Korean Jelly Nails are April's Cutest Nail Trend.

In the realm of beauty, South Korea has long set trends, including glass skin, multi-step skincare regimens, and now, this spring, Korean jelly nails.

These shiny, candy-like nails are juicy in addition to being adorable. Jelly nails, with their transparent hues that evoke hard candy, Jell-O, or jam, add a playful, nostalgic touch that is ideal for spring and summer.

Korean Jelly Nails: What Are They?

Jelly nails are renowned for their 3D appearance and thick, incredibly glossy polish. Your nails will appear as though they have been dipped in liquid candy thanks to the see-through, syrupy effect created by high-viscosity gels or stacked sheer varnishes.

Jelly nails are distinguished by their vivid, saturated colors that give each manicure depth and personality, even though they share that juicy sheen with popular nail styles like lip gloss and soap nails.

The Source of the Trend

This fad appeals to nostalgia even though it is now trending (more than 20,000 TikTok postings under the hashtag #jelly nails). These shiny, plastic-like nails reflect the comeback of 90s fashion, such as PVC sandals and jelly shoes. It is a charming reminder of carefree summers spent as a child.

Visiting the salon to get Korean jelly nails

A base coat is applied after nail prep, which includes removing previous polish, shaping, and cuticle cleaning, as is the case with most gel manicures. The jelly layers follow, which are thick, syrupy layers that are bonded with a high-shine top coat to produce a translucent yet vibrant finish.

Many nail artists advise utilizing genuine Korean gel products for optimal results. These formulae are a little more costly, but they are worth the upgrade because they are thicker, self-leveling, easier to modify, and last longer.

Jelly nails come in a wide range of colors, from pastels to neons, glitter to ombré. Layered effects that resemble water drops, diamonds, or even fruit pulp can be as simple or as intricate as you wish.

Make Your Own Gel Nails at Home

Do you want to give them a try? You only need a little imagination and not salon-quality equipment. Here's a quick technique with ordinary nail polish:

You will require:

A base coat that is transparent

A top coat, ideally one that adds plumpness, such as OPI Gel Plump Effect Top Coat

Your preferred highly pigmented nail polish

Steps:

Apply a base coat to your nails and let them dry.

In the top coat bottle, add a few drops of your color polish, then shake to combine.

Let each coat of the jelly mixture dry before applying the next one.

Apply a final clear top coat after adding glitter or decals, if desired.

That is it! Candy-like, glossy, and juicy nails—no need for an appointment.

The Reasons Behind the Popularity of Jelly Nails

Jelly nails are fun, attractive, and work well with any nail length or shape, whether you choose to opt for delicate and understated or bold and vivid. It is a delightful blend of flair, inventiveness, and nostalgia that is ideal for spring.