63 Winter Nail Ideas You’ll Definitely Want to Copy
As we gear up for the return holiday parties and events, a new rotation of winter nail ideas are here to help you get festive and ready. And this year nails are proving to be more of a delight than ever. Who among us hasn’t experienced the momentary joy of looking down in between endless meetings or yet another round of handwashing to delight in a fun print, a hint of shimmer, or a pop of our favorite winter nail polish peering back at us?
This season winter nail art is all about maximum fun with minimal work. Sure, there are the beautiful deep greens and dark red nail polishes that always trend as the best winter nail colors. But there are also plenty of unexpected winter manicures you can easily paint from the comfort of your couch (preferably with a glass of wine and something feel-good pulled up on Netflix). Think glittery shades that look like sparkling Christmas lights and pair well with winter hairstyles and winter makeup, or quirky stickers that give the look of nail art without any of the fuss.
So, no matter your taste or dexterity, scroll on for the coolest winter nail designs and holiday nail inspo that’ll take you through the holiday season and straight into 2024. Cheers to that.
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Instagram @thehotblend1/65Silver Bells
Silver glitter French tips paired with dainty snowflake nail art are festive yet understated. To create the snowflakes, use a thin nail brush and dotting tool. You can find both in this nail art set from Manucurist.
Instagram @monika__nails2/65Hot Chocolate
Create the illusion of steaming hot chocolate with an artistic wave accent nail. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Been There, Dune That is the perfect chocolaty shade.
Instagram @glowstudioaesthetics3/65Leafy Green
Something about this green manicure with gold leaf accents reminds us of decorating the Christmas tree. Try two different tones in forest green and sage to add some dimension. We love the combo of China Glaze in Emerald Magic and Essie Ferris of Them All.
4/65Cobalt Blue
Bright blue winter nails are bold and statement-making. Let the color do all the talking and opt for short nails with a rounded shape.
5/65Candy Cane
Make red Christmas nails more festive with candy cane accent nails. Go literal with tiny candy cane nail art or opt for a stripe pattern. Can't choose? Do both!
Instagram @heygreatnails6/65Bronze Glitter
Instead of silver, gold, or rose gold, opt for bronze metallic. Not only is it on trend with the current brown and latte makeup obsession, but it also looks chic on all skin tones, especially when paired with geometric nail art.
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Instagram @vivianmariewong7/65Icy Barbie
For a festive spin on Barbie nails, try this glitter nails ombré design. To get the perfect gradient, dip a makeup sponge wedge into hot pink nail polish and work your way up to a pinky nude base coat. Top off your tips with a pink glitter polish like Paige from ILNP then apply a thick layer of topcoat to smooth out the texture.
Instagram @phoebesummernails8/65Sugarplum Fairy
Matte lavender tips and a pink base are the sweetest pairing. Finish off your fairy-inspired look with tiny pearls for a whimsical touch.
Instagram @kitty_klawsss9/65Liquid Gold
Bring your textured manicure to the next level with shiny gold glitter chrome. Keep the rest of the nail nude for a more minimalist feel.
Instagram @wownailsiom10/65Rainbow Confetti
Countdown to 2024 with these confetti-inspired New Year’s nails. To achieve the look, layer different colored nail foils to create the illusion of dimension and texture. Opt for short nails to balance out the busy design.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein11/65Floating Tinsel
This minimalist look may seem complicated, but all you need is a striper brush to create thin lines. Celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein used BrillBird UK to create black stripes, which she layered with silver sparkle for an eye-catching effect.
Instagram/@nailsbyzola12/65Chocolate Glazed Donut
The glazed-donut manicure is alive and well this winter, with the latest chocolate iteration using DND Gel in shades Coffee Bean and Spiced Brown, layered with OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can.
Instagram/@amyle.nails13/65’70s Groove
Embrace the moody shades of winter with a ’70s-inspired manicure. Add a polish with metallic finish to play with texture.
Instagram/@vanityprojects14/65Alien Superstar
Something about these iridescent green chrome nails reminds us of The Grinch. Top things off with holographic stars to add an extra dose of sparkle.
Instagram / @betina_goldstein15/65Ombré Glitter
Why wear one glitter polish when you can wear two? Split the difference with your favorite sparkly shades or go for a kit (like Paintbox's power couples) that pairs up two stunners together for you in an ombre nails design.
Instagram / @evelynlnails16/65Holographic Stripes
A single glitzy line is like jewelry for your fingertips—and makes your nails look extra long.
Instagram / @betina_goldstein17/65Champagne Sparkles
Cheers to the most perfect shimmery polish we’ve ever seen. (It’s Essie in Semi-Precious Tones, in case you think so too.)
Instagram / @overglowedit18/65Skittles Mani
Mismatched nail art isn't going anywhere this winter, if anything because it's the easiest nail art to do yourself. Pastels and neons are definitely still going strong, but if you want shades that feel more seasonally on trend, go for muted blues with rusty browns and red.
Instagram / @betina_goldstein19/65Gilded Tips
For all the Folklore fans in the house, let a thread of gold tie your look together.
Instagram / @oliveandjune20/65Silver Glitter
Fact: It’s impossible not to look down and smile when Olive & June’s Exclamation Point is on your nails.
Instagram / @thuybnguyen21/65Confetti Glitter
New Year’s might not be the confetti-filled bash we all deserve, but your nails don’t have to know that.
Instagram / @overglowedit22/65Daisy Nails
Seventies vibes are still having a moment—on hair or on nails. Get in on the look with Deco Miami’s Stay Groovy stickers. Matcha green base optional but encouraged.
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Instagram/@paintedbyjools_23/65Hot Chocolate Nails
The only thing yummier than a mug of piping-hot cocoa? A mani that combines a range of chocolate shades.
Instagram / @avivaatri24/65Mixed Media
The best nail-art pattern of them all this winter? Not settling on just one. Play with lines, shapes, and French-tip styles for a truly one-of-a-kind manicure.
Instagram / @themaniclub25/65Icy Tips
It’s not really winter until the snow falls—at least on your fingertips.
Instagram / @tiffdods26/65French Manicure
Make this the year you reacquaint yourself with press-ons (if you haven’t already).
Instagram / @betina_goldstein27/65Chrome French
The beauty of micro French tips is that they’re easy to clean up with a nail brush and some remover if you go overboard.
Instagram / @paintboxnails28/65Smooth Shapes
The ’70s strike again. The trick here is grounding the color palette in neutral tones for a pattern that works all season long.
Instagram / @thehangedit29/65Cartoon Sparkles
The litmus test for nail trends this season: Does it make us happy? This is an obvious yes.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_30/65Cherry Red
Red nail polish transcends seasons, but it really shines during the holidays. Try Essie Gel Couture in Bubbles Only for a cherry red that shines all year round.
Instagram / @nail_unistella31/65Two-Toned
Another impossibly easy nail art idea to execute: Paint each hand a different pastel or shimmery shade.
Instagram / @betina_goldstein32/65Shades of Red
A gradient of reds is just the right amount of festive without hitting you over the head.
Instagram / @yeswhatnails33/65Metallic Dots
These playful polka dots feel like they belong on a New Year’s party favor.
Instagram / @yeswhatnails34/65Split Shades
Can’t decide on one trend? Get the best of all of them by mixing and matching pastels and brights across every nail.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_35/65Black Licorice
If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. You can't go wrong with black nails in the cold weather, especially when topped with an ultra-glossy topcoat like Seche Vite.
Instagram/@phreshnailss36/65Snowcap French
Swooping French tips are a nod to snowy mountains, without feeling obvious. Gold twinkles add a glamorous touch.
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit37/65Negative Space
Negative space remains the simplest way to add a touch of cool to a mani in seconds.
Instagram/@saruhnails38/65Blue Tips
Make a French feel fresh with icy blue tips (try OPI in To Infinity and Blue-yond).
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit39/65White Shimmer
Put a spin on classic winter white nails with a cool holographic glitter topcoat. Try Pacifica's Bio Glitter in Celestial for a similar effect.
Instagram/@saruhnails40/65Broken Hearts
A black and nude palette puts an edgy spin on dainty hearts, and will have you covered from now until Valentine's Day.
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit41/65Rainbow Cheetah
Add a pop of color to your closet of neutrals with a rainbow of cheetah-print nails (try Etsy for some fun nail wraps that required zero skill).
Instagram/@overglowedit42/65Rainbow French
For another cool twist on a French manicure, go with a different color tip on each nail. A gold decal adds another special touch.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein43/65Checkerboard
A fun palette like olive and plum (try Essie Expressie in We Don't Mesh and Dial it Up) makes a trendy pattern even cooler.
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit44/65Doodle Nails
One of 2021's coolest nail trends was treating each nail like a page in a scrapbook, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. Use a mix of stickers and hand-painted designs for the coolest mix.
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit45/65Ruby Shimmer
For something where edge meets glam, go for a shimmering red shade with a hint of black. Bonus: It's great if you're trying to grow your nails, since the holographic effect makes nails look superlong.
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Instagram/@nailsbymh46/65Blinged-Out French
A diamond-encrusted mani is perfect for holiday parties and beyond.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein47/65Cozy Stripes
Pair your favorite striped sweater with some nail polish to match. For this look, nail artist Betina Goldstein used Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Brun Fumé and Rouge Brun.
Instagram/@lolo.nailedit48/65Icy Blue Twinkles
For another take on cartoon sparkles, decorate only a few nails. An ice blue color palette keeps everything feeling nice and wintry.
Insatgram/@overglowedit49/65Warm Florals
Classic daisies (use a dotting tool or the end of a bobby pin for an easy DIY) feel winter-appropriate in a cozy color palette of orange and purple.
Instagram/@overglowedit50/65Gold Tips
Give cool gilded tips a dreamy celestial touch with gold star stickers.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein51/65Kusama Tips
If you like you nail art to feel a little more intellectual, take a cue from the iconic art of Yayoi Kusama.
Instagram/@oliveandjune52/65Frosty Tips
Holographic tips (try Cirque Color's Aquamarine) adds some dimension to a tone-on-tone mani.
Instagram/@oliveandjune53/65Evergreen
Holiday ready without being too on the nose. Try Olive & June's Geometry to get the look.
Instagram/@betina_goldstein54/65Stuffed Olives
What better companion to your Friday (or Tuesday) night martini?
Instagram/@tombachik57/65American Manicure
For the newest twist on a French mani, try the American Manicure, which just means both the tips and base are softer shades of nude and white for less contrast and a more natural feel.
Instagram/@nycnailroom58/65Abstract Swirls
Not feeling a full red mani? Opt for artful swirls instead.
Instagram/@oliveandjune59/65Black Micro French
A thinner tip feels a little more modern—as does using black instead of white.
Instagram/@paintboxnails60/65Mixed Patterns
A mishmash of trendy patterns like checkerboards and smiley faces couldn't be cuter.
Instagram/@paintboxnails61/65Cute Dots
Some floating dots on a neutral base is simple and chic (and easy to DIY).
Instagram/@paintboxnails62/65Silver Stripes
Cooler temps call for cooler tones, like this pretty swoops of silver and black.
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Instagram/@overglowedit63/65Cute Hearts
While it may not feel like it, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Get in the mood with this cute negative-space heart mani.
Instagram/@paintedbyjools_64/65Hot Pink
Neons may not be your typical nail colors, but when we're going on day 50 of “sludge” as the forecast, a bright mani is the perfect pick-me-up.
Instagram/@saruhnails65/65Colorful Swirls
Swoops of red add a colorful touch to an otherwise minimal mani.
