Winter Nail Designs: Stunning 25 Ideas to Try This Season

Winter is here, and there’s no better time to switch up your manicure game with fresh and exciting winter nail designs. Whether you’re looking for something simple, classy, or bold, there’s a style for everyone this season. From short to almond-shaped nails, and from white to red, this article will inspire your next winter manicure. Let’s dive into some of the most eye-catching ideas for winter nails, and I’ll guide you through how to recreate them.

Snowflake-Inspired Winter Nail Design with Bows 

This design combines soft blue and white tones, offering a delicate winter aesthetic with beautiful snowflake accents. The long, coffin-shaped nails feature a translucent gradient that transitions from light blue to white, giving the nails a frosted look. Two of the nails are adorned with elegant white bows, adding a fancy touch to this otherwise simple design. The snowflakes are the standout feature, perfect for those who want a cute and classy winter look.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” for the white base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Bikini So Teeny” for the blue gradient
• Nail Art Bow Charms for embellishments
• Snowflake nail stickers or hand-drawn designs with a thin nail art brush

How to Create This Design:

1. Start by applying a white base coat on all nails.
2. Create the blue gradient using a makeup sponge to blend the blue polish from the tips to the center of the nails.
3. Apply the snowflake stickers or hand-paint the snowflakes using a fine-tip brush.
4. Attach the bow charms using nail glue on two accent nails.
5. Seal everything with a high-shine gel top coat to add durability and shine.

Dark Glittery Winter Nails 

This set is for anyone who loves a bold, dark, and glamorous look. The nails feature a striking deep black base with blue glittery accents that mimic the night sky during the winter. Some nails are adorned with delicate snowflake designs, perfect for adding a touch of Christmas spirit. The almond shape gives this manicure an elongated, elegant finish, making it both fancy and classy simple.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Black Onyx” for the base
• Zoya PixieDust in “Nyx” for the glitter accents
• Nail Snowflake stickers or hand-painted designs using white polish
• Almond-shaped nail tips for the desired length and shape

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a black base coat to all nails.
2. Use a blue glitter polish on the ring and middle nails to create a sparkling effect.
3. Use a thin nail brush to paint snowflakes on the index and pinky nails or apply stickers.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

Light Blue and Glitter Coffin Nails 

This design is all about mixing cute and sparkly elements for a wintery feel. The blue tones are soft and cool, ideal for the winter season. One nail is covered in glitter, while another has a clear tip with snowflakes floating above. The combination of matte and shiny finishes gives this look a fresh and versatile feel, perfect for the upcoming Ideas 2024.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “It’s a Boy!” for the light blue
• Essie Nail Polish in “Set in Stones” for the glitter
• Clear coffin nail tips
• Snowflake decals or hand-drawn snowflakes

How to Create This Design:

1. Start with applying the light blue base to all nails except the accent nail.
2. Apply glitter polish to one accent nail for sparkle.
3. On the other accent nail, leave the tip clear and place snowflake decals or paint them by hand.
4. Seal with a gel top coat to lock in the design.

Magenta Nails with Gold Star Detailing 

If you’re seeking something more vibrant yet still classy, these pink magenta nails are for you. The bright color contrasts beautifully with the gold star accents, making this design pop. The almond shape adds an extra touch of elegance, and the minimalistic gold details make this manicure suitable for both casual and formal winter occasions.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Big Spender” for the magenta pink
• Gold foil or star-shaped nail stickers
• Almond nail tips for shaping

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply two coats of the magenta pink polish.
2. Use a tweezer to apply the gold star stickers or hand-paint them with a fine brush.
3. Finish with a gel top coat to give the nails a fancy and easy finish.

White Snowflake Winter Nail Design 

This white snowflake nail design is perfect for those who prefer a simple, clean, yet cute winter look. The nails are kept short, which makes this style easy to maintain while still looking festive. Small snowflake accents and a touch of glitter bring a Christmas vibe without overdoing it. This manicure is ideal for those looking for winter nail designs short yet impactful.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” for the white base
• Glitter top coat for sparkle
• Snowflake decals or nail art stamps
• Short round or square nail tips for shaping

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply the white base coat on all nails.
2. Add glitter polish on a couple of accent nails.
3. Apply snowflake decals or stamp them onto the nails.
4. Finish with a gel top coat to keep the design durable and shiny.

Pastel Heart and Glitter Winter Nails 

This design brings a playful and romantic vibe to winter nail art. Featuring soft pink and purple hues, it combines glitter, hearts, and snowflakes for a whimsical look. The long, coffin-shaped nails create a perfect canvas for intricate details like mini hearts and rhinestone accents. The use of glitter on one nail adds extra sparkle, while the snowflake designs maintain a wintry theme. This is perfect for someone looking for a fancy yet cute winter manicure.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Mod About You” for the pink hearts
• Essie Nail Polish in “Lilacism” for the base
• Glitter nail polish like Sally Hansen’s “Disco Ball”
• Rhinestones for the snowflake centers
• Nail art brush for painting hearts and snowflakes

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a pastel pink and purple base to alternate nails.
2. Use a fine brush to paint mini hearts on one nail and a snowflake on another.
3. Apply glitter polish on the accent nail for extra sparkle.
4. Finish with rhinestone details and seal with a gel top coat for a smooth finish.

White Snowy Winter Nails 

These white nails embody the essence of winter with delicate snowflakes and subtle stripes that resemble cozy winter sweaters. The matte finish gives a classy simple look while the short coffin shape makes them practical for everyday wear. This design is ideal for those seeking winter nail designs short that are both elegant and easy to maintain.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” for the base
• Nail striping tape or thin nail art brush for the striped accent nail
• White snowflake nail stamps or hand-painted designs
• Matte top coat for a velvety finish

How to Create This Design:

1. Start with a white base coat on all nails.
2. Use striping tape or a nail art brush to create diagonal stripes on one accent nail.
3. Stamp or hand-paint snowflakes on two other nails.
4. Finish with a matte top coat for a soft, wintry look.

Gray and White Sweater-Inspired Nails

For those who love a simple yet chic design, these gray and white nails combine classic winter elements like snowflakes and knit sweater patterns. The mix of gray and white gives a cool, neutral palette that works with any winter outfit. Perfect for easy winter nail ideas, this design also adds a fun texture with the 3D sweater pattern.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Master Plan” for the gray
• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” for the white base
• 3D gel polish for the sweater texture effect
• Snowflake nail stamps or hand-painted designs

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a gray base to most nails, leaving two for a white base coat.
2. Use 3D gel polish to create a sweater texture on the accent nail.
3. Stamp or hand-paint snowflakes on another accent nail.
4. Seal with a gel top coat to preserve the 3D effect.

Peppermint Candy Red Winter Nails 

These festive red nails are perfect for the holiday season. With candy cane swirls and a bold red bow accent, this design embraces the spirit of Christmas. The red glitter accent nail adds a touch of glamour, while the clear tips with peppermint candy patterns offer a playful yet fancy winter vibe. This set is ideal for anyone wanting to try winter nail designs red with a creative twist.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Really Red” for the base and candy stripes
• Red glitter polish like OPI’s “Big Apple Red”
• Bow nail charms for the accent
• Nail art brush for painting peppermint candy swirls

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a clear base coat on the nails, leaving room for the peppermint swirls.
2. Use a thin nail brush to paint candy cane stripes and add a red bow charm on one nail.
3. Apply red glitter polish on one accent nail for added sparkle.
4. Seal with a gel top coat to protect the design and give it a glossy finish.

Frosty Blue Almond-Shaped Nails 

This blue frosty design is perfect for winter nail designs almond shape lovers. The soft, icy blue color is adorned with delicate snowflakes, giving the nails a serene and magical winter feel. The almond shape adds elegance, and the subtle shimmer makes these nails perfect for both casual and formal winter events.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “I Can Never Hut Up” for the blue base
• White nail art paint for snowflake details
• Fine glitter for a frosty shimmer
• Almond-shaped nail tips

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a frosty blue base coat to all nails.
2. Use a fine nail art brush to paint intricate snowflakes on each nail.
3. Add a light layer of fine glitter to mimic the shimmer of snow.
4. Seal with a gel top coat to give the nails a long-lasting shine.

Glittery Short Winter Nails

This nail design is all about keeping it simple yet cute. The short, rounded nails are coated with a soft, pale pink polish and topped with delicate holographic glitter. The subtle sparkle makes this manicure perfect for everyday wear while still maintaining a festive winter nail designs vibe. Ideal for those who prefer classy simple looks that are easy to maintain, this design offers a chic and effortless winter style.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath” for the pale pink base
• Essie Top Coat in “Summit of Style” for the holographic glitter
• Rounded short nail tips for easy upkeep

How to Create This Design:

1. Start with applying two coats of a pale pink polish.
2. Add a layer of glitter polish to create a subtle sparkle.
3. Seal everything with a high-shine gel top coat to enhance the glitter and make it last longer.

Fun Animal-Themed Winter Nails 

This cute and playful design features adorable winter-themed animals like penguins, foxes, and reindeer. The red and white color scheme, along with glitter and detailed animal artwork, makes this manicure festive and whimsical, perfect for Christmas. The long almond shape of the nails allows for intricate designs, making this a standout winter nail design for the holiday season.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc” for the base
• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Big Apple Red” for accent details
• Nail art brushes and stamping tools for animal designs
• Glitter top coat for added sparkle

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a white base coat to all nails.
2. Use fine nail art brushes to create the detailed animal characters on each nail.
3. Add red accents for a festive touch, and finish with a glitter top coat to give it a holiday shimmer.

Gold and White Glitter Almond Nails 

This elegant nail design combines gold glitter and white accents for a classy simple winter look. The almond shape gives the nails a sophisticated edge, while the white snowflake detailing adds a festive touch. One nail features a full glitter finish, creating a perfect balance of shine and subtlety. This look is ideal for those wanting winter nail designs classy enough for both daily wear and special occasions.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Love.Angel.Music.Baby” for the gold glitter
• Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc” for the white accents
• Nail art brush for painting snowflakes

How to Create This Design:

1. Start by applying a gold glitter base on one nail and a white base on the others.
2. Use a nail art brush to paint delicate snowflakes on two of the nails.
3. Seal with a gel top coat for a long-lasting, festive look.

Frosty Blue Gradient Nails 

These blue gradient nails capture the cool essence of winter with their frosty, shimmering effect. The long almond shape combined with the soft, gradient blue creates an ethereal, icy vibe. This design is perfect for anyone looking for winter nail designs blue that are both fancy and subtle. The ombre effect adds depth, while the shimmer brings out a glittery elegance.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “I Can Never Hut Up” for the blue gradient
• Makeup sponge for creating the ombre effect
• Fine glitter powder for a shimmering finish

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a light blue base to all nails.
2. Use a makeup sponge to dab on a darker blue polish from the tips, blending it halfway down the nail for a gradient effect.
3. Lightly dust with fine glitter powder for extra shimmer and seal with a gel top coat.

Green and White Festive Bow Nails 

This elegant green and white manicure is perfect for the holiday season, featuring intricate designs like a tiny bow and festive foliage. The almond shape adds sophistication, while the matte green accents contrast beautifully with the glossy white. Perfect for a classy winter event or casual gatherings, this winter nail design is understated yet festive.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” for the white base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Off Tropic” for the green accents
• Fine nail art brush for creating the bow and foliage

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a white base coat on two nails and a green base on the others.
2. Use a fine brush to paint detailed foliage and a small bow on the accent nails.
3. Seal with a matte top coat for the green nails and a glossy gel top coat for the white nails to create contrast.

Glitter French Tip Winter Nails 

This classy simple French tip design adds a winter sparkle with a glittery twist. The nails feature a nude base with white French tips, but the highlight is the accent nail, which is fully covered in silver glitter. This combination of subtle elegance and festive shine makes it perfect for winter nail designs that are both fancy and minimalistic. The coffin shape provides a chic, elongated look, perfect for any holiday event.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath” for the nude base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc” for the French tips
• Glitter polish like OPI’s “Pirouette My Whistle” for the accent nail
• Clear gel top coat for added shine

How to Create This Design:

1. Start by applying a nude base coat on all nails.
2. Paint the French tips with a crisp white polish, leaving one nail for the glitter accent.
3. Apply a silver glitter polish on the accent nail.
4. Seal the design with a clear gel top coat to enhance shine and longevity.

Gold Glitter Almond Nails 

This elegant winter design uses gold glitter to create a luxurious and festive look. The almond shape adds a refined edge, while the glitter accents catch the light beautifully. One of the nails features a delicate snowflake detail, making this a great choice for those looking for winter nail designs classy simple yet stunning enough for special occasions.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Samoan Sand” for the base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Summit of Style” for the gold glitter
• Nail art brush for painting the snowflake detail
• Fine glitter powder for extra sparkle

How to Create This Design:

1. Start by applying a nude base coat on all nails.
2. Apply gold glitter polish to two nails, and leave one nail for snowflake details.
3. Use a fine nail art brush to create a small snowflake on the accent nail.
4. Seal with a clear gel top coat for added protection and shine.

Frosted Blue Glitter Almond Nails 

These blue frosted nails add an icy touch to your winter nail designs. With a soft blue glitter accenting the edges of the almond-shaped nails, this design creates a glamorous frosted effect that mimics icy windows. Perfect for those who love a fancy look, this design will make your nails stand out in the coldest months of the year.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Find Me an Oasis” for the light blue base
• Zoya Nail Polish in “Dream” for the blue glitter
• Fine nail art brush for outlining the frosted design

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a nude base coat on all nails.
2. Use a fine nail art brush to outline the frosted edges with blue glitter polish.
3. Gradually fill in the edges to create a frosted, gradient look.
4. Seal with a gel top coat for added shine and durability.

Pink Glitter French Tip 

For a delicate and cute winter look, these pink glitter French tips are perfect. The nails are kept short and rounded, making them practical while still adding a festive touch. The pink glitter adds a subtle sparkle, giving a soft yet glamorous vibe. This design is ideal for those who prefer winter nail designs short that still stand out.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Bubble Bath” for the pink base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Set in Stones” for the glitter French tips
• Clear gel top coat for shine and durability

How to Create This Design:

1. Start by applying a pale pink base coat to all nails.
2. Use a fine brush to apply glitter polish along the tips.
3. Seal with a gel top coat for a glossy, long-lasting finish.

Emerald Green Coffin Nails

This dark and rich emerald green design is perfect for a luxurious winter nail design. The metallic green color is accentuated with a negative space design on one nail, creating a chic and modern twist. The coffin shape and metallic sheen make this manicure a stunning choice for any winter occasion, giving off a bold and fancy vibe.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Off Tropic” for the deep green base
• Fine nail art brush for creating the negative space detail
• Metallic gel polish for the shimmer effect

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply the green base coat on all nails.
2. Use a fine nail art brush to create the negative space design on one accent nail.
3. Apply a thin line of metallic polish along the edge of the negative space for extra definition.
4. Seal the entire design with a gel top coat to add shine and durability.

Snowflake White Glitter Nails

This frosty white glitter design is a winter wonderland on your nails. With delicate snowflakes painted over a matte white base, the entire design is sprinkled with fine glitter for a sparkling effect. The almond shape adds elegance, and the rhinestone accent creates a touch of luxury, making this a perfect winter nail design for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Alpine Snow” for the base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Set in Stones” for the glitter
• Fine nail art brush for snowflake details
• Rhinestones for added luxury

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a white base coat to all nails.
2. Use a fine brush to paint snowflakes over two accent nails.
3. Apply glitter polish to the rest of the nails, ensuring even coverage.
4. Add rhinestones to the base of one nail, and finish with a gel top coat to seal everything in.

Candy Cane Red Glitter Nails 

This red and white striped manicure brings festive cheer with a candy cane-inspired design. The red glitter creates a bold, sparkling contrast to the white stripes, giving the nails a festive and cute Christmas vibe. The square coffin shape ensures the design stays sleek and modern while the snowflake accent nail adds a wintry touch.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Big Apple Red” for the red base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Blanc” for the stripes
• Red glitter polish like China Glaze’s “Ruby Pumps”
• Fine nail art brush for the snowflake design

How to Create This Design:

1. Start by applying a clear base coat.
2. Use a fine nail brush to create red glitter and white stripes for a candy cane effect.
3. Paint a snowflake design on one accent nail for a wintery feel.
4. Seal with a high-shine gel top coat for lasting sparkle.

Gold Glitter Snowflake Nails

This design combines a soft pink base with elegant gold glitter accents and delicate white snowflakes. The nails are short and square-shaped, offering a more practical but equally festive look. Perfect for anyone wanting winter nail designs short, this manicure brings together festive elegance with easy wearability.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Be There in a Prosecco” for the pink base
• Essie Nail Polish in “Summit of Style” for the gold glitter
• Fine nail art brush for snowflake details
• Gel top coat for a glossy finish

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a soft pink base to all nails.
2. Add gold glitter to two nails for accents.
3. Paint white snowflakes on the remaining nails for a festive touch.
4. Seal with a clear gel top coat for shine and durability.

Red Glitter French Tip Nails

This glamorous red glitter French tip design is a bold twist on the classic French manicure. The clear base adds a modern twist, while the red glitter tips make the nails stand out. The coffin shape enhances the elegance, making this design perfect for a holiday party or any festive occasion.

Consumables:

• Essie Nail Polish in “Mademoiselle” for the base
• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Big Apple Red” for the red glitter tips
• Clear gel top coat for a glossy finish

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a sheer pink base coat to all nails.
2. Create red glitter French tips using a fine brush for precision.
3. Seal with a clear gel top coat to enhance the shine and longevity of the design.

Transparent Glitter Winter Nails 

These stunning transparent nails feature embedded silver glitter and delicate floral designs, creating an ethereal, ice-inspired look. The almond shape adds sophistication, while the translucent base keeps the design light and airy. This is an ideal winter nail design for those looking for something fancy and unique.

Consumables:

• OPI Nail Lacquer in “Funny Bunny” for the translucent base
• Essie Top Coat in “Set in Stones” for the embedded glitter
• Fine nail art brush for floral details
• Gel top coat for a smooth finish

How to Create This Design:

1. Apply a translucent base coat on all nails.
2. Use a fine brush to embed glitter and floral designs in layers.
3. Seal with a gel top coat to protect the design and add shine.