5 trends in nail art
UV gel is the most versatile material for creative nail art. Whether for modeling, nail art, or effects, it enables professional looks, new techniques, and creative services for customers with high quality and sustainability. But where is the trend heading?
Classic modeling gels offer stability and shape, but professionals are increasingly turning to specialized nail art gels for unusual designs. These gels are characterized by their stable consistency, do not run, and can be applied precisely—ideal for delicate lines, 3D elements, or detailed patterns. Many products shine intensely after curing or create special effects such as shimmer, holography, or iridescent reflections.
This offers particular advantages in everyday studio work: less correction work, a cleaner work process, and results that remain impressive even after weeks.
Just as important as the gels themselves are the right tools. Special nail art brushes such as detail or line brushes are used for fine lines and precise patterns. Dotting tools can be used to create small dots or fine lines, e.g. with a spider line gel. Harder, dimensionally stable brushes are required for 3D techniques, while sponge applicators or silicone tools are perfect for chrome, pearl, or color gradients.
A professional range of brushes and tools makes the work much easier, saves time, and allows you to make the most of the special properties of nail art gels. Here are the current trend looks in detail:
1. AURA NAILS
A gentle color gradient that looks like a glowing aura on the nail. Pastel and neon colors are popular. Technique: Several gel colors are blended together with a brush or sponge. Gels with a holographic effect can be used to enhance the glowing effect. Tip: Aura designs are particularly popular as accent nails in combination with minimalist nude looks.
2. SEASHELL NAILS
A visual and tactile highlight: mother-of-pearl designs with 3D structures in a shell look. Technique: Model a slightly wavy structure onto the nail using stable gels. Then work in mother-of-pearl pigments or fine glitter. The play of light creates the typical shell look. Important: For a convincing 3D effect, deliberately design the structure asymmetrically.
3. PEARL AND CHROME NAIL POWDER
Shimmering nail surfaces with a pearlescent sheen or mirror finish. Technique: The powder is applied after the color layer has hardened – preferably with a foam applicator or a fine silicone brush. Gently rubbing the powder into the gel causes it to bond with the dispersion layer, creating a subtle pearl effect or a striking chrome shine, depending on the product. Finally, a sealing gel is applied to ensure durability and scratch resistance.
4. CAT EYE MANICURE
A classic that is making a comeback with new color variations. Technique: Magnetic gels are applied, then treated with a special magnet before curing to create the characteristic light reflection. Combined with dark backgrounds, the effects are particularly intense. Tip: Also very popular in French variations or as part of an ombré look.
5. GLAS-NAILS
A modern trend that captivates with its transparency: the nails look like colorful glass—clear, shiny, and slightly translucent. Technique: Colored, transparent UV color gels are used. These are applied directly to the natural nail so that the natural base shines through slightly. The result: a subtle glass effect that looks elegant and modern.
For an even more intense look, the natural nail can be filed very short. The nails are extended using a clear modeling gel and template technique – alternatively, clear tips can be applied – and coated with transparent color gel. This makes the entire nail plate look like a framed glass surface – particularly impressive with stronger colors or additional effects (for example, incorporated foil pieces, flakes, or glitter particles that float as if enclosed in glass).
WHAT REMAINS, WHAT WILL RETURN?
Many trends show a clear tendency: naturalness and minimalism are gaining importance, while overloaded nail art with too many colors or decorations is fading into the background. Soap nails in nude shades or subtle glass nails perfectly capture this desire for simple elegance.
At the same time, some classics are making a comeback—but with a modern twist:
- French nails come in bright colors or combined with cat-eye effects.
- Mother-of-pearl and pearl powder looks are being rediscovered, used sparingly, and thus appear particularly elegant.
- Transparent effects such as glass nails or shimmering chrome powder designs set current trends, even though they are inspired by trends from the past.
For customers who want variety, more opulent looks such as seashell nails or extremely long nails with decorative details remain a highlight—but they are used selectively to make a special statement.
SUSTAINABILITY AS A GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN THE STUDIO
- In the nail industry, sustainability means focusing on quality and durability. Investing in high-quality materials—from gels to professional brushes and tools—saves time, money, and resources in the long run.
- It is also crucial to select the right product for the customer's individual needs. Whether it's stable modeling gels for long nails, stable nail art gels for precise designs, or flexible color gels for natural looks: when the material and technique are optimally matched, the modeling lasts longer and the customer is happier.
- High-quality work materials mean less rework, less material wear, and professional results. For studio owners and stylists, this is not only a plus in terms of sustainability, but also a promise of quality that strengthens customer loyalty and referrals.