popular nail shape in 2024? ›

According to Lippmann, many clients are interested in shorter nails instead of long acrylic manicures. The favored nail shape has also shifted from rounded almond to short and square. "While the almond shape was widely popular this past year, I think we will see more short square-shape nails come into play," she said.

What is the summer nail color for 2024? ›

Summer 2024 Nail Trend: Pastel Nail Colors

“This summer, soft and delicate pastels will gain popularity with baby pink, mint green, and soft lemon leading the palette,” says Walton.

What nail design goes with everything? ›

French Tip Nail Designs

You can never go wrong with a French tip because there is so much versatility to be had - choose between a micro French manicure or even a reverse French manicure. You could have a French mani on just a few nails to combine different styles, or you could go bold with lots of different colours.

What's trending in nails right now? ›

“Many people are now embracing a sleek, minimalistic look for their nails, and we're seeing a lot of sheers and pigmented skin tone and nude shades trending for 2024.” This should come as no surprise, especially after a year filled with bright pink Barbie-inspired nail designs.

What is the hottest nail trend? ›

Molten chrome accents

One of the biggest nail trends and pedicure colors of 2023 was chrome — specifically, a full set of monochromatic silver that screamed bling. But for 2024 nail art, the megawatt shine will be dialed back and replaced with molten chrome accents that snake along your nails like flames.

What is the nail trend in spring 2024? ›

Spring 2024's Coolest Nail Trends Include Square Tips, Subtle Shimmer, and Bows. Mix and match is also still going strong. Sophie is a beauty news writer for Byrdie.

What color nail polish is in right now? ›

Earthy Tones: Natural and earthy nail polish colors are in vogue this year. These muted and understated shades, such as warm browns and soft greens, provide a more relaxed and organic look, perfect for those who prefer a minimalist and nature-inspired style.

Are coffin nails in style 2024? ›

Birthday-Themed Acrylic Coffin Nails for Spring 2024: Celebratory and festive, birthday-themed acrylic coffin nails will be a hit in Spring 2024. These designs might include playful art like balloons, confetti patterns, or glitter accents, perfect for medium-length nails.

What is the pedicure trend in 2024? ›

Pastel Glazed Colors

This spring, we'll still be riding that glossy wave. "The spring pedicure trend is pastel glazed colors, especially lavender and yellow," Tokyo says. These shades are perfect for adding a gentle pop of color without overdoing it.

What is the most attractive nail color? ›

In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .

What nail designs do guys like? ›

The answer to this question can vary depending on personal preferences, but generally, guys tend to like natural or classic colors for nails. This includes shades like nude, light pink, and red. These colors give off a clean and put-together look that is attractive to many guys.

What are the 5 basic nail designs? ›

Most clients lean toward one of five basic nail shapes: square, round, oval, squoval, or pointed.

What are rich girl nails? ›

A twist on the classic nude nail look, the rich girl manicure features neutral polish in a slightly unexpected way, whether it's a sheer coat of color, a mega glossy finish, a milky ombré effect, or something in between.

What is the new nail technique better than gel? ›

Polygel nails are stronger than gel nails and more flexible than acrylic nails, which makes them less likely to chip or break. “If someone is hard on their hands, it bounces back more easily instead of cracking,” says Kandalec.

What nail design suits me? ›

If you have short palms and short fingers, it's best to opt for rounded oval and almond shapes. For longer palms and fingers, consider dramatic stiletto or coffin (or ballerina) shaped styles. Almond shaped nails tend to suit everyone.

What is the nail trend in 2024 winter? ›

Achieve chocolate-glazed nails by opting for warm brown shades like Salted Caramel with creamy undertones. Or go bold with a darker, more rich chocolate brown like Créme de Chocolat. Experiment with different nail shapes, such as square or oval, to find the style that complements your hands.

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