Getting your nails done is all about being creative and finding new ways to make sure your fingertips look fabulous and reflective of your personality. Get some design inspo for your next trip to the nail salon with these 10 gel nail design trends!
From the classic French mani to long red nails and crushed velvet effects, there’s a nail trend out there to suit every style and preference.
So, stock up on your gel colours and get creative with your nail designs to round out the year.
Crushed Velvet
Crushed velvet nails are the ultimate autumnal nail trend. This nail design creates the illusion of soft, tactile nails using glitter and shine, cementing that cosy, warm feeling we love when it’s cold outside.
You can stick to everyday colours like soft pinks, grey, and neutral tones, or you can dress these nails up for a richer evening look with deep reds, blues, and greens.
Long Red Nails
The classics never go out of style, so it’s not surprising to find long red nails in the top 10 trends for 2023. Of course, this look is also great for short nails, but using builder gel to add some length gives your nails a more sophisticated appearance.
Why not experiment with gloss, satin, and matte finishes to give this look a more modern twist? Complete the look with some delicate gold jewellery for the ultimate, sophisticated look.
Classic Thin French Mani
Another classic look that should never drop off this list is the classic French tip design. This nail trend is ideal for shorter nails, although it can look great with extensions as well.
Thin French manicure nails are understated chic and look great with any outfit. Opt for a traditional white tip and keep it thin to maintain that classy, natural look that’s perfect for everyday wear.
French Glass Nails
Keeping things continental, the French glass nails trend is not to be missed out on. This look requires clear tips to create that glass look. These ultra-shiny nails can be worn as they are, or you can get creative with stickers and gems to make them look even more special.
You can opt for a natural, soft tone on your nail bed to give this look a more polished appearance.
Chrome Nails
Chrome nails are the perfect way to add a bit of drama to your nails. This nail design trend has been solidified as one of the top styles this year through its sheer popularity.
You can get creative with nail art using this trend, or you can keep things simple and opt for a super cool ombre nail design. This trend looks great on natural nails and nail extensions.
Minimalist Nails
While there are endless possibilities with gel nail designs, it’s often the most simple looks that are the most popular. Minimalist nails have always looked great, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Most minimalist nail designs tend to stick to natural pastel shades such as pastel pink or a milky, classic French manicure, but you can also create beautiful minimalist nails with soft colours like baby blue.
Negative Space Nails
If minimalism isn’t really your thing, negative space nails are a great option, with plenty of cool designs available. You can opt for any colour for your base gel polish, then create abstract shapes around the outside of your nail or in the centre, leaving negative space in the middle.
These nail designs can look great on short nails, but long nails give you more freedom. A coffin nail is ideal for this nail design.
3D Designs
Gel nail designs no longer need to be restricted to gel polish and nail art pens. 3D designs are incredibly popular and give you plenty of options for natural nails and extended nails.
There’s no limit to the nail designs you can create with this look, from seashell nails to cute paw prints, whatever suits your personal style.
Metallic Drip Nail Art
For more futuristic gel nails, you can’t go wrong with metallic drip nail art. This look might seem complex and advanced, but it’s actually one of our favourite easy nail art designs that you can do at home.
You can go for eye-catching, bright colours to create bright nail art or add just a hint of colour to your nails to provide the perfect canvas for a striking design.
Milky White Nails
Finally, a classic gel manicure design that looks great on everyone is the milky white nails trend. As the name suggests, this design requires a milky white shade of gel polish to give a super cute design that’s perfect for any nail length.
This gel polish look falls firmly into the category of nude nail designs and looks great on everybody.
Nail Designs For Any Nail Length
There are plenty of nail designs that are more suited to long or short nails, depending on the look, but there are many more that are suitable for any nail length.
Short nail designs tend to either be one shade and simple or feature bright colours to draw attention. Gel nail designs for long nails often feature plenty of stickers or decals to fill up the extra space.
No matter what length your nails are, there are so many pretty designs you can create with your gel nail polish.
FAQs
What are some ways to modernise the classic red nail look?
Red nails are a classic staple of gel nail designs, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are plenty of ways to bring a modern edge to your long red nails. The easiest way to do this is to use different finishes. From matte to satin, there are plenty of gel polish options to change things up.
What is the French glass nails trend?
The French glass nails trend is exactly what it says on the tin. The classic French manicure has been updated. Instead of a white French tip, the tip of the nail is clear, like glass. You can leave it clear for a simple look or add some gems or flowers for something more interesting.
What characterises a minimalist nail design?
A minimalist nail design is a super simple look that keeps things easy. For this look, you should stick to nude nail designs rather than bright colours. Minimalist nails look great for short nail designs and longer nails.
Can I create metallic drip nail art at home?
Absolutely! It might take a little bit of practice to nail the look of a natural drip. Gel nail polish is perfect for this kind of nail art, as it can be manipulated into the perfect position before it sets. Try using a toothpick or small brush to create your drip look.
Can all nail designs be adapted for any nail length?
Of course! The vast majority of nail looks can work as both long and short nail designs. You might need to make some adjustments, but you can easily find a version of that design for your nail length. Don’t forget to have fun and let your personality shine through your nails!