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BEAUTY TRENDS

CHRISTMAS NAIL IDEAS TO SEE YOU THROUGH THE SEASON…

A close up of a deep-toned model wearing a green rollneck top and matching green nail varnish. In a studio setting, in front of a white background.

It’s that time of the year again when Santa, wreaths and glitter grace your home, office, outfit and...now nails. With the holidays in full swing, you have an excuse to add some seasonal cheer to your Christmas nail ideas.

Whether you’re after a subtle and simple set, something abstract, or are getting fully into the festive spirit, here at Cult Beauty we’ve found the best Christmas nail ideas you can try at home... or take to your favourite salon.

Think candy canes, mistletoe, baubles and so much more!

THE BEST SIMPLE CHRISTMAS NAILS

Proving that simplicity is sometimes best, forest green hues allow you to paint your nails with just one colour. With shades like pine and moss falling under this family tree, the complimentary hue boosts that festive feeling without screaming “IT’S CHRISTMAS!”

Subtly joining in with the festivities, the fairy light inspired Christmas nail idea is simple yet so effective. Ideal for those who aren’t into big bold tips, the nude base ensures the multicoloured fairy lights stand out... but not too much!

What about giving a nod to the season... on just one nail? This set uses an uncomplicated (but effective!) green glittered wiggle and star figure to signify the beloveded tree. Perfect for a BIAB fan who loves thier nudes and pinks, this seasonal set makes for a simple Christmas nail art design... minus the bells and whistles.

THE BEST GLITTER CHRISTMAS NAIL IDEAS

Let the snow fall straight onto your fingertips, with a manicure that fuses the intricate details of a snowflake with an icy, silver glitter finish. Effortlessly paying homage to the cold winter, without directly nodding to Christmas, we think this might be the ideal I-love-but-don't-love-Christmas nail idea yet.

Love a glittered set *and* think Rudolph is cute...How about marrying the two? This shimmering style celebrates everything we love about the festive season – think: snowflakess, fruit cake and the red-nosed reindeer himself. Understated but still in keeping with the holidays, we adore this glitter Christmas nail idea!

This year you can have your very own winter wonderland at your fingertips (quite literally) with the fun and frosted manicure. Just like your Elevate your nail art with this jolly glitter Christmas nail idea. Utilising the colour of the season and an innovative ‘Christmas tree cut out’ design, this set is underrated, sophisticated and holiday ready.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS NAIL ART IDEAS

Since it *is* the season for gift giving... why not emulate your wrapping skills with present inspired nails? Simple, effective and oh-so sweet, these gift-wrapped nails can be customised to whichever colours you favour – from pastel-hues to seasonal reds, greens and golds.

Make a serious statement with this intricate and delicate Christmas nail art idea. Proving the gingerbread man can level up your nail game, this sweet set features a pastel pink background and an array of candy canes, sweets and delicious gingerbread essentials. We’ll go as far to say they’re good enough to eat...

The perfect mix of naughty and nice, the Grinch nail set channels your seasonal sass while bringing out your rebellious side. Narrating a difference scene of the holiday hit on each finger, this Christmas nail idea 'comes without ribbon and tags’.

CHRISTMAS NAIL IDEA FAQs

What nail colour is best for Christmas?

This is totally up to you and what colours you prefer. Of course, the classic red, gold and green are traditional Christmas hues, but there are no rules when it comes to Christmas nail ideas so you can pick and choose whatever suits your mood.

When to get Christmas nails?

If you’re thinking strategically – so that you have nails that look good and last (without looking grown out) until the big day – then we would suggest the 14th of December as the best time to book your salon slot. Why? Because traditionally that’s the weekend most work Christmas parties fall on and it also means its 10 days leading up to Christmas Eve . Getting your nails done on this date also ensures they’re good to go for all the festive shopping, planned catch up with friends *and* all the Xmas parties you’ll have to attend...

What colour should I paint my toenails for Christmas?

This totally depends on whether you’ll have them out at all during the Holiday season and if you want them to match your nails. Traditionally, most people paint their toenails red, paying homage to the season.

Now you have all the inspiration you need for your holiday nail designs, it’s time to deck the halls (or in this case, fingertips) with some seriously festive Christmas nail idea thrills – ‘Tis the season, after all!

SHOP ALL NAILS >>>
Rina Teslica
Rina Teslica Writer and expert

Rina is Cult Beauty’s Junior SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or co-hosting her own parenting one, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.

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