Unlike pure gel and hybrid gel polish, regular nail polish is easy to remove (and doesn’t require a long soaking session in acetone), making it ideal for trying out new nail art techniques.
Deck your nails like a Christmas tree using black “cords” and teardrop-shaped or round nail gems as the “light bulbs.” Your manicurist will probably need to use a dotting set for this look.
Red Jelly Nails
Red nails are classic, but they’re even more festive when holiday time rolls around. The fiery Polish color is synonymous with the twinkling lights on the tree, the festive sparkle of Christmas ornaments, and the whimsical magic of Santa’s sleigh and suit.
Whether you prefer a simple and sophisticated holiday French set or a show-stopping embellished look, there’s sure to be a red nail design to suit your style and vibe.
If you’re into the more minimalistic approach, try a set of dainty red and gold nail art that has all the makings of a classic Christmas manicure. The red base is topped with white candy canes and Santa hats for a super cute look with all the classic holiday colors you love.
Mismatched nail designs are all the rage this season, and we love how these festive red nails make a case for going bold with the colors. The bright red base is adorned with glittery peppermint and bow details that ooze holiday cheer.
To create a translucent jelly finish, give this nail trend a DIY spin at home by diluting clear polish with a few drops of your favorite color. Then, use a nail dotting tool to add small blobs of shade on your nails for an instant color-blocking look.
Mistletoe Nails
Mistletoe isn’t just for doorways and holiday decor; it can also be a fun addition to your nails. Whether you choose a simple green design with white polka dots or a more intricately painted sprig of mistletoe, this festive nail art will bring a bit of holiday cheer to your everyday style.
For a minimal and sophisticated Christmas nail design that you can wear well into the new year, try these mistletoe press-on nails from MABKJLF.
They’re medium-length for a natural look that can easily transition into the winter season and feature intricate snowflake and frosty designs in delicate shades of blue, white, and silver. Ideal for those who prefer a less is more approach, this stylish nail design is easy to apply and lasts just as long as a professional manicure.
Alternatively, you can create your mistletoe nails using regular nail polish and a nail art brush or dotting tool. Start with a base coat in a soft beige or pastel pink shade, then add small red and white polka dots to recreate the look of mistletoe berries. You can even draw the berries with a nail art pen for a more precise design.
If you’re looking for a fun and sparkly Christmas nail design that will catch the eye of all your party guests, go with these Christmas tree ornament nails. They’re so pretty, you might want to keep them past the holidays.
Christmas Tree Nails
One of the most popular Christmas nail art designs is a classic tree. You can get super creative with this design by drawing wavy black lines as the “cords” and applying teardrop-shaped nail gems in different colors as ornaments (or even regular round ones, for that matter). This is a perfect look to wear during all of your holiday parties!
You can also paint your nails like presents if you want something more subtle. To recreate this unique idea, you will need a solid-colored base coat, followed by white stripes in a different shade drawn over the top. Some people even add a bow to their nails, which is nice.
Another cute Christmas nail art idea is holly leaves and berries. This looks great on an accent nail or two, and it’s easy to do with a simple manicure. You can either paint your own holly leaves and berries or buy pre-made nail art decals to save time and money.
You’ve probably seen glazed doughnut nails all over your social feeds, and it’s no surprise why they’re so popular. You can give this trendy look a holiday twist by painting your nails with a red and white candy-striped French manicure.
If you want to try out the glazed doughnut nail trend without going full cheese, you can use press-on nails and apply a shimmery silver polish such as Not Red-y for Bed from Essie.
Glitter Ornaments
Christmas nails don’t have to be all about glitter and sparkle. Instead, try a simple, chic design that’s easy to recreate with any nail polish color. A frosted French tip is a great example. This look isn’t over-the-top and makes any holiday party outfit ready to rock.
Another way to deck the halls is with a cute ornament nail art design. This nail idea is so easy to create; you can even do it at home using just a few supplies. You need a clear glass ornament, nail polish, and a small cup or cupcake paper liner (optional).
To make your DIY Christmas nail art, start by removing the silver cap on the ornament. Carefully pour in a generous amount of glitter polish and shake the ornament to coat it. After you’ve added all the color you want, tip it upside down to drain excess liquid. Let it dry overnight, and you’re done!
Summary
This nail art is the perfect option for anyone wanting to add a little sparkle but doesn’t have much time. It also works well for those who aren’t into traditional red and green nail colors but still want to show off their holiday spirit. The minty blue of these Christmas nails is underrated, and the adorable candy cane accents are a definite showstopper.