Gel nails have been a popular trend in the beauty world for some time now. While most people associate gel nails with a solid color look using gel nail polish, there is so much more that can be done with gel. There are thousands of cool designs that can be created using gel nail polish!
What makes gel polish such an excellent choice for designs is that it can be used on any nail length or shape. Whether you prefer a natural look using your natural nail length or want to add some extra length with acrylic nails, gel can achieve your desired look. This makes it convenient and easy for anyone to do their own gel nails at home.
If you have never tried gel nail designs before, don’t worry. This post will show you various gel designs you can try, regardless of whether you have short or long nails. These designs range from minimalistic to bold and eye-catching, so you’re sure to find something that fits your personal style.
So, if you want to try giving yourself a gel manicure, consider testing out some of these gel nail designs for a stunning and unique look.
Table of Contents
Short Gel Nail Designs
1. Colorful French
I adore French nails, especially when they are done with colorful tips, as shown in this gel French manicure tutorial!
This is a perfect example of a super cute look that you can do using gel nail polish if you have shorter nails or would like to use your natural nails to create the look.
For this look, just make sure to have a bunch of different colored gel nail polish for the tips of your nails and your favorite base coat color! You can also go clear on your base if you’d like.
2. Encapsulated Glitter
If you love the encapsulated glitter nail look, you can also totally do this kind of nail look with gel polish!
This gel nail look is perfect for those who like to add sparkle to their nail looks. You can also add some colorful gel nail polish to this look, as shown in this video tutorial!
And, if you want to get extra creative, you can even add some floral designs to the look with encapsulated flowers.
Related post: 15 Beautiful Glitter Nail Designs You’ll Obsess Over
3. Abstract Design
Abstract nail designs have been very trendy lately, and what’s great about this type of design is you can easily do it using gel nail polish!
If you want to see a great example of an abstract nail design you can do using gel nail polish, check out this video tutorial.
4. Gold Nail Art Design
Another cool type of nail design that you can do with gel nail polish is gold metallic nail designs!
You may not have thought about using gold or silver nail polish on gel nails, but you totally can and you can create some gorgeous nail looks using these shades.
For example, watch this video tutorial to see a couple of different designs you can do to create a gold nail art look with gel nail polish!
Related reading: The Prettiest Gold Nail Designs for an Elegant Nail Look
5. Gel Nails with Rhinestones
Also, if you like to add nail accessories to your nail looks, you can also totally do this with gel nail polish.
What I love about adding rhinestones to nail looks is you can get creative with how you want it to look and create many different kinds of looks. For instance, you can do all over rhinestones or just a strip of diamonds, as seen above.
If you love glam nail looks like these, I recommend watching this video tutorial to learn how to use rhinestones with gel nail polish to create a gorgeous design that will make your nails stand out!
Long Gel Nail Designs
6. Ombre Gel Nails
If you have longer nails or want to add extensions to your nails, don’t worry because you can also do gel nail polish designs on these types of nails!
For those who like to have longer nails, a great way to use gel nail polish to create a gorgeous long nail look is by doing an ombre gel nail design, as shown in this video tutorial.
You can also add a little something extra to this look by incorporating some pearls and sparkle designs!
Related reading: Gorgeous Ombre Nail Designs and Ideas That Are Honestly Goals
7. French Manicure with Rhinestones
Another gel nail design look I adore on longer nails is this French manicure with rhinestones.
I think this look is perfect for those of us who love the look of a French manicure but want to add some sparkle to it and make it more interesting.
If this sounds like the look you want, check out this video tutorial to see exactly how to get the look using gel nail polish.
8. Swirl Nail Design
I am sure you have probably seen the trendy swirl nail look before (it’s been everywhere this year and last), which you can also do using gel nail polish!
This nail look will be super easy for you to recreate at home if you want a simple but also trendy design. Just make sure to pick out your favorite gel nail polish colors that complement each other to recreate this look!
If you have never tried this look at home, watch this quick video tutorial to see how you can get a swirl nail look using gel nail polish.
9. Nail Art Designs
If you want to try out some more intricate designs using gel nail polish, there are a ton of different nail art looks that you can go for!
I recommend checking out this video tutorial that will show you a couple of different super cute and trendy gel nail looks you can do that will give you adorable nail designs you will be obsessed with.
10. Marble Nails
You have probably seen the marble nail look before, but have you considered trying it with gel nail polish?
You can definitely use gel nail polish to create a gorgeous marble nail look and this video tutorial will show you exactly how to do it. It helps to use a few different shades of the same color, like the purples used above. This would also be so pretty in pink!
Minimalistic Gel Nails
11. Classic French Manicure
For those of us who want more minimalistic nail designs using gel nail polish, don’t worry because there are a few different nail looks you can go for.
For example, if you want to try a classic French manicure using gel nail polish, watch this quick video tutorial to see how to get the look!
12. Basic Gel Manicure
You could also go for a solid color nail polish look using gel nail polish. This is probably what you think of when you think about gel polish.
This easy tutorial is perfect for those who want to use gel polish but also want a super simple nail look.
All you need is your favorite shade of gel nail polish, and you’ll be able to create this kind of look super easily at home in no time!
13. Baby Boomer Nails/Ombre Nails
Another look you can choose if you want a simple gel nail polish design is this baby boomer nail look! If you don’t know what baby boomer nails are, they are just ombre nails using nude and white shades.
This look will be perfect if you want a classy and straightforward gel nail polish look! Just check out this video tutorial to see exactly how you can get baby boomer nails at home using nail polish.
14. Fall French
When the chilly vibes start rolling in, it’s all about nailing that cozy autumn feel. Why not go for a French gel manicure with a twist?
I love the look of sleek silver tips paired with a rich burgundy base. This look vibes with the whole fall mood – it’s stylish, a bit festive, and oh-so-perfect for anyone looking to add some seasonal flair to their style. The girls that get it, get it – this manicure is a low-key way to make a high-key statement.
15. Glittery Tips
Glossy tips are a total game-changer for nails, adding that sparkly, chic touch to make them stand out. It’s all about leveling up your nail game from basic to fab!
16. Heart Tip Nails
These gel nails with their playful heart designs are the perfect mix of cute and trendy, celebrating love in a stylish way.
17. Builder Gel Baby Love
Speaking of love, this irresistible chic pink gel nail look will make you fall in love! This natural-toned shade gives your nails a freshly manicured look that’s stunning for all occasions.
18. Strawberry Wine Nails
These strawberry red gel nails are perfect for a bold, glam look. The rich, luxe hue of the strawberry wine red shade will definitely turn heads and make a statement wherever you go.
Which gel nail design from this list do you like the most?
Which gel design are you going to try on your nails? Have you ever tried gel nail designs?