Lisa's and Jisoo's manicurists just revealed to me that these 9 K-Pop-inspired nail trends will shape 2025.
Whether you were first exposed to Korean pop music (K-pop) through the electrifying girl group Blackpink in 2020 or you’ve been a fan of this dominant pop genre for a while, the rising popularity of Korean artists in pop culture today cannot be overlooked. However, what we’re equally captivated by, aside from their music, is their diverse nail art styles. It appears that whatever nail designs K-pop icons like Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie or Aespa’s Karina don are significantly ahead of Western trends, so we decided to check in with the sources to see what's trending in the realm of K-beauty. First, it's crucial to understand what distinguishes a Korean manicure from the others.
“K-beauty nails emphasize effortless elegance with a playful twist,” explains celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi, who works with Blackpink’s Jisoo. “Cuticle care is exceptional—always meticulous, precise, and gentle—creating an ideal foundation for any polish or design. Even with gel, the layers are incredibly thin and seamless, giving nails a naturally stunning, glass-like appearance without feeling heavy or cumbersome.” Choi elaborates that Korean manicures excel due to a greater emphasis on nail health, while Lisa’s preferred manicurist, Juan Alvear, believes K-nail supremacy stems from its limitless creativity. “Attention to subtle details distinguishes K-manicures, especially the placement of tiny accents like crystals or droplets,” Alvear shares. “Consistency and intention are vital components of a quality manicure.”
Continue reading to discover nine K-pop-inspired manicures that will prepare you for your own world tour.
Soft Maximalism
With 3D nail trends becoming quite popular in recent years, you might not find it surprising that many K-manicures are tending to look somewhat restrained. “By 2025, I expect nails to embrace the recent K-pop trend of hyper-clean yet hyper-detailed aesthetics,” Choi remarks. “Anticipate ultra-sheer jelly nails combined with delicate 3D elements like crystals, pearls, and charms—a softer, more wearable take on maximalism.” This style includes sheer extensions and tiny rhinestones (like Choi's look on Sora Choi at the 2025 Met Gala), jelly polish, and oversized polka dots. The new trend is to find a balance between subtlety and boldness for nails that feel "in-the-know."
Shop the Trend
Essie
Jelly Gloss Nail Polish in Arctic Jelly
Belleboost
3D Nail Charms
Omakase Nails
Struggling to choose your nail art? No problem—this trend caters to the indecisive creative. Instead of sticking to one style, this trend showcases a variety of textures and patterns, with each nail distinct from the others. “I believe freestyle mismatched nails will significantly influence this year (think omakase nails),” claims Alvear. As an expert in freestyle sets, the celebrity manicurist has crafted numerous mismatched manicures for Lisa from The White Lotus.
Shop the Trend
Beetles
Nail Art Liner Gel Polish Set
Red Carpet Manicure
Nail Art Design Brush & Tool Kit
Cat-Eye
The cat-eye trend has been gaining traction for some time, but now is an ideal moment to embrace this textured look. “I’ve noticed a significant presence of cat-eye and gradient styles lately,” Alvear notes. This orb-like polish offers a fantastic option for those who prefer single-polish looks while avoiding overly maximalist designs. It's also appealing when layered with 3D decorations.
Shop the Trend
Beetles
Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Set
Olive & June
Press-On Velvet Fake Nails
Jelly Nails
If the term “jelly nails” doesn’t sound enticing enough, the manicure itself will surely have you rushing to the salon. It resembles the sheer dress trend for your nails, with a playful twist (and perfect for summer). “Jelly nails capture that juicy see-through hue reminiscent of tinted candy or glass sculptures,” explains Choi. You can achieve this look using jelly polish (gel works best, but regular polish options are available!) or by adding a splash of colored polish to your favorite topcoat for a luxuriously sheer effect.
Shop the Trend
Cirque Colors
Nail Polish in Kelly Jelly
Manucurist
Active Glow Polish in Grape
Iridescent Optics
If you prefer fun nail polish over eccentric designs, this layered option will appeal to you. Choi anticipates that “pastel chromes and iridescent washes” will maintain their popularity in the 2025 nail trends, “adding a touch of futuristic shimmer” to any solid-color manicure. Try applying a coat of Essie’s Special Effects Nail Polish over a pastel base (this shade over a butter-yellow base? Perfect!) or rubbing this Insta-Ch
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Lisa's and Jisoo's manicurists just revealed to me that these 9 K-Pop-inspired nail trends will shape 2025.
Invisible art, omakase nails, and other concepts that are several years ahead of the trend cycle.