The Tamesis
For those of you who are always looking for the next big nail trend, bloom gel. A favorite among nail-obsessed celebrities like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Rosalía, this style looks different every time you try it, creating endless options for unique nail art.
“Blooming gel is a special gel formula that allows you to paint on an uncured surface, so the design diffuses and expands subtly before curing under a lamp,” says Natalia Mercedes, founder of Sad Girl Nails studio in Manhattan. “Unlike a classic manicure, where every line and detail is intentionally placed and stays exactly where you place it, smudge gel introduces movement. The pigment diffuses organically, creating a soft, fluid effect that feels almost alive on the nail.”
Think of it as a tie-dye technique for nails Allah Eckhaus Latta is famous for its dip dyeing—while you can aspire to create a certain design, the colors move and expand, so you never know what you’re going to get.
“Traditionally, nail painting is all about precision because you need to place the paint exactly where you want it to create a specific image,” says Mercedes. “But Bloom Gel does the opposite: It lets the color float and evolve on its own.”
But the clever results are worth giving up, as the extensions create organic-looking designs that mimic flowers, reptile skin, watercolor drops, and more. Keep scrolling for lots of inspiration.
