16 Gel Nail Art Ideas to Try for Your July Mani, From Animal Print to 3D Florals

This month’s gel trends are all about having fun.

By Kat Suico

June is when summer energy officially kicks in—and nails are following suit. After a season of soft pastels and delicate designs, this month’s gel nail art trends are bolder, shinier, and more versatile. French tips, Y2K-inspired designs, and shimmering cat-eye finishes are dominating salons, while pickle green shades are quickly emerging as unexpected favorites.

“Maximalism really took over the nail art world the last few years, but I think people are going back to the basics again,” says Hanina, a Jersey City-based nail artist. “I’m seeing fewer clients asking for a different design on every finger—especially after celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Leah Kateb started posting short French tips.”

At the same time, versatility is key. With weddings, concerts, and vacations on the calendar, “people want fun colors that aren’t too noisy and a set that can last through all their events,” Hanina says. Cat-eye gel polish, which creates a multidimensional shimmer, and Y2K details like thick French tips and airbrush art are in high demand. As for color? Butter yellow still reigns supreme. “People are requesting buttery yellow at least once a day—and we’ve barely started summer.”

And with the season just heating up, these are only the beginning of the gel trends poised to take over the summer.

Pride Nails

June is Pride Month, and rainbow French tips are one of the chicest ways to show your colors. This glossy gel set pairs crisp diagonal rainbow stripes with a sheer base, making it both festive and fashion-forward.

Back to Basics

Sometimes, less really is more. Short French tips are back in a big way this summer, offering a polished, low-maintenance look that goes with everything—from wedding guest dresses to everyday denim.

Cat Eye

Cat-eye nails are having a major moment, and this gleaming gold set is proof. “Although only one polish is being used, the finished product looks interesting enough to be a simple set but with a pop of something different,” says Hanina. Translation: Low-effort, high-impact nails you’ll want to show off all summer.

Y2K Inspired

Old-school nail shop vibes, but make it 2025. Thick French tips, airbrushed gradients, and bold hand-painted designs bring full-on Y2K energy to this set.

Jelly Nails

High-shine jelly nails are having a moment, and this bold pink set looks good enough to eat. “Think early aughts cult fave Juicy Tubes or Lip Glass, but for nails,” says nail artist Miss Pop. The sheer, candy-like finish delivers that perfect glossy pop.

Dill Green

Pinterest called it: Green nails are in. Dill green, in particular, is trending hard for 2025—the shade showed up in the platform’s latest Trending Colors Report, and it’s already popping off in salons. This glossy set is giving pickle-core in the best way.

Cowboy Carter

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter era is inspiring more than playlists—it’s hitting the nail salon, too. With the singer back on tour, expect to see western-glam nail art everywhere. This blinged-out set channels the vibe perfectly, with gold studs, rhinestones, and star-spangled red tips built for the spotlight.

Butter Yellow Tips

Butter yellow is everywhere this summer, but this set proves the trend doesn’t have to be basic. Hand-painted floral tips add a playful, tropical twist to the soft yellow base, making it perfect for everything from vacations to wedding season.

Chic Neutrals

Versatile sets are in high demand this summer—think nails that can take you from the office to a wedding to a weekend trip. This pearlescent neutral with delicate gold accents fits the bill perfectly: It’s simple, sophisticated, and ready for any event on your calendar.

Sport-Inspired

Sport-inspired nails are having a major moment. With the NBA Finals heating up (and the Knicks heartbreakingly out of the race), fans are still finding ways to rep their teams. This set brings the spirit with team colors, stars, and an “I Love New York” shoutout. Because win or lose, Knicks pride runs deep.

French Chrome

A classic French, but make it chrome. “I love a Chrome French so much, I sent two versions—classic and one with a bouquet of colorful florals—down the runway for Alice + Olivia Spring/Summer 2025,” says Miss Pop. This pearly, high-shine set nails the trend in its most timeless form.

Starfish Nails

Consider this your sign to lean into full summer mode. These starfish accents bring major beach day energy to an otherwise neutral mani—proof that vacation nails don’t have to be loud to make a statement.

Bold 3D Art

Gel nail art has boldly gone into another dimension—and this set is proof. “3D giant flowers, squiggles that snake across nails, plump, juicy fruits, and mermaid, beach, and shell-inspired designs will be all over this summer,” says Miss Pop. The takeaway? When it comes to 3D, bigger is definitely better.

Animal Style

Animal prints are forever, but this summer—they’re getting a fresh remix. This tiger-inspired set pops with a vibrant cobalt outline and high-gloss finish, proving that bold stripes and a little contrast go a long way. Consider it animal style, elevated.

Mixed Metals

Why choose one metallic shade when you can wear them all? This luxe set mixes gold, bronze, and deep gemstone accents for a look that’s equal parts jewelry box and nail art. The result? Rich, dimensional nails that catch the light from every angle.

Picnic Inspired

Fruit nails, but make it adorable. This picnic-inspired set pairs tiny cherries, berries, and gingham French tips for a look that feels straight out of a summer daydream. Perfect for patio hangs, park dates, or your next farmers’ market stroll.