When it comes to today’s hottest nail trends, you’ll immediately think of some outstanding nail art styles.

First, crocodile-print nails have become a mainstay this winter, with A-listers like Hailey Bieber rocking the dark chocolate brown patterned tips. Likewise, tortoiseshell nails are on the rise, with Sydney Sweeney a big fan, while viral TikTok trends like “pool water nails” are being showcased in increasingly creative ways .

Some nail enthusiasts visit their favorite salons every few weeks, but many nail art enthusiasts choose to paint their nails at home instead. And while some manicurist-approved supplies are only available to seasoned industry professionals (such as certain chrome powder coatings), testing “bloom gel ” might be the best kept secret for a trendy DIY nail design.

What is bloom gel?

“Blooming gel nails [are a] trendy marbled and watercolor nail art design,” Morgan Haile, a professional nail artist and Gelish brand ambassador, tells Bustle. “In the past, marble and watercolor nail art could be difficult to achieve, [but] bloom gel allows users to create these nail designs within minutes.”

A clear gel that dries under a UV lamp, products like Gelish’s Blooming Gel Polish are used to disperse color.

Adding a blooming gel polish to your personal nail polish set allows you to experiment with meticulously detailed designs like celebrity-favorite crocodile prints, marbled rhinestone art, coffee swirls, and more. Attractive flaps, etc

How to use Bloom Gel

For those who want to experiment with blooming gel at home, you will need colored gel polish and an LED-powered UV lamp. For step by step creating a trippy effect? Haile shared his method.

After applying your favorite gel polish, let it dry. Once completed, apply a thin layer of blooming gel and do not let it dry. Using a dotting tool or brush, apply desired colors to create a blooming effect and let dry for about 30 seconds. Finish with top coat and you’re done.

Professional advice for home painters

While blooming gel formulas are available for any layperson to purchase and test, Anna Miles, a professional manicurist, has insight into those interested in purchasing a bottle.

“Blooming products are not compatible with traditional nail polish,” says Miles. Note that it can be difficult to use and that contact dermatitis is a potential risk, she recommends seeing a professional for best results.

However, fair warnings aside, Miles says that for the best results when working with bloom gel, she usually works on one nail at a time (instead of painting the entire hand before curing). ). Furthermore, the success of the “blooming” process depends on the exact pigmentation of the gel color you are using – so it may take a bit of trial and error before achieving the exact look you want .

“Less is more — using too much bloom gel can cause your design to smudge or look distorted,” adds Haile. She also recommends avoiding using too many dots, as too many will make your design look messy. Finally, she warns against using too many dark colors, as they can make your desired design harder to see.

4 blooming gel nail designs

Alien superstar print

Whether you opt for a variety of neutrals or prefer a full-color set, these unique dots, swirls, and patterns bring an extraterrestrial feel that’s super trendy in the mani space right now.

pearl frost

A surreal white crocodile print? Check. A wintery, matte finish that looks three-dimensional? Check. Unique pearls and rhinestones placed all over the nails? Also check.

Groovy tie dye tips

In the world of beauty, all things 1970s-inspired are really taking over – and what better way to embrace the playful trend than with some hot tie-dye tips?

Colorful crocodile print Frenchies

Take classic French tips to the next creative level and experiment with a unique crocodile print design that comes in two vibrant colors, like this purple and blue combination.