Blooming Gel: The Trendiest Way to Style Your Nails

With chrome finishes, metallic cat-eye designs, and airbrush techniques, the nail art world is racing toward creative innovation, and it's only getting more exciting. One of the most recent trends is blooming gel nails, which instantly form stunning inky, abstract blotches. We consulted top celebrity nail artists for insights on the blooming gel nail trend, including how to request it at your salon and how to create blooming gel nails at home.

What Exactly Are Blooming Gel Nails?

Blooming gel is a special kind of gel nail polish that produces a distinct 'blooming' effect when applied to the nail. "It works by expanding—or blooming—any polish applied over the blooming gel before it’s cured, resulting in a unique color pattern," explains Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood.

She suggests that its popularity is due to how easy it is to create a true work of art on your fingertips. It also offers artists plenty of room for creativity and personalization, with the blooming effect varying based on the application technique and color selection.

"Blooming gel nails can feature abstract, cloudy, marble, or aura-inspired designs with a specific blooming product," adds Rachel Joseph, a manicurist at Nailing Hollywood. "It can also be used to create snake patterns, crocodile textures, and even roses. The possibilities are limitless!"

This manicure trend can be done with any color since most blooming gel polishes are clear. It also comes in white or black, according to Sydney Fischer, nail artist for DND Gel, adding an even more distinctive look.

How to Achieve Blooming Gel Nails

You can achieve blooming gel nails either at home with your own blooming gel top coat or by visiting a nail salon. The latter may be more suitable for intricate designs.

What to Request at the Salon

Since blooming gel nail polishes offer a wide variety of design options, it’s helpful to bring an inspiration photo. Common designs created with blooming gel include watercolor, marble, and snakeskin prints. Additionally, make sure to call ahead and confirm that your nail artist has the necessary supplies available.

"The great thing about blooming gel nails is that the options and color combinations are limitless," says Fischer. "You can keep it simple with a more monotone look or go wild with colors. I also love adding rhinestones or hand-painted nail art on top. Blooming gel requires some patience, and I often redo a few nails before the final cure, so be prepared. The results are totally worth it."

How to Create Blooming Gel Nails at Home

Want to try creating blooming gel nails at home? It’s definitely achievable!

1. Start by prepping your nails as usual, apply your chosen base color, and cure it completely.
2. Next, apply a thin coat of blooming gel without curing it, as advised by Hanna.
3. While the blooming gel is still wet, take a toothpick, dotting tool, brush, or any other tool you prefer, and dip it into the color you want to bloom.
4. Apply a small amount of color to the blooming gel and allow the gel to expand into your desired shape. Fischer notes that you need to work quickly. "The longer you wait, the more the gel will spread, so cure it right away once you’re happy with the design," she explains.
5. Once your design looks how you want, cure the blooming gel.
6. Finally, apply a topcoat and cure once more.