What is Jelly Gel? How to Use It to Get Perfect Nail Repairs and Extensions

By ILLIA Kostenko Sep 23, 2025

Jelly nails are the newest craze in nail art, and everyone is talking about it.

Originally inspired by the playful jelly trend that began in Korea and Japan, this version of jelly gel has become popular worldwide because it blends salon-level durability with creative nail art possibilities.

In this guide, you’ll learn why jelly gel nails are changing the way we think about nails. We’ll also show you how to use jelly types of nail polish.

What is the Jelly Nail Trend?

First things first: what is the trending jelly style for nails? Let's dive into this unique and noteworthy look.

The Jelly Nail Trend: Why Everyone Loves It

The jelly nail trend started as a fun, glossy look with clear, glassy finishes. It's become very popular on social media, with trending designs revolving around the jelly style of polish.

Jelly Nails vs. Regular Polish

Here’s the main difference: regular polish simply paints color on the nail, while jelly nails tend to be semi-transparent, almost sheer.

With jelly nails, you can:

Build up each coat to achieve sheer looks or bold opaque looks
Add glitter or ombre effects for extra style.
Protect natural nails with longer wear.

Choosing the Right Jelly Nail Polish

Look for formulas that are gentle on natural nails, hypoallergenic, and easy to cure. The right product ensures you can wear your jelly nails comfortably without irritation.

Builder Gel for Extra Strength

Especially for brittle or weak nails, applying builder gel as a base ensures a solid foundation. Layer jelly polish on top, cure each coat properly, and achieve a flawless nail trend that lasts.

Builder gels aren't a must, but are a good option for those looking to protect nails that extra step. Jelly nails on their own typically aren't very thick.

Tips for Perfect Jelly Manicures

Apply jelly gel in thin layers to prevent bulk.
Cure after each layer for durability.
Always finish with a high-quality top coat.
Clean edges with a fine brush for neat nail art.

Nail Design Ideas for Jelly Gel

The jelly nail trend is great because it’s versatile. You can use jelly nails to showcase your style in various ways. They can be basic and classy or bold and fun. A soft, sweet pastel jelly manicure, for example, can make your nails look dreamy and delicate. You can create one-of-a-kind manicures that look good and last with jelly nail paints in every color. Choose from a variety of colors to mix and match for fun nail art.

Here Are Some Popular Jelly Nail Designs:

Classic Solid Colors: A coat of jelly gel in pink, nude, or bright colors gives a clean, classic look.
French Tips With Jelly: A new take on the French manicure, using clear or glittery colors on the tips for extra style.
Ombre Effects: Use multiple jelly polishes to make subtle gradients that mix well.
Glitter Accents: To get nails that sparkle and shine, mix glitter into your top coat. Use a fine brush to paint forms, lines, or patterns over sheer layers for a fashion-inspired effect.

Kokoist Jelly Gel Available from F.O.X Nails USA

Kokoist’s jelly gels come in stunning colors and help strengthen and fix weak nails. Use a thin brush, apply a few drops of your favorite jelly polish shade over your cured jelly builder gel, and finish with top coat. Whether you prefer bold colors, soft pinks, or glitter accents, you can achieve nail art that stands out.

Unlike other nail trends, jelly nails with Kokoist gels let you combine color and structure for strong, stunning results. They work for subtle classic pink nails, vibrant designs, or even nail art packed with rhinestones. By layering polish over jelly gel, you get a manicure that’s durable, glossy, and stylish.

Beauty lovers stock up on jelly gels because they’re versatile for any season and work for both DIY and salon use. Find your favorite collection of shades at your beauty store or online retailer.

Check out these options from Kokoist:

The Kokoist Summer Collection

The Kokoist Jelly Bean Series

The Kokoist Venetian Glass Series

The Kokoist Clear Glass Series

What Makes Jelly Gel Special:

Allergen-Free: Our jelly gel solution is hypoallergenic and won't burn your skin. It’s safe on natural nails and feels gentle under a UV lamp.
Do All Nails At Once: You don’t need to create extensions one at a time. With our jelly gel, you can apply it to your nails at the same time.
Cruelty-Free: Because beauty should be both trendy and ethical, the ingredients are safe and cruelty-free.
Long-Lasting Glossy Wear: Our gel polish lasts through any season, staying shiny and chip-resistant.
A Range of Colors: You can choose classic pink tints or bright colors. Our jelly gels enable you to create looks that truly stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Jelly Nail Trend?

A style of nails that has become quite popular on social media. The semi-transparent polish provides a super sleek, polished look that is favored for the 'clean girl' aesthetic, amongst other reasons.