As the temperature drops and winter settles in, it’s time to transform your manicure. These seriously gorgeous winter nail ideas will have you feeling cozy and stylish!
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Whether you’re headed to a holiday party or just want to feel festive on your daily coffee run, your nails can be the perfect accessory to get into the winter spirit.
Finding the right winter nail look that’s both cute and doable can feel overwhelming, especially with sooo many options floating around social media.
That’s why I’ve curated this guide to winter nail designs, featuring everything from simple, elegant looks to show-stopping holiday masterpieces.
You’ll also learn the best winter nail care tips to keep your nails strong and healthy.
Plus, the nail prep steps you should be doing before you do your nails.
Whether you prefer gel, acrylic nails, or regular polish on natural nails, I’ve got your next fave nail design here for you!
Winter Nail Ideas
1. Snowflake and Snowman Nail Art
2. Neutral Shimmer Nails
3. French Tips with Rhinestones
4. Champagne Chrome Nails
5. Glitter Tips with Snowflake Accent Nail
6. Cherry Cola Nails
7. Silver Glitter
8. Blue and White Winter Nails
9. Light Pink with Glitter Tips
10. Short Gels with Simple Accents
11. Ombré Chrome Nails
12. Double Accent Nail
13. Gold and Black Glitter
14. French Tip Ombré Shimmer
15. Simple Stripe Nails
How to Prep Your Nails for Nail Polish
- Soak hands in warm water to soften cuticles OR apply a cuticle remover
- With a cuticle stick, push back cuticles and remove dead skin
- Wipe off any excess cuticle remover
- File nails evenly for smooth, chip-resistant edges
- Buff nails gently
- Use a nail dehydrator or wipe your nails with rubbing alcohol to make sure nails are completely clean
- Apply a base coat (if you’ve washed your hands, make sure your nails are completely dry before polish)
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Glow Up Guide: How to Use Collagen for Hair, Skin and Nails
Winter Nail Care Tips
It can be a bit more difficult to keep your nails looking healthy during the winter.
Your hands and cuticles get dry, and your nails get brittle, which leads to them breaking more often!
Here are some of my top tips to keep your nails healthy during the colder months.
1. Apply cuticle oil morning and night (and whenever else you get the chance!)
2. Use a base coat formulated for dry nails
3. Keep a hand cream in your bag for easy moisturizing throughout the day
4. Take collagen supplements to get strong nails from the inside out!
5. Wear waterproof gloves for cleaning and doing dishes
6. Use a nail strengthener between polishes
7. Avoid washing your hands in super hot water
8. If you chip a nail, smooth it out with a nail file to prevent it from breaking
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Winter Nail Polish Ideas
Stuck on what color to paint your nails? Here are some color combos that are on theme for the winter season!
- Ice blue and silver
- Sage green and white
- Burgundy with rose gold
- Matte black with white
- Deep purple with gold
- Charcoal grey with silver
- Navy blue with silver glitter
- Forest green with taupe
FAQ’s
Deep, rich hues dominate winter nail trends, with colors like navy blue, burgundy, and forest green.
Metallic silvers and golds are also extremely popular, especially for Christmas nail designs.
Don’t forget about winter white – it’s perfect for creating that perfect snow-inspired look.
Blue glitter nails, snowflake nails and simple Christmas nail designs are all very popular in winter.
Absolutely! White nail polish is perfect for winter and has become increasingly popular for the season.
It can create a beautiful winter snow-inspired nail look, and it makes a great base for winter nail art designs. It’s also perfect for adding white snowflakes and other wintery designs.
Just make sure to use a high-quality white polish and apply thin layers for the best coverage. White nails can be dressed up with glitter, nail stickers or crystals for a festive touch.
