Nails like frozen candy. Slightly transparent, deeply glossy, as if they were cast from gummy bears — this look has flooded TikTok and Instagram feeds from Seoul to Berlin over the past few months. In summer 2026 it has finally arrived in Munich.
The trend is called Jelly Nails. Marie Claire, Emmi-Nail and Manucurist independently confirm: this is one of the dominant nail looks of the season. What exactly is behind it, where it comes from, what variations exist — and where in Munich you can have it done professionally — read on.
What Are Jelly Nails, Exactly?
Jelly Nails are semi-transparent, high-gloss nails — gel or polish lets the natural nail show through slightly, creating a result that looks juicy, soft and almost edible. The name comes from the word jelly and perfectly captures the visual effect.
Important: Jelly Nails is a look, not a material. There are two ways to achieve it:
- Jelly Polish — a semi-transparent nail polish for the natural nail. Lasts 3–7 days, easy to apply, but loses its shine quickly.
- Jelly Gel — a specialised gel material for professional application in the studio. Far more intense effect, far longer lasting.
Not to be confused with “jelly gel” as a building material — that is something completely different and has nothing to do with this trend. Emmi-Nail compares the Jelly effect to a lip gloss on the nails: a deep shine that doesn’t look applied, but rather as if it comes from within.
Historically this isn’t an entirely new idea. The 90s already had transparent acrylic nails with a similar effect. What’s different in 2026: the execution is more refined, the colour palette significantly more sophisticated — and K-Beauty has given the look a contemporary frame.
Where Does the Trend Come From — and Why Now?
Jelly Nails originate from South Korea’s K-Beauty movement — and are the logical evolution of the “translucent glossy” universe that has been shaping the global beauty industry for several years. After Glass Skin in skincare and Glazed Donut Nails via Hailey Bieber, Jelly Nails arrive as the next step.
Hailey Bieber and her nail artist Zola Ganzorigt popularised the Glazed-Jelly look and gave it international visibility. Selena Gomez was spotted wearing similar variations. Nail artist Olha Shtanhei, quoted by Marie Claire, puts it plainly: “Glazed jelly nails will become the look of summer 2026.” That was a prediction — by now it’s the present.
Pinterest has recorded a 450 % rise in searches around transparent nail effects — a clear sign that the desire for translucent, saturated looks is particularly strong right now. After years of maximalist nail art with 3D elements, charms and chrome pigments, there’s a growing desire for looks that appear polished and considered without being elaborate. Quiet Luxury has taken over wardrobes — now it’s taking over nails.
Emmi-Nail lists Jelly Nails among the most requested summer designs of the season. Bangstyle points to the 90s comeback factor as an additional driver — nostalgia is working across every category right now.
For more seasonal nail trends, see our overview: Nail Trends Spring & Summer 2026.
Jelly Nails, Glazed Nails, Soap Nails — What’s the Difference?
The three terms are often used interchangeably. Understandably so — all three belong to the same family. But they describe different looks:
| Jelly Nails | Soap Nails | Glazed Nails | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effect | Transparent, candy-like, juicy | Matte-pearlescent, soap bubble | Creamy-chrome, opaque |
| Transparency | High — nail visible | Medium — softly diffused | None |
| Colours | Candy tones, Berry, Coral | Neutral Nude, Beige | Milky White, Rose Gold |
| Mood | Playful, summery | Minimal, clean | Elegant, glamorous |
| Association | Gummy bears, candy | Soap, water, skin | Glazed Donut (Hailey Bieber) |
In short: if you want something playful and colourful, Jelly Nails are the right choice. If you prefer subtle and skin-close, Soap Nails are better. Glazed Nails are the most opulent option — more glam, less transparency.
In summer 2026 all three coexist as legitimate variations of the same movement. Manucurist places Jelly Nails within a broader shift towards translucent, high-gloss nails — with Jelly as the most colour-saturated and direct expression.
Which Colours and Shapes Suit Jelly Nails in 2026?
The classic Jelly colour spectrum is candy tones: soft pink, peach, coral, mint green, transparent. What 2026 adds is a more mature interpretation — less bubblegum, more sorbet. The most requested shades of the season:
- Milky Pink — timeless, works with everything
- Sorbet Peach — warm and sunny, perfect for summer
- Translucent Cherry / Red Jelly — the star of the 2026 season according to Manucurist
- Sea-Glass Blue — cool, unusual, eye-catching without being loud
- Pistachio Green — calm, botanical, very current
- Butter Yellow — cheerful, nostalgic, underrated
As for shape: the “gummy” effect is most striking on almond or ballerina nails. On short nails the look reads as fresh and polished — less dramatic, but no less beautiful.
How Long Do Jelly Nails Last — and What’s the Difference Between Salon and Home?
Jelly Nails last around 2–3 weeks in a professional nail studio, and 3–7 days at home with nail polish — the difference lies in the material and in the preparation of the nail plate.
With a transparent polish from the pharmacy, the Jelly effect can be approximated — a clear or lightly tinted polish, a second colour step, plus a high-quality topcoat. The result is scratch-prone and loses its shine quickly. An approximation, not the real thing.
In the studio it looks very different. With Shellac or gel application, the result typically holds for 2 to 3 weeks without chipping or losing shine. The crucial difference lies not only in the material, but in preparation: a carefully treated nail plate is the foundation for any long-lasting look.
Getting Jelly Nails Done Professionally in Munich — What to Look For
Not every nail studio in Munich works with the materials and care needed for a convincing Jelly look. Four things that matter:
- Product quality. The Jelly effect requires either a high-quality semi-transparent Shellac or a specialised Jelly gel. Cheaper gels often produce a flat, unnatural shine.
- Preparation. The result stands or falls with the nail treatment beforehand. Good nail care, clean surface, no moisture under the material — these are the foundations for 2–3 weeks of longevity.
- Colour consultation. Which Jelly shade suits your skin tone, hands and style is not a minor point. An experienced nail technician presents options based on real swatches — not screen photos.
- Hygiene. Sterilised instruments, single-use materials where relevant, clean work surfaces. A reputable studio communicates its hygiene standards without hesitation.
MONLIS Beauty Studios — one of Munich’s leading premium nail studios — offers the Jelly look with high-quality products: OPI, CND Shellac and Luxio are part of the regular product range. Three centrally located studios: Goetheplatz, Karlstraße and Westpark. Certified nail technicians, online booking around the clock, Shellac manicure from €55.
→ Book your appointment online at MONLIS — three studios in Munich
Summer 2026 Belongs to Jelly Nails
Jelly Nails are not a one-summer trend. Behind the look lies an attitude: polished, light, considered — without excess. After years of maximalist nail art, it’s no coincidence that the look everyone is excited about right now is precisely one that lets the natural nail plate do the talking.
If you want to try something new this summer — this is your starting point. And if you want it done professionally, in quality that genuinely holds for 2–3 weeks, our nail technicians are ready.
Book your appointment online — at one of our three MONLIS Studios in Munich (Goetheplatz, Karlstraße, Westpark): Book online.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual consultation with a certified nail technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Semi-transparent, high-gloss nails with a candy effect — gel or polish lets the natural nail show through slightly. The result looks juicy, soft and glossy, like jelly or gummy bears. The trend comes from the K-Beauty world and arrived in Munich in summer 2026.
Yes. On short nails the look reads as fresh and minimalist. The “gummy” effect is less dramatic than on long nails, but absolutely wearable and polished.
Soap Nails are neutral, pearlescent and skin-close — a more understated appearance. Jelly Nails are more colourful, more transparent and more playful. Both belong to the same family of translucent looks, but create a different effect.
With professional Shellac or gel application, typically 2 to 3 weeks without chipping or loss of shine. With regular nail polish at home, the effect lasts 3–7 days.
Milky Pink, Sorbet Peach, Translucent Cherry, Sea-Glass Blue and Red Jelly are the most requested shades of the 2026 season. Your nail technician will help find the right shade for your skin tone during the personal consultation.
