© From The Nail

In Korea, nail art is considered to be a fun and creative way to express personality and style. From minimal chic looks to bold, eye-catching designs, nails are more than just a nail care routine - they’re a part of fashion. And this spring, the hottest trend in Korean nail salons and on Instagram feeds is jelly nails.

Jelly nails, sometimes called "glass nails" or "candy nails", are known for their translucent, glossy finish. They often come in bright colors like pink, orange, blue, or green and have a soft, squishy look—like Jell-O or hard candy. These nails are thick and smooth, with a slightly raised, 3D surface. Some designs even look like they’re glowing or melting under the light. The texture is different from regular polish. Jelly nails use sheer gels or special polishes that create a juicy, layered effect. The result is fresh, playful, and perfect for warmer seasons.

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But why are jelly nails so popular these days? First, they’re super eye-catching. Their bright, shiny colors stand out in the spring sunlight and look amazing in photos. Many people say they remind them of childhood—colorful jelly shoes, candy, or summer memories. Second, they’re highly customizable. Whether you prefer simple pink with no extra designs or bold glitter-filled styles with 3D shapes, there’s a jelly nail for you. Finally, they’re trendy online. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, #jellynails has thousands of posts. Korean celebrities, influencers, and even global stars like Kylie Jenner have been spotted showing off jelly nail looks.

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Though jelly nails feel new, the idea actually comes from the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, clear plastic jelly sandals and glossy lip gloss were everywhere. This nail trend brings those same feelings back—carefree, colorful, and a little nostalgic. As jelly shoes made a comeback in recent years, nail artists were inspired to try something similar with nails. That’s how jelly nails were born: part retro, part modern, and all fun.

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The jelly nail process is similar to getting a soft gel manicure. Here’s how a nail artist usually does it:

1. Remove old polish and clean the nails.

2. Shape the nails and push back or trim cuticles.

3. Apply a clear base coat.

4. Add one or more layers of sheer, colorful gel polish.

5. Optionally, add glitter, charms, or decals.

6. Finish with a glossy top coat.

To get the best results, Korean nail techs often use high-quality Korean gels, which are thicker and create a more 3D, glassy finish.

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If you want to customize your jelly nails, you definitely can. Being highly customizable is one of the best parts about jelly nails.

• Colors: Go soft with pastel tones or bold with neon shades.

• Textures: Add glitters, shimmer, or even metallic flakes.

• Shapes: Try almond, square, or even short, natural-looking nails.

• Designs: Use jelly polish to make mini hearts, fruit shapes, waves, or animal prints.

• Layers: Combine different colors for a watercolor or ombre effect.

You can even add thick gel drops in the shape of bubbles or hearts for a 3D, "chunky" nail look.

© GlossyBlossom Cream Palette (69079)                      © GlossyBlossom Gold Pink Dradation (45580)                     © GlossyBlossom Red Gradation (45804)

Another good thing about then is that you can achieve the look of jelly nails at home too. If you don’t want to visit a salon, mix a drop of brightly colored nail polish into a clear top coat and shake well. Then, apply two or more coats to get that sheer, candy-like color. Finish with a high-shine top coat. Alternatively you can also try self-nail brands like Korea’s GlossyBlossom, which offers ready-made jelly nail strips that are easy to apply and remove.

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Jelly nails are sweet, stylish, and perfect for spring. Whether you're going to a festival, planning a picnic, or just want to brighten your everyday look, these nails are a simple way to bring color and shine into your life. In the end, it’s not just about following a trend—it’s about expressing yourself. And jelly nails are the perfect playful tool to do just that.