NaillyChristmas nails can be as quiet as one glittery accent or as loud as a full set of tiny sweaters. Here are ideas grouped by mood, plus what works on short nails and how to ask for each one.
Classic Christmas nails
- Glossy red. A deep, slightly blue-toned red is the most flattering on most skin tones. See our red nail guide.
- Red and gold. Red on most nails with a gold glitter or gold foil accent on the ring finger.
- Emerald or forest green. Rich and wintery, and great in a glossy or chrome finish.
- Candy cane. Red and white diagonal stripes on one or two accent nails; a full set looks busy on short nails.
- Snow white with silver. Milky white with silver snowflakes or a fine silver glitter tip.
Elegant and minimal
- Velvet cat-eye. A deep red, green or burgundy magnetic gel that shifts in the light. It looks like velvet and is very in this year. See our cat-eye guide.
- Micro French in red or gold. A thin line at the tip on a sheer nude base.
- Champagne shimmer. Soft gold-beige with a fine shimmer; perfect if you want festive but not themed.
- Single snowflake. A nude or milky base with one hand-painted snowflake per hand.
Fun and themed
- Sweater nails. A cable-knit texture built up in gel, usually in red, cream or green.
- Ornaments. Little baubles with a gold cap on a dark base.
- Gingerbread. Warm brown with white icing lines.
- Christmas lights. A string of tiny coloured dots across a black or navy base.
- Grinch green. Bright green with a red heart accent.
- Reindeer and Santa details on one accent nail, with the rest plain red or green.
Sparkle
- Gold or silver glitter fade from the cuticle or the tip.
- Red chrome or green chrome for a metallic, mirror-like shine.
- Gem accents: a few small crystals at the cuticle of one or two nails.
Christmas nails for short nails
On short nails, keep the design to one or two accent nails and let a strong colour do the work. Glossy red, a velvet cat-eye or a micro French all look polished at any length. Detailed art like gingerbread or ornaments reads better on medium length or longer. More ideas in short nail designs.
How to ask for it
Bring one clear photo per idea, say how many nails get the design, and mention the finish (glossy, matte, chrome or cat-eye). December books up fast, so book two to three weeks ahead; our holiday nails guide covers timing.
Want to see it before you book? Design the exact set in Nailly — shape, length, colour, finish and art on every finger — then send it to a real nail artist in your city who can claim it and book you. Live on the App Store for the US and Canada; everything is open for your first week, then it is one monthly membership.
Questions people ask
What are the most popular Christmas nail colors?
Deep red, gold, emerald or forest green, white, and silver are the classics. Burgundy, champagne and velvet cat-eye finishes are popular for a more grown-up take.
What Christmas nails work on short nails?
A glossy red or green with one glitter accent nail, tiny snowflakes on a nude base, a micro French in red or gold, or a velvet cat-eye finish all look good on short nails.
When should I book Christmas nails?
Book two to three weeks ahead. December is the busiest month for most nail artists, and the week before Christmas fills up first.
How long do Christmas nails last?
Gel and BIAB usually last two to three weeks, so a set done around December 15 can last through New Year's. Regular polish lasts a few days to a week.
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