12 Gel-Nail Designs That Are Big News in Salons Right Now

If you have a nail appointment coming up and are thinking about getting a gel manicure, you might be looking for some inspiration. The good news is, you've definitely come to the right place, as nail trends are sort of our thing. We spend our days saving, screenshotting and double-tapping our way through endless images of seriously cool manicures—from autumn nail looks to the biggest upcoming winter nail trends that are perfect if you're on the lookout for inspiration for your next salon appointment.

Before we get to them, however, you may be wondering: why gel nails over regular polish? Well, to answer that question, I quizzed Tinu Bello, senior Mylee ambassador and A-list manicurist with celebs including Sandra Oh and Holly Willoughby on her books. Here's her expert advice...

What Are Gel Nails?

"Gel nail polish is a professional-grade formula that delivers long-lasting, salon-quality results—even when used at home," explained Bello, "Unlike traditional nail polish that air-dries and can chip within days, gel polish cures under a UV or LED lamp, creating a hard, glossy finish that lasts for up to two to three weeks. This curing process not only enhances durability but also gives nails a flawless shine that stays vibrant, making your manicure look freshly done every day."

What Are the Benefits of Gel Nails?

"Gel polish offers a combination of beauty and durability that traditional polish simply can’t match," says Bello, "The high-gloss finish stays pristine for weeks, resisting chips, smudges and everyday wear. [Plus,] because the gel forms a protective layer over the natural nail, it can also help reduce breakage and peeling. Once cured, your nails are completely dry, meaning there’s no risk of smudging or waiting around."

"Gel is also highly versatile—perfect for everything from classic solid colours to creative nail art. When applied correctly, it gives a professional, polished look that’s hard to achieve with regular polish at home."

What Are the Downsides of Gel Nails?

"The main considerations with gel polish are proper application and gel removal," advises Bello. "Because gel bonds strongly to the nail, it should never be peeled or forced off—doing so can cause damage[, such a weakening and nail peeling]. Some say that frequent applications without breaks have the potential to weaken nails over time, but as long as your nail bed is prepped and gel polish is applied correctly, there won’t be any damage. I would recommend removing your gel polish every three weeks, though, so you can maintain your cuticle care and refresh your polish."

"Additionally, removing gel usually involves acetone, which can dry out nails and cuticles if not followed by proper care (however, Mylee offers an Acetone-Free Remover, which provides a much gentler way to remove your gels!). And of course, curing requires a UV or LED lamp, so having the right tools is essential for achieving the best results."

How To Remove Gel Nails

"Safe gel removal is all about patience and care," says Bello, "Start by lightly filing the shiny surface to break the seal with a file, then soak a cotton pad with gel remover, such as Mylee’s Acetone-Free Remover, and wrap each nail in foil or use gel-removal clips. After about 10–15 minutes, the gel will soften, and you can gently push it off with a cuticle pusher—never force it."

"After removal, it’s essential to nourish your nails and cuticles with cuticle oil to restore moisture. Following these steps keeps your nails healthy and strong, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of professional-quality gel polish at home."

So, now you know all about gel nail nails, on to the inspiration. At Who What Wear, when we look for gel nail designs, we typically turn to what the fashion set is wearing. After a little Instagram digging into the accounts of our favourite celebrities, editors and influencers, you can usually find the talented nail artists behind their nail designs. They are the ones who, in my eyes, really shape the trending nail shades and nail designs that we'll all be wearing each season.

Keep reading below to find out the best gel nail designs for 2025 to help make deciding on your next manicure colour or design much easier—you are welcome!

The Best Gel Nail Inspiration

1. Classic Red

If nail shade-induced panic washes over you once you are sat in the nail salon (we've all been there), then red nails are a failsafe, classic nail colour that will never not look chic. It makes your nails look polished, and it is one of those shades that will go with everything you wear.

If you want to mix it up a little bit, then opting for a bright red like this one by Julia Diogo. I'm seeing bright reds like this everywhere at the moment.

2. Ink

There's something about a blue mani. This deep navy shade oozes sophistication.

If dark shades like black or brown tend to wash out your hands, you might find navy is a more flattering option when you want to venture to the dark side.

Inky hues look best when finished with a glossy top coat to really enhance the shade.

3. Glazed + Glosses

Hailey Bieber's go-to nail technician, Zola Ganzorigt, practically broke TikTok when she shared how she creates Hailey's glossy, 'glazed donut' nails. Her secret? Using a chrome powder over OPI's gel nail shade, Funny Bunny, to get that semi-sheer sheen. Even years later, this is a nail trend that never dates.

The trend looks great dialled down with a sheer, slightly shimmering base colour.

We're also seeing the trend interpreted in more pearly finishes, too.

4. Minimalist Swirls

If you aren't a big fan of full-on nail art, this swirly design is the perfect minimalist manicure take. Think one-colour swirls in classic black, or muted pastels.

We're immediately screenshooting this silver swirly nail art for our next nail appointment.

5. Liquorice

Black is a timeless gel nail design that we come back to time and time again. Great for minimalists, you can count on a deep black shade to make your fingertips look chic.

Another plus of black gel polish is that it always looks super shiny.

No matter your nail length of shape, black gel polish will always look good.

6. Matcha

Matcha is having a moment, and we aren't just talking in lattes. The colour looks beautiful in a milky matcha hue on short nails.

Or try it more in the shade of its original powder form, which looks gorgeous on the tips of oval nail shapes.

7. Neutral Hues

Sometimes, simple and neutral shades make the best hues for gel nails. After all, you know that you won't regret a milky manicure like you might with something a bit more bold.

Another plus of neutral shades is that the nail regrowth won't be quite so obvious when compared to a bold shade, so you can extend the life of your gel mani.

If you're a nail minimalist, then a pinky-beige shade is guaranteed to tick all your boxes.

8. Geometric Shapes

Negative-space nail art makes a great gel nail design to opt for. How fun are these ice-white shapes? They make a good option for a gel manicure appointment, as it can be hard to create the look at home–unless you have steady hands!

This striped manicure is equally as graphic but a whole different mood.

9. Crocodile

I'm seeing this deep, crocodile green shade on just about every cool-girl right now. This particular shade by Bio Sculpture is called Free Lovin'.

I'm seeing all the top nail technicians flouting this shade on Instagram right now.

This shade looks particularly chic on shorter fingertips.

10. Bordeaux

Full-bodied and glossy, Bordeaux is a year-round classic shade, and it instantly makes your hands look expensive.

The most stylish shades almost border on a deep brown with just a hint of red.

We're totally mesmerised by the shine of this bordeaux gel manicure.

11. Double French

Instead of a classic French tip, more modern duo French designs have been cropping up more and more. They're a really fresh and fun take on the classic style.

I'm totally obsessing over this double French design with clashing colours.

So chic and elegant.

12. Chrome Accents

I regularly scroll on celebrity nail technician and Chanel nail artist Betina Goldstein's Instagram for the low-down on nail trends. She has a number of chrome nail looks. I love these minimalist chrome accents on each of the nails.

It looks equally great in gold, too.

Silver chrome tips and gold jewellery are a winner.

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