The holiday season always comes with a unique energy, and everything has to reflect that vibrant joy- even our nail polish colors. As soon as you celebrate thanksgiving, getting a holiday manicure should be at the top of your to-do list.
Red and green nails usually dominate the last few months of the year because somehow, they’re the official colors of the holiday season.
If you want to take a break from the norm and try out new holiday nail designs, there are many ultra-fine options for you to choose from. These designs are not over the top, but they’ll still show that you embrace the season’s spirit.
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Blue Holiday Nails
The great thing about blue is that they transcend seasons. Depending on the nail designs you use blue nail polish for, they can work as fall nails, summer nails, and holiday nails. Light blue works perfectly for the season and blends smoothly with every skin tone.
Green Holiday Nails
If you think red nails are bright and brilliant enough for the holidays, you haven’t met green! I love how beautiful green can be, especially when combined with white.
If you love those cute little Christmas bows or candy canes, try them out using green as the base polish. Try out darker shades of green like this one from OPI for a unique look.
Holiday Gel Nails
The invention of gel nails has to be the best thing since sandwiches (insert your favorite thing)! They are long-lasting, capture the glow of every nail color and add a particular shine to any nail design.
We all know how the holidays can be hectic, but gel nails will give you the aesthetics and the longevity you need. They are a great option if you love to design your natural nails.
One of my favorite holiday gel nail ideas is using non-traditional colors outside of red. Red Christmas nails may be popular, but this dark shade of purple from Essie, is way better. It’ll blend perfectly with glitter.
Glitter Holiday Nails
And speaking of glitter, I think we can all agree that glitters rule the holidays! From gift wraps to dresses and even food. There’ll always be something shimmering somewhere, and you might as well add your nails to the list.
Top on my list of holiday nail ideas with glitter has to be using glitter polish to make fireworks or reverse ombre. The great thing about the fireworks nail design is that you can wear them until new years eve because nothing says it’s a new year like fireworks.
This holographic glitter nail polish from People of Color will perfectly finish any nail design.
Unconventional colors & designs Christmas nails 2022
There are so many Christmas nail designs, but for 2022, many celebrity nail techs are diving toward subtle designs. Since we are kicking red off the list, maroon and shades of blue would be great substitutes. Glitter makes everything Christmas-sy, so try adding them to your colors to make them pop.
Teal blue is a fantastic option to try as a more straightforward Christmas nail color. This glitter version from O.P.I is exquisite and perfect for all shades.
Kwanzaa Nails
Kwanzaa is a yearly celebration of African American heritage, family, and values. It falls in line with boxing day and ends as soon as the year begins. The official Kwanzaa colors are green, black, yellow, white, and green.
You can play around with the colors by creating African patterns or drawing a map of Africa on your nails. Kwanzaa nail designs are very festive and work for all the celebrations during the holiday season, so you don’t have to worry about not fitting in.
Winter Holiday Nails
The beauty of snowflakes lies in the uniqueness of their natural design. Winter wouldn’t be complete without a snowflake or two sitting pretty on your nails. Pick your favorite snowflake symmetry and use it to complete your nail holiday design.
I love white snowflake designs on holiday nails in colors like blue, neutral, dark green, coffee brown, and purple.
Candy Cane Nail designs
When you hear candy cane, I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind is red and white. But you can achieve the same beautiful look of candy canes with other holiday colors like bright green and dark brown. Candy cane designs are simple holiday nail ideas you can try on your own.
Garland French Tips
Garland is a beautiful twist to the classic French tips. Instead of using red or glitter at the top of the nails, design a garland instead. This is not your regular red and green Christmas nails; it is a creative twist that I’m sure will grab you lots of compliments.
Cute holiday nail ideas
The holidays are an amazing time to celebrate, create new memories with families, and look fabulous. This year, try cute holiday nail designs that are unique, so you can stand out and command attention everywhere you enter! It doesn’t have to be complicated to make a statement.