Caleb Foster
Jelly nails are a nail art trend that has been around for decades, experiencing a second life thanks to TikTok. The look is created by applying a sheer wash of colour that acts like a shiny lip gloss for your nails, resulting in a high-shine, semi-translucent, and see-through finish. This can be achieved by mixing a few drops of clear top coat with coloured polish to create a jelly polish, or by purchasing specialty polishes called tinting colours or jelly polishes. For a fun, sparkly look, top a layer of glitter polish with jelly polish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of nail | Natural, fake, gel extensions |
| Preparation | Buff and clean nails, shape nails, wipe with cotton ball soaked in 91% alcohol |
| Base coat | Any brand for regular nail polish, gel base coat for gel polish, cured under UV light for 30-60 seconds |
| Polish | Mix clear top coat with coloured polish to create jelly polish, add opaque cream polish for vibrancy, add more coloured polish for deeper/brighter colour, specialty polishes can be bought |
| Number of coats | 2-3 coats, depending on desired translucency |
| Top coat | Clear protective top coat for regular nail polish, gel top coat for gel polish, cured under UV light for 30 seconds to 2 minutes |
| Add-ons | Glitter, rhinestones, charms, flowers, emojis |
| Brands | LeChat, Sinful Colors, Static Nails, Cirque, OPI, Butter London, ILNP, Beetles, Kokoist, Presto gel/Ageha, Zillabeau, Lilygel |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your nails by buffing and cleaning them
To prepare your nails for a jelly manicure, you will need to buff and clean them. Start by shaping your nails with a nail file. Then, take a nail buffer and rub it gently over each nail to create a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to. This step will also help remove any ridges or uneven texture on your nails. Next, wipe each nail with a cotton ball soaked in 91% isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust, debris, or natural oils that may interfere with the polish's adhesion. Make sure to thoroughly clean your nails to ensure that the jelly polish, which is often sheer and translucent, will go on smoothly and evenly.
Buffing your nails is an important step in the manicure process, especially when you plan to apply jelly nail polish. The buffing process helps create a slightly rough surface, which allows the polish to grip and adhere better to your nails. This is crucial for achieving a long-lasting manicure. Additionally, buffing can help stimulate nail growth and improve the overall health of your nails. It is recommended to buff your nails once a month to maintain their strength and promote healthy growth.
When buffing your nails, it is essential to be gentle and avoid over-buffing. Over-buffing can thin and weaken your nails, making them more susceptible to breakage and peeling. Use light pressure and gentle strokes when buffing, and always buff in the same direction to avoid creating ridges or grooves on the nail surface. Remember to clean your buffer regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and debris, which can lead to nail infections.
After buffing, cleaning your nails with isopropyl alcohol is crucial. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective degreaser that removes any natural oils, creams, or lotions from your nails, ensuring that the polish adheres properly. It also helps dehydrate the nail plate, creating an optimal surface for the polish to bond with. Additionally, cleaning with isopropyl alcohol can help prevent infections by eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms that may be present on your nails.
By properly buffing and cleaning your nails, you create the ideal base for your jelly manicure. These steps will help ensure that your polish goes on smoothly, lasts longer, and maintains its vibrant, translucent finish. Remember to be gentle and meticulous during the process for the best results.
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Mix clear and coloured nail polish to create jelly polish
To create jelly nails, you can mix clear and coloured nail polish to achieve a jelly polish. This method allows you to create any colour of jelly polish you desire.
First, select the colour you want to mix with a clear top coat. You can use a 1:1 ratio of clear nail polish or top coat with the colour of your choice. However, if you want a more translucent jelly-like effect, use a higher ratio of clear nail polish. For example, mix two drops of clear top coat with one drop of coloured polish. You can add more top coat to make the mixture more sheer, or more colour to deepen the hue.
Once you have achieved the desired colour, you can paint your nails as usual. Apply a thin layer of the jelly polish mixture to your nails. Remember to use a quick-drying polish, as it can take up to three hours for your nails to dry completely. You can also add a layer of protective polish as a finishing coat to preserve your nails.
If you want to store your jelly polish for later use, mix the coloured polish into a clear polish bottle. Add one drop of colour at a time and roll the bottle back and forth between your hands until it is well-mixed. Test the colour and gradually add more until you are satisfied.
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Apply the jelly polish to your nails
To apply jelly polish to your nails, you can either buy a pre-made jelly polish or create your own.
If you want to buy a pre-made jelly polish, you can find them on Amazon, at Kokoist, Presto gel/Ageha (Naillabo.com), or Zillabeau.com, where you can find Lilygel. You can also try the LeChat Nails Dare to Wear in Pink Clarity for $7, which celebrity nail artist Elle describes as "a very watered-down pink that paints on jelly-like." OPI Bare Rose is another option, a sheer warm pink that layers up to a coral. For a sheer red, try Sinful Colors.
If you want to create your own jelly polish, you can mix a few drops of a clear top coat with coloured polish. Use a few drops of a regular (not fast-drying) top coat, so the colours will mix more easily. You can also add a drop of opaque cream polish to make the ending colour more vibrant. Add more coloured polish if you want a deeper or brighter colour. The more clear top coat you add, the more jelly-like and sheer the polish will become. You can also add a matte top coat to your translucent polish.
Once you have your jelly polish, apply it to your nails. Depending on how translucent you want your nails to be, you could do just one coat of polish. For a fun, sparkly look, top a layer of glitter polish with jelly polish. This won't look as translucent as most jelly-polish styles, but it's still an attractive look. Silver glitter underneath a red jelly coat would be perfect for a holiday party. For an understated, classy vibe, apply a sheer, neutral shade of jelly polish. Blushes, tans, creams, and even browns would look lovely as a jelly polish.
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Cure the jelly polish under UV light
Curing gel nail polish involves hardening the polish using a UV or LED lamp. This method is necessary for traditional gel polishes, but there are also non-UV gel polishes available that can be air-dried or dried using ice-cold water.
If you are using a UV or LED lamp to cure your jelly nail polish, start by applying a thin layer of the gel top coat to seal and protect the colour polish. Then, place your nails under the lamp for 45 seconds to cure the top coat. Repeat this process for each hand, curing for 45 seconds after each coat.
If you are using a non-UV gel polish, you can air-dry the polish. First, prep your nails by carefully soaking a cotton ball or pad with non-acetone polish remover and gently rubbing it onto each nail to remove any dirt or oils. Then, gently shake the bottle of non-UV gel nail polish for a few seconds to mix the ingredients. Carefully paint two coats of polish onto your dry nails, allowing a few minutes for the gel to set between each coat. After applying the final coat, let the manicure dry for about five minutes.
You can also speed up the drying process of non-UV gel polishes by using ice-cold water. First, let your nails air-dry for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, fill a shallow bowl with cold water and ice cubes, and submerge your nails in the water for about three minutes. Finally, let your fingers and nails air-dry for at least an hour.
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Add a top coat to protect your nails
Adding a top coat to your jelly nails is an essential step to achieving a long-lasting manicure. Not only does it add shine, but it also provides a protective layer that prevents your nail polish from chipping and staining.
To apply a top coat to your jelly nails, start by waiting at least two minutes after your second layer of colour. This will ensure that your nail polish has dried sufficiently before sealing it with the top coat. When applying the top coat, begin down the centre of the nail and work your way up in quick strokes to avoid the top coat from accumulating around the cuticle area.
It is important to note that a base coat should be applied before the top coat for optimal results. The base coat acts as a protective barrier between your nail polish colour and your natural nail bed, helping to nourish and strengthen your nails. Additionally, it provides a smooth surface for the nail polish to adhere to, ensuring that your manicure lasts longer.
To maintain the longevity of your jelly nails, it is crucial to keep the top coat freshly sealed. This will help to preserve the manicure and prevent it from wearing off prematurely.
By following these steps and incorporating a top coat into your nail routine, you can achieve a professional-looking manicure with enhanced durability, protection, and shine.
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Frequently asked questions
Jelly nails are a type of manicure that uses a semi-translucent, see-through layer of colour to create a high-shine, glossy finish.
You can buy ready-made jelly nail polishes, or create your own by mixing a clear top coat with a few drops of coloured polish. You can also add a drop of opaque cream polish to make the colour more vibrant. If you're using gel polish, you'll need a UV lamp.
First, buff and clean your nails, then apply a base coat. Mix your chosen colours, then paint each nail with the jelly polish. Depending on how translucent you want your nails to look, you can add one or two more coats. Finish with a top coat.
Jelly nails can be created in any colour, but pink is a popular choice. You can also layer a coat of glitter polish underneath the jelly polish for a sparkly finish.
