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

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Purple Aura

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

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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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Tortoiseshell

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

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Long, Blingy Tips

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“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).

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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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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. It's 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. And since the length is shorter, they're more on the delicate side.

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

Glitter Ombré

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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.

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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. The coral accent nails add a trendy and eye-catching element. This manicure is perfect for vacations.

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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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Short, 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. You could also change the color of the glitter to match your vibe.

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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.

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. Sure, they're perfect for Valentine's Day, but we also love this look year-round.

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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. To create a bit more of a mix-and-match feel, alternate the accent nails.

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

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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.Though this particular look features cloud on each nail, you could certainly opt for accent nails instead.

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Butterfly Accent

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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.

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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. Plus, the glitter adds an extra layer of depth that's truly captivating once you feast your eyes on it.

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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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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.

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Negative Space Swirls

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

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Shimmering stars

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