Jelly Nails Are Back: How To Nail The Sheer, Glossy Trend In 2025

Fun, glossy and straight out of your Y2K dreams — jelly nails are officially back for 2025, and they’re so much cuter the second time around. Inspired by the sheer sweetness of jelly shoes, Juicy Tubes and those inflatable chairs we were all obsessed with, this trend is pure nostalgia.

In this guide, we break down how to get jelly nails at home and serve all the inspo you need to rock this style all year long.

What are jelly nails?

Jelly nails are front and centre in the Y2K nail trend. Made with translucent nail polish, they’re loved for their see-through tint paired with a lip gloss-like finish.

Jelly nails are made for beach days, music festivals, late night dancing or those casual days when you just want to look extra cute. From soft girl energy to full-on Y2K glam, this nail trend brings bright colour and dewy drip, perfect for all your main character moments.

How are jelly nails done?

Jelly nails might look salon-level, but you can totally pull them off at home. Here’s how to achieve this Y2K nail trend:

What you’ll need:

• Clear base coat
• Jelly gel nail polish in your desired shade
• Clear builder gel (optional for added strength and jelly depth)
• Top coat
• UV/LED gel nail lamp

Step 1: Shape, buff and prep

Start by filing and shaping your nails, pushing back cuticles and lightly buffing the surface. This helps everything stick and stay.

Step 2: Use a reliable base coat

Coat your nails with a thin layer of clear base coat, cap the edges and cure under your gel lamp.

Step 3: Follow it up with builder gel 

Want extra strength or length? Add a layer of clear builder gel and cure after each coat. This step gives you that squishy, jelly-like depth.

Step 4: Add jelly nail polish

Apply one to two thin coats of your jelly gel polish and cure as instructed. The formula is buildable, so you can customise how sheer or vibrant you want your nails to look.

Step 5: Seal the deal

Finish with a shiny top coat to lock in your look and prevent chipping or peeling.

Best colours for jelly nails

When it comes to jelly gel polish, the brighter and juicier, the better. Hot pink is flirty and forever iconic, while watermelon gives that fresh summer glow. Blue jelly nails give cool-girl energy while lime green is playful and punchy. But honestly, any colour can look great in jelly form, from dreamy lilacs to moody plums or even classic black. Whether you're feeling fruity or fierce, there's a shade that fits your mood and style.

DIY jelly nail designs to try

1. Fruity pop

This jelly set is giving fruit salad meets sunset smoothie and we’re obsessed. Each nail serves a juicy punch of colour, from berry purples to citrusy orange and lime, all with that signature glossy, see-through shine. It’s pretty, eye-catching and perfect for the indecisive girlie who wants all the shades in one set. 

2. Espresso glam

This deep espresso shade with that jelly shine? It’s giving girl boss in the chillest way. Moody, rich and expensive-looking, these gel nails are perfect for black-tie events, fancy date nights or anytime you want your nails to serve lowkey glam.

Level up your DIY jelly nails with NSI Australia

Knowing how to do jelly nails is one thing. Choosing the right products to slay the look? That’s where NSI Australia comes in. Stock up on all the nail art essentials, from lasting gel polish in every sheer and shade to solid gels that help you build your perfect base. Browse our collection today and unleash your creativity!