20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (2025)

Table of Contents

Short And Sweet Nails Twinkling Star Nails Lush Green Nails Jewel Tone Skittle Nails White Peak Nails Stormy Grey Nails Chocolate Drizzle Nails Thermal Gel Nails Faded Purple Nails Blonde Tortoise Nails Icy Blue Nails Dark and Starry Nails Cherry Cola Nails Sheer Nails Wicked Green Nails Ruby Star Nails Dark Star Nails Icy Aqua Nails Mismatched White Nails Gold Chrome Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (1)

What better time for a fresh manicure than the start of the new year? Time and time again we reach for a gel formula when harsh weather, busy schedules, or stubborn nail beds threaten to fade manicures faster than normal. Lean into January with gel nails that inspire your style and won't chip after just one week. The best part about the durable formula is that the options are endless: rich monochromatic shades, skittle nails, celestial gems, and more. If you're unsure where to start, here are 20 gel nail ideas perfect for January.

01of 20

Short And Sweet Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (2)

We love an elaborate set as much as the next person, but there is something so beautiful about a simple, short, and sweet mani. Above, the artist applied a few coats of Space Pink Polish by Pleasing to create this subtle look.

02of 20

Twinkling Star Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (3)

Add some razzle-dazzle to your neutral nails with metallic gold stars. To keep the aesthetic minimal, make your star lines fine and precise with a striping brush. Or, if that seems a little too advanced, find an assortment of nail stickers in your preferred design.

03of 20

Lush Green Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (4)

We'll never tire of seeing monochromatic nails in a rich shade. Jewel tones, like this deep green, are effortlessly opulent. Keep your mani classic with a round almond nail or switch up your nail shape to add a hint of personality.

04of 20

Jewel Tone Skittle Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (5)

Speaking of jewel tones, if you can't land on just one shade (we get it, it's a hard decision) pick them all. These skittle nails have a mix of glitter and pearlescent finishes for a glamorous flair.

05of 20

White Peak Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (6)

Want an alternative to French tips that's just as chic? Try these double-peak white nails with the classic neutral pink base. The dual tips create a sharp yet minimal design.

06of 20

Stormy Grey Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (7)

There's something so comforting about these opaque gray nails. The neutral hue goes with everything while still feeling winter-appropriate. Plus, thanks to a gel top coat, this mani has a high-shine finish.

07of 20

Chocolate Drizzle Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (8)

These chocolate brown nails are deliciously cozy. The mismatched manicure gives the illusion of chocolate dripping down from the French tip. A sweet and unique twist to an already trendy design.

08of 20

Thermal Gel Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (9)

Believe it or not, this is one shade. The artist used Death Valley Nails shade Bite Your Tongue, a thermal polish that changes color based on the temperature. With the freezing weather that January brings, you are sure to see a color transformation as soon as you step outside.

09of 20

Faded Purple Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (10)

Fortunately, gradient nails are here to stay! Blue fades to a light purple on this darling mani. The gradient pattern is uniform here, but you can play with the gradient placement on each nail if you want some additional dimension.

10of 20

Blonde Tortoise Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (11)

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to your animal print colors. Take this manicure for example. Here, the artist used Cirque Colors shades Organza and NSFW Jelly to achieve this blonde tortoise effect.

11of 20

Icy Blue Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (12)

Match the chilly vibes with an icy blue gel mani. If you want to stay on theme with the season, throw in a snowflake and colorful French tip design. The finished result will feel timely without being too on the nose.

12of 20

Dark and Starry Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (13)

How moody is this set? Alternating between a black and natural base is a great option to break up the color if you don't want to go full-on dark. Plus, the blingy stars are a tasteful finishing touch.

13of 20

Cherry Cola Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (14)

Not exactly black but very close to it, these cherry cola gel nails are so stylish and edgy. This set and a black leather trench? An iconic pairing!

14of 20

Sheer Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (15)

For a clean, refined look, try a nearly bare mani. The key to pulling off such a polished aesthetic is all in the details. Make sure your nails are clean and shaped, and your cuticles trimmed.

15of 20

Wicked Green Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (16)

No judgment if you're still stuck on Wicked because same. These vibrant green nails are giving major Elphaba energy, and suddenly we feel like we're defying gravity.

16of 20

Ruby Star Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (17)

Black French tips with gold stars and ruby centers have a very antique, vintage flair. Be sure to use strong glue to keep the ruby gems in place, as they're a small but critical detail to the finished look.

17of 20

Dark Star Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (18)

These short black nails with perfectly shaped gold stars give us a sense of nostalgia. The playful nails are a good option for your mini-me or your inner child.

18of 20

Icy Aqua Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (19)

Pearlescent blue polish puts us in the mind of cold, glacial waters. The artist used Holo Taco's Moon Lagoon, an aqua-green shade with an undertone of pink iridescent micro-shimmer.

19of 20

Mismatched White Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (20)

A monochromatic set with varied designs gives you uniformity and contrast at the same time. This bright white manicure is clean but also visually interesting with its different geometric prints such as checkerboard and abstract shapes.

20of 20

Gold Chrome Nails

20 Gel Nail Ideas for January, From Icy Blues to Starry Accents (21)

These gold chrome nails pack a luxurious punch. The metallic hue is a neutral shade that will pair well with your wardrobe whilst adding an opulent finish to your outfits.