Jelly nails achieve their unique look by using sheer, glossy nail polish to create a translucent effect, mimicking the appearance of jelly.
Here's a breakdown of how jelly nails work:
The Jelly Nail Effect
- Sheer Polish: The key to jelly nails is using a very sheer nail polish, as described by Jin Soon Choi, editorial manicurist and founder of JINsoon Spas and Nail Lacquers. This allows light to pass through the polish, creating the jelly-like effect.
- Ultra-Glossy Finish: The polish used is typically very glossy. This high shine adds to the wet, translucent appearance, further enhancing the jelly effect.
- Layering for Depth: Often, multiple thin coats of the sheer polish are applied. This layering builds up the color intensity while maintaining the translucency.
How to Achieve Jelly Nails
- Prep your nails: Start by cleaning and shaping your nails.
- Apply a base coat: Use a clear base coat to protect your natural nails.
- Apply sheer polish: Apply one thin coat of your chosen sheer polish. Allow it to dry.
- Layer polish: Apply additional thin layers of the polish, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. The number of layers depends on the desired intensity of the jelly effect.
- Apply a top coat: Finish with a glossy top coat for added shine and to seal in the color.
Why Jelly Nails are Popular
- Unique Look: As mentioned by Jin Soon Choi, jelly nails are "a great way to make your nails look unique and stylish." They offer a different look than traditional opaque nail colors.
- Trendiness: The look has gained popularity, particularly among celebrities, making it a fashionable choice.
- Versatility: Jelly nails can be customized with different sheer colors, allowing for varied and personalized looks.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Sheer, translucent |
| Finish | High Gloss |
| Application | Multiple thin coats |
| Effect | Jelly-like appearance, light passes through color |
