If you’re ready to swap your classic white manicure for something a little more playful—but still polished—the latest “coconut jelly” nail trend may be worth trying. The look combines the clean, milky appearance of a white manicure with the glossy, translucent finish of jelly polish, creating nails that look almost glass-like.
The trend has been gaining attention after celebs like Anne Hathaway stepped onto the red carpet for the world premiere of The End of Oak Street with what her celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik called a “coconut jelly gloss mani.” Bachik used Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly Gloss in Arctic Jelly, a soft white shade with subtle yellow undertones, to create the sheer, juicy finish. It also got the official approval of Hailey Bieber, who loves a simple, sheer manicure.
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What Are Coconut Jelly Nails?
Think of the inside of a fresh coconut—but translated onto your fingertips.
Rather than using an opaque white polish, coconut jelly nails rely on a sheer, milky-white layer that allows some of the natural nail to show through. The glossy finish gives the manicure its signature “jelly” effect, making the nails appear almost bouncy and translucent. It’s essentially a softer take on the classic white manicure.
Coconut-milk nails have already been trending this summer, with the sheer finish offering a more understated alternative to stark white polish.
Why The Look Is So Popular
Part of the appeal is that coconut jelly nails sit somewhere between minimalist and eye-catching. They have the clean, polished appearance of a neutral manicure, but the glossy, translucent finish gives them more dimension than a traditional nude or white nail.
The look also works especially well with short, softly squared or squoval nails, although almond and other shapes can easily be adapted to the trend.
And because sheer manicures have become increasingly popular, coconut jelly nails feel like a natural progression from looks such as soap nails, glazed-donut nails and other barely-there manicures.
How To Get Coconut Jelly Nails
The key is sheerness. You don't want a bright, completely opaque white. At the salon, ask for a sheer milky-white or soft-white jelly manicure with a high-gloss finish.
Your nail artist can build the color with thin layers until the desired level of translucency is achieved.
For a DIY version, start with well-shaped nails and a clean, moisturized cuticle area.
Apply one thin coat of a sheer white or jelly polish, let it dry, and add another layer if you want more color.
Finish with a glossy top coat. For the most recognizable version of the trend, look for a jelly polish with subtle warmth rather than a stark, cool white.
Hathaway’s manicure used Arctic Jelly, which has those slightly yellow undertones that help create the soft coconut effect.
Ways To Make The Trend Your Own
You don't have to stick with a completely plain coconut jelly manicure.
- Classic coconut: Keep it short and squoval with one or two sheer coats.
- Coconut French: Add a subtle white French tip over the translucent base.
- Coconut ombré: Gradually build the white toward the tips for a softer gradient.
- Tiny accents: Add a delicate shell, heart or star detail to one or two nails.
- A hint of sparkle: Layer tiny pieces of glitter or subtle shimmer over the jelly base.
- Longer almond: Keep the same sheer color but switch to an almond shape for a more dramatic finish.
These variations preserve the glossy, translucent quality that makes the trend recognizable while giving the manicure a more personalized feel.
