The best winter nails to save for your post-Christmas manicure
From neutral high-shine shades to deep indulgent reds, this is what to wear on your nails come January
Treating yourself to a glossy, polished manicure is an excellent way to stave off January melancholy. While Christmas-inspired nails allow for a flourish of fun in December, the longevity (and novelty) of a sparkle-adorned manicure quickly reaches its end come the 1st of January, making it the perfect time to book yourself in for a fresh new set for a fresh New Year.
"Nail looks will shift to understated sophistication post-Christmas," says founder of The GelBottle Inc Daisy Kalnina. "Neutral shades with a twist, such as soft greys, milky whites, and creamy beige tones will dominate, accented with fine-line art or minimalist details like micro-dotting and delicate geometric patterns."
Whether you're looking to start 2025 with a more minimalist approach to your nails, want to venture into the new season's colour trends, or are seeking to add some joy to your January with a whimsical design, browse our edit of the best winter nails for January and beyond.
Mocha manicure
A warm chocolate manicure is a sophisticated, versatile option you can rely on every winter and looks flattering on all nail shapes and lengths.
"The winter season has been all about dark colours, from rich chocolate browns to expensive looking oxblood burgundy shades," says nail artist Julia Diogo. "We have seen so much brown and burgundy on the runway that it was obvious that it would trickle down to the manicures."
Au naturel nude
"The 'clean' aesthetic remains popular, with nails embracing a natural yet polished look, focusing on healthy, glossy finishes," explains Kalnina.
With that in mind, why not ring in the New Year with a clean, nude manicure topped with a super-glossed finish?
Polished polka-dots
This minimalist design featuring a single dot and delicate white line will add an element of interest to a clean, nude look.
Cloud foam
Milky white manicures are a worthy consideration for those looking to tap into a 'quiet luxury' beauty look; they're also a slightly bolder take on a neutral nail.
Touch of tortoiseshell
If you view your nails as an extension of your accessories, this chic tortoiseshell design will complement any outfit. After all tortoiseshell, like leopard print, is a neutral, right?
Moon shine
This subtly iridescent manicure has the effect of being like a glow-giving, shimmering highlighter for your nails.
Merlot moment
"A dark glossy manicure is a winter classic but this year these shades have been requested among my clients more than ever before," says manicurist Georgia Rae. "I’ve heard it described as the winter neutral and it truly is as it goes with everything."
While red nails are a classic all year round, this blue-based merlot hue feels like the perfect shade for the depths of winter.
Half-moon mani
This high-gloss half-moon manicure turns the traditional French tip on its head with a subtly abstract design.
Box of chocolates
Play around with the brown colour trend by mixing fluid shapes with colour-block nails.
Mirror water
Glazed nails aren't going anywhere for the New Year, they're just evolving. This season, opt for a sheer polish that gives your nails a mirror-like effect.
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