18 Gel Manicure Ideas for May That Are Like Sunshine for Your Fingertips (2025)

Table of Contents

Rosy Charm Collection Dreamy Blue Pops of Sunshine Transitional Textures Warm Shimmer Iridescent Aquamarine Vintage Jewel Tones High-Contrast Abstracts Pastel Patterns Sophisticated Neutrals Maximalist Mani Drops of Chrome Princess Pink Shimmer Pastel Swirls Evergreen Watercolors Silver Wings Oyster Iridescence Summer Blues References

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May is in full bloom. As we move past the April showers and into a sea of sunny-and-75 bliss, we’re embracing our favorite warm-weather activities. If you’re anything like us, though, you’re especially tough on your nails during the summer months.From impromptu bike rides to days spent at the pool, there’s ample opportunity for your manicure to chip, fade, or peel away. Because of this, May is an ideal time of year to invest in a long-lasting and hardy gel manicure—and luckily, we’ve got plenty of inspiration featuring both current trends and seasonal favorites. Ahead, discover 18 gel manicure ideas for May to bring to the salon this month.

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Rosy Charm Collection

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Lean into your flirtier side for your gel manicure this May. On your next trip to the salon, request nails in an array of pink shades—from a cotton candy pink to fiery fuchsia—with 3D detailing. A seashell design on the index finger sets your intentions toward a vacation-filled summer.

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Dreamy Blue

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Gel manicures guarantee a high-gloss finish that stands out in any hue. If vibrant, punchy gels aren't your thing, try your hand at a softer palette. Exhibit A: Soft, powdery blue polish serves as an icy-cool backdrop for a silver cross detail. Consider this a fashion-forward spin on spring pastels.

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Pops of Sunshine

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Tropical vacation vibes, without taking out the PTO: This manicure features ombré spots of golden orange and yellow against a white backdrop.

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Transitional Textures

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Warmer days are ahead, so we're looking to Mother Nature for her most stunning inspiration. These abstract nails remind us of scales or spots, serving as an unexpected spin on the leopard print trend. If you're approaching this gel mani on your own, feel free to smudge and blur the edges for a more natural look.

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Warm Shimmer

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As festival season is well underway, we're on the lookout for manicures that are versatile enough to match every outfit we've planned. Subtle, shimmery neutrals upgrade your next down-to-earth set, making for a trend-forward finish in this earthy tone.

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Iridescent Aquamarine

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From office siren to seaside siren: This full-glam set is enough to spark joy in our weekdays and weekend plans. Whether you've got a trip planned or could use some everyday escapism, it's time to look to the sea. Meanwhile, dots of vintage-inspired bronze polish add dimension and texture.

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Vintage Jewel Tones

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These abstract color bursts are equally funky and moody, keeping pace with the '70s-inspired aesthetics trending in our wardrobes this season. As an added benefit, this particular design incorporates a subtle splash of color without overpowering your look.

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High-Contrast Abstracts

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Bring joyful pops of pink, purple, and neon orange to your fingertips this May. Use an ultra-fine brush to carefully outline the edges of each abstract shape, and let each layer fully dry before adding the next. A high-gloss top coat seals it all in.

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Pastel Patterns

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Soft, matte pastels can offer a new perspective on summertime nails. Try abstract dots, patterns, and soft florals for a sophisticated (yet posh and spring-appropriate) manicure.

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Sophisticated Neutrals

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Conversely, embrace a subtle approach for your early summer set. Neat, neutral gel manicures are core to the "soap nails" trend, and they're easy to approach. Simply swipe on a wash of pale cream, beige, or ivory and top with a high-gloss top coat for a nearly wet finish. This particular shade leans rosy, but you can select any undertone you please.

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Maximalist Mani

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Highly saturated colors and prints are on the horizon. Usher in the first days of summer with a gel manicure that toes the wilder side—with animal print and punchy pink polish—while keeping things cohesive with coordinating shades of purple and beige.

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Drops of Chrome

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Metallic nails are timeless, but certain gel techniques add a fashion-forward spin to the cool-girl staple. Ask your nail technician for sculpted three-dimensional droplets on each nail, then finish it all off with a mirror-like chrome coating.

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Princess Pink Shimmer

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It's tough to go wrong with glossy, semi-transparent pink nails. Tiny white stars—achievable with an ultra-thin brush—further lean into the delicate, ethereal vibe.

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Pastel Swirls

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Did April showers get you down? Choose a May gel manicure that'll make you smile whenever you glance at your fingertips. Bright pops of yellow, peach, pink, and orange do all the heavy lifting to raise our spirits this month.

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Evergreen Watercolors

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Taurus season is in full swing, and we're staying grounded with this deep green watercolor set. Consider your own take on the matcha nail trend with rich swirls of pine, sage, and hunter green.

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Silver Wings

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On the other hand, glazed pink polish—perhaps with a cat-eye design—indulges our sweeter side. Play up visual interest with a silvery pink butterfly on two nails, while opting to keep the rest a shimmery bubblegum shade.

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Oyster Iridescence

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Chrome-like finishes are a fun favorite for any time of year, but we especially love this lighthearted color to celebrate the first warm days of May. Don a mysterious aquamarine polish for your inaugural beach day of the season—with a gel manicure, you can rest assured it'll outlast gritty sand and harsh waters.

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Summer Blues

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Consider a less traditional route for your gel manicure this May. Swirls of icy blue and silver, complete with sculptural waves, remind us of afternoons gazing at picturesque ocean foam. Pops of chrome add a futuristic feel and a textural boost.