It seems all anyone wants these days is a high-shine manicure. We've seen metallic chrome powders, velvet glass nails, and even charm-topped tips. But let me introduce you to 2025's latest and greatest must-have mani: syrup nails. Perfect for the spring and summer, this nail trend takes the semi-sheer style of jelly nails and mixes it with the timeless beauty of a simple manicure. The result? A luxurious, ultra-shiny display of translucent polish that pops. Whether you're looking to DIY syrup nails at home or on the hunt for inspo at your next salon appointment, we've got you covered. Scroll ahead for a full breakdown on all things syrup nails, because this nail trend is oh so sweet and sure to stick.
Meet the Experts
- Jin Soon Choi is an editorial manicurist, and the founder of JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer.
- Loi Lien is a celebrity nail artist based in Los Angeles known for his precise technique.
- Priscilla Nguyen is a professional nail artist and Aprés Nail Educator, specializing in Gel-X.
What Are Syrup Nails?
Syrup nails mimic the delicious look of dripping maple syrup—glossy, translucent, and ultra-shiny. "While they’re often compared to jelly nails, the difference lies in the finish," explains celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi. "Syrup nails are more gradient and nuanced, often with a sheer, buildable wash of color that looks like it’s melting from tip to base." And even when there's no gradient present, celebrity nail artist Loi Lien adds that the translucent finish of the polish makes the whole manicure appear "glossier and shinier, giving a syrup-like effect."
While classic syrup nails tend to lean more neutral and, well, syrup-colored, you can actually give any shade of polish that high-gloss effect (more on that below). "Play with different colors to create fun, see-through designs that are both playful and sophisticated," suggests Aprés Nail EducatorPriscilla Nguyen.
How to Get the Look
Creating syrup nails is surprisingly simple. "The style can be achieved using a regular or gel polish that's typically topped with a high-gloss top coat to create a 'wet' look," says Choi. "Milky finishes in shades like white, pink, coral, and purple are especially popular, but the idea is simple: mix color into a clear base to achieve a translucent syrup effect." Nguyen adds that using clear Gel-X tips like the celeb-loved Aprés Nails styles are perfect for this trend, given their already clear appearance.
If you're looking to create syrup nails at home, "a common DIY ratio is 1:2—one part color, two parts clear polish or base coat," says Choi. "Some prefer an ombré application for a soft gradient, while others layer sheer color for a tonal one-shade look." The final product boasts a lightweight, clean manicure that's perfect for everyday wear.
Now that you know how to get syrup nails, it’s time to pick a color. Check out 12 of our favorite examples below.
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Classic Nude
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A classic nude polish is the perfect way to emulate that sweet and glossy look of maple syrup. Despite being a natural take on the trend, the extra gloss and semi-sheer finish allow the neutral tone to pop.
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Pistachio Milk
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Pistachio milk nails are already trending this spring season, so why not mix the stunning green hue with some clear polish for a more syrup-y style? Plus, we love the subtle sparkly formula, seen above, for an extra dramatic finish.
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Magenta
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We can't get enough of this magenta color. It's bright enough for summer, but still deep enough to fit the season as we transition into warmer weather. To create a similar look, start with extra-long coffin extensions and one layer of your go-to pink polish.
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Brat Summer
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We're bringing Charli XCX's "Brat" summer right back with this neon mani. The musician's iconic bright green color is sheered out and topped with scattered silver glitter.
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Hidden Decals
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Take advantage of the sheer style of syrup nails by hiding small decals or designs underneath the polish. If you look carefully at the manicure above, you'll see the monochrome micro hearts in the center of each finger. The barely-there nail art is so chic!
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Milky Purple
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Choi noted that milky purple is a popular take on syrup nails, and we can see why. The hint of lilac is just colorful enough to go detected without making a big statement.
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Baby Pink
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No matter the season, you just can't go wrong with a set of baby pink nails. It's classic, timeless, and this sheer, high-gloss style only amps it up.
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Dark Turquoise
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These syrup nails look fresh from the ocean. The deep turquoise polish is beautifully nautical and perfect for summertime. While this hue would look good on any shape, we especially love the way it complements a basic oval nail.
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Iridescent Chrome
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For two high-shine nail trends in one, combine syrup nails with chrome. This luxe look uses a sheer white nail base that's topped with iridescent chrome powder.
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Chunky Glitter
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Syrup nails don't have to be boring. For some extra sparkle, swap your signature glossy top coat for a chunky silver glitter top coat. We love the way the light bounces off the sheer base and metallic accent.
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Bronzed
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That's right, syrup nails can be achieved by using shimmery nail polish, too. The above look uses a gorgeous deep rose gold color for ultimate shine.
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Glitter-Topped
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While traditional syrup nails are created with nude polish, you can always spice up the classic design with a scattered glitter top coat. The base will still feel neutral, but your nails will catch the light on the go.
