@melanated.mani/ Instagram

What better time for a fresh manicure than the start of the new year?

Lean into January with gel nails that inspire your style and won’t chip after just one week.

If you’re unsure where to start, here are 20 gel nail ideas perfect for January.

shiny dark cherry square shape gel nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

Above, the artist applied a few coats of Space Pink Polish by Pleasing to create this subtle look.

Twinkling Star Nails

@amyytran/ Instagram

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.

soft baby pink gel on short nails

@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram

Or, if that seems a little too advanced, find an assortment ofnail stickersin your preferred design.

Keep your mani classic with a round almond nail or switch up yournail shapeto add a hint of personality.

These skittle nails have a mix of glitter and pearlescent finishes for a glamorous flair.

neutral gel nails with gold star stickers

@amyytran/ Instagram

White Peak Nails

Want an alternative to French tips that’s just as chic?

Try thesedouble-peak white nailswith the classic neutral pink base.

The dual tips create a sharp yet minimal design.

dark forest green gel nails

@heluviee/ Instagram

Stormy Grey Nails

There’s something so comforting about these opaquegray 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.

jewel tone and glitter skittle nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

Chocolate Drizzle Nails

Thesechocolate brown nailsare deliciously cozy.

Themismatched manicuregives the illusion of chocolate dripping down from the French tip.

A sweet and unique twist to an already trendy design.

gel nails with neutral base and white triangle tip design

@amyytran/ Instagram

Thermal Gel Nails

Believe it or not, this is one shade.

Faded Purple Nails

Fortunately,gradient nailsare here to stay!

Blue fades to a light purple on this darling mani.

shiny gray mid-length square shape gel nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

Take this manicure for example.

Here, the artist used Cirque Colors shades Organza and NSFW Jelly to achieve this blondetortoiseeffect.

Icy Blue Nails

Match the chilly vibes with anicy blue gel mani.

chocolate brown gel nails with accent nail designs

@heluviee/ Instagram

The finished result will feel timely without being too on the nose.

Dark and Starry Nails

How moody is this set?

Plus, the blingy stars are a tasteful finishing touch.

purple and burgundy gradient gel nails with shimmer

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

This set and a black leather trench?

Sheer Nails

For a clean, refined look, try a nearly bare mani.

The key to pulling off such a polished aesthetic is all in the details.

blue and purple gradient gel nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

double-check your nails are clean and shaped, and yourcuticles trimmed.

Wicked Green Nails

No judgment if you’re still stuck onWickedbecause same.

These vibrant green nails are giving major Elphaba energy, and suddenly we feel like we’re defying gravity.

white and gray tortoise nails

@lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Dark Star Nails

Theseshort black nailswith 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.

Icy Aqua Nails

Pearlescent blue polish puts us in the mind of cold, glacial waters.

icy blue nails with french tips and snowflake accent nail

@heluviee/ Instagram

The artist used Holo Taco’s Moon Lagoon, an aqua-green shade with an undertone of pink iridescent micro-shimmer.

This bright white manicure is clean but also visually interesting with its different geometric prints such ascheckerboardand abstract shapes.

Gold Chrome Nails

Thesegold chrome nailspack a luxurious punch.

black gel nails with neutral accent nails and star design

@heluviee/ Instagram

shiny dark cherry square shape gel nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

short neutral gel nails with square shape

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

short green gel nails

@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram

black french tip gel nails with gold star and ruby gems

@heluviee/ Instagram

short black gel nails with glitter and stars

@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram

aqua blue gel nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram

white and neutral gel nails with varied design

@amyytran/ Instagram

bronze-gold gel square shaped nails

@melanated.mani/ Instagram