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

Gel manicures 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 nail designs offer a stylish and low-maintenance option for anyone looking to switch up their manicure routine.

"Choosing gel nail designs over traditional nail polish offers several benefits," saysYesica Leal Nolasco, the owner of Yes_ica Nails, a Sola Salons studio in New Jersey. "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.

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

.

01of 35

Purple Aura

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (1)

Purple and pink tones blend seamlessly in this airbrush style manicure, which evokes a tropical sunset or a cone of cotton candy.

02of 35

Fluorescent French

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (2)

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.

03of 35

Tortoiseshell

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (3)

Who says tortoiseshell is reserved for accessories? This hyper-detailed design transforms nails into carbon copies of the chic material.

04of 35

Long, Blingy Tips

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (4)

“I love a good reflective gel design,” says Nolasco. “It’s fun, especially for the holidays.” Though the nails photographed here are a bit longer, this glittery design would also work on shorter nails (as you'll see in a bit).

05of 35

Jeweled Starfish

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (5)

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.

06of 35

Double Patterns

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (6)

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.

07of 35

Chrome Font

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (7)

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. It's simple, but I wanted a small design to represent my birthday year.”

08of 35

Clase Azul

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (8)

Drawing inspiration from the Clase Azul tequila bottle, this manicure is both opulent and sophisticated. And since the length is shorter, they're more on the delicate side.

09of 35

Purple French

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (9)

“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.”As minimal as this is, it's still rather eye-catching.

10of 35

Glitter Ombré

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (10)

A gold glitter ombré design is a fantastic manicure choice for those who crave a subtle sparkle that goes with everything. The seamless transition between these tips and the base adds depth and vibrancy to the nails.

11of 35

French Ombre

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (11)

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.

12of 35

Fluorescent Floral

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (12)

In this look, the fluorescent floral design gives a playful and fun vibe. The coral accent nails add a trendy and eye-catching element. This manicure is perfect for vacations.

13of 35

Red Sparkle

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (13)

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.

14of 35

Flames & Fire

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (14)

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.

15of 35

Short, Glittery Tips

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (15)

Glittery tips add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any manicure, elevating the overall look with a subtle, yet dazzling sparkle. You could also change the color of the glitter to match your vibe.

16of 35

Black & Silver Ombré

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (16)

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.

17of 35

Teal Combo

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (17)

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

18of 35

Floral French

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (18)

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.

19of 35

Heart Tips

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (19)

The playful hearts on these gel nails are perfect for expressing love and embracing a chic, modern trendy look. Sure, they're perfect for Valentine's Day, but we also love this look year-round.

20of 35

Fall French

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (20)

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.

21of 35

Zebra Accent

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (21)

This bold design with zebra print accent nails merges sophistication with a touch of untamed flair, creating a perfect balance of style and individuality. To create a bit more of a mix-and-match feel, alternate the accent nails.

22of 35

Fuschia Floral

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (22)

“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. Plus, the differently placed flowers on each finger add several focal points.

23of 35

Fluorescent Grid

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (23)

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.

24of 35

Cloudy Sky

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (24)

This stunning cloudy sky nail art perfectly captures the serene beauty of a daydream.Though this particular look features cloud on each nail, you could certainly opt for accent nails instead.

25of 35

Butterfly Accent

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (25)

Get garden-chic vibes with a butterfly design on a milky nude base. These butterflies are teeny-tiny, so they won't call too much attention—but they make a great addition.

26of 35

Lemon Glitter

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (26)

Indulge in the zest of style with lemon nail art. The playful and vibrant citrus motifs evoke a fresh, fruity vibe. Plus, the glitter adds an extra layer of depth that's truly captivating once you feast your eyes on it.

27of 35

Split Pattern

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (27)

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

28of 35

Leopard Watercolor

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (28)

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

29of 35

Paisley Scarfs

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (29)

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.

30of 35

Nude Chrome

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (30)

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.

31of 35

Textured Chrome

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (31)

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.

32of 35

Tutti Fruity

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (32)

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.

33of 35

Cactus Tips

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (33)

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.

34of 35

Negative Space Swirls

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (34)

Rather than creating swirls with colorful polish, this creative design leaves some spots bare, creating swirls with negative space.

35of 35

Shimmering stars

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

A shimmering bronze base is the perfect backdrop for subtle stars. This manicure would look festive just about any time of year.

35 Must-See Gel Nails Designs for Your Mood Board (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 5939

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.