It may be cold outside, but you can heat up any room with fabulous nails for the winter season. In the chilly season you can make bold statements with rich colors, or you can be soft and warm in your nail design. Whatever you choose, winter brings with it a new set of nail ideas and opportunities that are sure to brighten any dark and dreary day.
We love styling it up during the winter with bright white or dark grey and adding a pop of glitter or sparkle. Nail art stamps help to bring dimension, while texture nails create the illusion of warmth.
How to Keep Your Nails Healthy in the Winter
Before we get straight to the designs, I wanted to share some cold weather tips with you about keeping your nails healthy. With the cold weather approaching, you need to be prepared to change up routine to help protect your hands and nails from the chilly dry air and wind.
During these cold months you can find both your hands and nails becoming dry which can lead to nails chipping, breaking and even peeling. Not ideal when you have the perfect nail design on!
Winter Nails Tips:
Things to Avoid. Hot water! With the cold dry air, you hands will get extra dry if you constantly wash your hands or shower in hot water. Take note when you are washing dishes and use gloves. Be careful using using alcohol based sanitizers and nail polish removers- try to avoid the cuticle area as much as possible so you don’t dry the area out.
Keep Moisturized. Moisturize often! Don’t forget to include your nails and cuticles. When you are wearing nail polish, rub the moisturizer on your cuticles and on your fingertips behind your nails- not on the polish itself.
Moisturizers with lactic acids are ideal and will help to gentle exfoliate your dead and dry skin cells. Skip the scented moisturizers as they can actually dry your skin and nails.
Soak your Nails. Once a week soak your nails in warm water (not hot) for 5-10 minutes. Then apply oil onto your nails and cuticles. Once applied, put on some cotton gloves to seal in the moisture. Its best to do this right before bed to give your nails time to soak up the oil for healthy, happy nails.
Wear Gloves. Whether you live in below freezing or mild California dry winters, the cold air can really take take the moisture out of your nails. To help prevent this, try wearing gloves when outdoors. Leather gloves are great for those cold non-rainy days but any kind of glove will protect your hands and nails regardless.
Stay hydrated. During the chilly winter months you might not realize how much moisture you lose during the day. Your body does not show the same signs as it does during the summer, but staying hydrated is just as important during the winter months.
Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Non-caffeinated teas are great as well. If you do find your skin on the dryer side, grab a glass of water and some moisturizer.
Don’t bite or pick at your nails. Don’t peel your cuticles. This can all lead to damaging your nails.
Maintain a Well Balanced Diet. Having a healthy diet can affect your skin, nails, hair, and self esteem even.
During the winter its vital to ensure you are getting enough protein (meat, nuts, beans, eggs) and Vitamin B – biotin (salmon, leafy greens, avocado) as well as Vitamin D (milk, yogurt, cheeses). These types of foods help strengthen nails and skin for optimal health.
So while the winter weather can be tough, these simple tips can you to maintain strong nails and healthy skin throughout the season.
50 Nail Designs for Winter
Below we have collected the top winter nail pics from around the globe and compiled them into an awesome list for you to check out! The one we love about this winter season is that there are no rules for what works and what doesn’t!
We love that there is so much flexibility in being able to show off our personality with cute nails, sexy nails, acrylic nails, designer nails, etc. You can change up your look as often as you like as well. Check out these top 50 winter nail ideas and get inspired!
1. Magical Purple Glittery Unicorn Nails
These nails for the winter will make you feel magical on a cold winter night. Soft shades of purple with one glittery nail are subtle and elegant. Paint one nail white with a magical unicorn, and these nails will catch everyone’s eye.
2. Brighten up Winter with Plaid
On a dreary winter day, the purple and light blue with a pattern of plaid are sure to warm you up. These nails make a statement that you aren’t going to let the winter drag you down. Reminiscent of your favorite sweater design, these nails are a classic and won’t go out of style any time soon.
3. Winter Blues
Make your nails sparkle with shades of blue and glitter. Add a few rhinestones to jazz them up, and you are ready to head out into a snowy wonderland. You will turn heads in any room with this nail design.
4. Bold Blue with Snowflakes
You will be stylish and ready to go outdoors with these bold blue nails. Paint one a lighter shade and add a few snowflakes to embrace the winter months. The sweater texture and matte nail makes for the perfect winter design. These rank in our top favorites!
5. Black and Gold Winter Nails
Bring some shine into your life with this nail design. Paint a few nails black with a splash of gold to sparkle and shimmer on a winter night. Black and gold are typically New Years colors but you can wear this style all winter long.
6. Retro Black with White Polka Dots
This nail design will liven up any winter day. Go retro with black glossy nails and white polka dots. You might find yourself forgetting all about winter as you dance down the street. You can also try this design in other color variations.
7. Texture and Bling
You can really mix it up with this nail design. Bring out all the colors of winter and texture them as well. These nails will dazzle and shine to warm up your winter.
8. Bold and Sizzling
There is no better way to heat up your winter than putting this nail design on your nails. With deep chocolate hues accented with gold you will appear bold and confident, ready to take on anything that the winter has to offer.
9. Deep Copper Shine
Hit the winter head-on with these nails for the winter. The rich copper with a hint of glimmer is sure to make your nails sizzle. The best part is that it will match anything you are wearing. Sometimes wearing short nails during the chilly months makes sense as well to keep them healthy. If you are used to going to the salon to get your nails done, you can learn how to paint your nails at home and give yourself the perfect manicure.
10. Icy Daggers Show Style
For confidence booster and a look that shows you can take anything the world has to throw at you, try this nail design. Pale pink and blue with a hint of sparkle combine with this stylish shape letting your nails make a statement. We love the pastel colors mixed with the bold to bring a light elegance to the harsh and dark winter months.
11. Rich and Bold Winter Nail Colors
When you paint your nails with this design, you can face the winter and all its glory. Alternate black with deep blue and silver glitter to really stand out. Add a jewel at the base of each nail for a little extra bling.
12. Midnight Shimmering Nails
You will feel great when you paint your nails this shimmering midnight color. Deep enough to melt away the winter blues, this color will pop when you pair it with your winter whites.
We LOVE this Holographic Blue Color: “Looking Up” by ILNP: : Buy it on Amazon HERE
13. Simple and Sweet Pink
If you use this palest of pinks and dress them up with a bit of shimmer, your nails will coordinate with anything you wear. Add a couple of stones to dress them up, or leave them alone for everyday wear.
14. Frozen Hues of Blue
This color match in shades of blue is fantastic for your winter nail design. The glitter makes them stand out just enough to heat up those cold winter nights.
15. Hot Pink and Silver Glitter
Another incredible color combination, use hot pink gloss on the outside and silver glitter between them. These nails are sizzling hot, and they will warm your heart on cold days.
16. Pretty in Pink with a Little Shine
Valentine’s Day falls in the winter month, and what better way to show your love than painting your nails these shades of pink. Use the glitter as an accent, and finish them off with a rhinestone or two. Pink sparkles are perfect for the snow time as well. Never lose your way when you are pretty in pink. We appreciate this flair on shorter nails that mimic gems to help you stand out this season.
17. Black Shimmering Winter Madness
Start with a deep shimmering black, and then cover them with silver snowflakes or use the perfect holographic purple color. This will express your wintery side and make you feel toasty warm. Stamp on some nail art and you have super cute nails for the winter in just a few short minutes.
This Holographic Purple is our Favorite: Buy it HERE.
18. Deep in Style Caramel Nails
Nothing warms you up faster than caramel and cream to on a cold winter day. Add some bling to dress them up, and you can face the winter with a warm feeling inside. This neutral look makes for perfect nail ideas for winter time.
19. Wild Snow Leopard Nail Design
Combine a rich blue or green with interior leopard prints that shimmer, and your boldness will never be a question. This animal print nail design is as hot as it gets.
20. Scenes of Snow and Moose Nail Art
When you paint your nails with this snowy moose scene, you are truly embracing the cold winter months. It speaks to me saying- Alaska here we come! Ha. It is an impressive design, sure to dazzle your pals. You can find some awesome designs on these nail stamp templates HERE.
21. Bold and Daring Pink
This subtle pink color works beautifully with the bold length and style. The perfect way to keep your fingers cozy in the cold winter months, try this combination for a bold and daring look.
22. Emerald Green Shimmer
Emerald green is a perfect winter color, and the glittery shimmer jazzes them up. Paint an accent nail a pale pink or cream, and outline some cool winter floral on it.
23. Marbled Browns Nail Art
These nails for the winter are elegant, with the mixture of glitter and marbled design. They make you think of rich hot cocoa with milk on a cold winter’s night. Marble nail designs have been a super hot trend this season and its picking up. It takes a bit of extra work to create this unique look but the final result is all worth the extra effort!
24. Cable Knit Sweater in Pastels
Adding the texture to these nails makes you feel warm and toasty. The subtle pastels are beautiful and the pattern makes your fingers feel wrapped in a sweater. Even these pastels might find their way working in the springtime, the designs make all the different along with a casual yet elegant matte touch.
25. Glittering Snowy Stars
This nail design is white as the snow with a splash of glitter and beautiful blue stars. It is sure to brighten up any outfit and bring heat to a gloomy day. We really like the look of the matte alongside the silver glitter and added shine on a few. It gives the overall look a dimensional view point.
26. Icy Princess
These nails might not bring warmth to your winter day, but they will show the world that you are in charge and embracing the icy weather. These shimmering and pointed ice daggers would be noticed, and when you speak, people will listen. We love that not only the texture is unique but the style of the nail itself is creative and matches the feel.
27. Geometric Shapes in Winter Shades
The bluish gray hue is perfect for winter, and the shapes add style to dress you up. The warmth of these colors combined is a wonderful way to break out of the winter doldrums. By adding just a few geometric shapes to your nails, it gives your look that standout view. We think these are super hot and a favorite of ours.
28. Red, White, and Hearts
These are the perfect February nails with bold red and one white nail with a heart and love. What a fantastic way to add a pop of color to your winter and prepare for Valentine’s Day.
29. Golden Jewels
You can paint your nails with gold sparkles, and add a jewel for that dazzling effect. These nails will brighten up your winter day and show that you are ready to rule the world.
30. Dipped in Chocolate
The subtle pink with melted chocolate drips make you think of cooking S’mores on a campfire. That should warm you up in the dead of winter, and your nails will be stunning.
31. Neon Green Glam
These sizzling hot nails are sure to show that you are ready for spring. They are so glam and make a bold statement that you are ready to kick winter to the curb.
32. Frosted with Snowflakes
This nail design is so natural and yet shows your winter spirit with glitter and white snowflakes. Start clear with a little shimmer of blue glitter. The subtle snowflakes show that you embrace the winter months. Use these snowflake nail design templates from Amazon HERE. It makes for a really easy and pretty nail.
33. Tortoise Shell French Tips
This remake of the French manicure is sure to spice up a dreary winter day. It’s bold in a subtle way, and it will work with any outfit you choose. We love being able to match our nails to our fashion as well. The tortoise shell has been a very hot stable pattern in sun glasses and even on purses for a while now- its only natural to bring the look to your nails and stay the trends.
34. Purple Flames
This colorful purple flame design is perfect in the middle of winter. They are elegant and bold, and the flames will make you hot. You don’t need to look any further for the best nails for the winter.
35. Clouds and Crystals
Use a glossy gray and alternate with a silver shimmer, and you have captured winter on your nails. These nails are classy and elegant, and they will light up any room. We love ZOYA nail polish in: Cosmo Magical Pixiedust
36. All That Glitters Is Brown and Gold
This design is very chic and sassy. It is subdued with a bit of sparkle, and it will mesh with any winter wardrobe. Choose the shape that works best for you.
37. Shades of Gray with Snowflakes
These shades of gray are anything but dreary, and they are sure to warm up your nails for winter. The warm colors are subtle and sure to impress with the range of greys and cream polish.
38. Lime Green with One Pink Sparkle
This color is to die for, and the one sparkly nail will surely stand out. Soft enough that it doesn’t scream for attention, these are classy and elegant nails for the winter. The pistachio
39. Matte Valentine’s Day Nails
The matte finish is unique and sure to stand out this Valentine’s Day. This design is great for people who want to celebrate this winter holiday without jumping into spring. Find more Valentines Nails ideas to check out.
40. Pink, Caramel, and Gold
This is a fantastic color combination, soft and sassy with gold glitter. The design will work with anything in your closet through the entire winter season. Its a great neutral look that can take you from winter celebrations all the way to spring time. Gold is super hot this year and of course glitter, chrome, ombre or other works!
41. Bright and Bold for Valentine’s Day
Pink and black are bright and bold, and the heart in black and white makes a fabulous statement. Try these nails in February to really sizzle.
42. Longing for Spring
If you are longing for spring, try this leafy color with the first sprouts of spring. It will give you just enough green to hold you over through the winter.
43. Emerald Green with Jeweled Stars
The bold emerald green in a high gloss finish is perfect for winter. Try it with or without the gold stars. This deep, rich design will keep you warm.
44. Burst of Pink
If you find winter to be too dark and dreary, brighten it up with this burst of pink. These nails are sweet and sassy, and you can wear them all winter long.
45. Natural Pink with Sparkle Tips
This natural pink is elegant, and the sparkly tips express the warmth of the colors of winter crystals. This design is subtle enough to wear every day, and it will light up any room at night.
46. Glossy Winter Nails
This design is simple, yet stylish. It will match any outfit you own, and it is perfect through the winter months. You will feel like a queen with this nail design.
47. Neon Yellow
If you want to add some color to your winter day, try this neon yellow color. It is as warm as the sun, as bright as a flower, and it will put some bounce in your step.
48. French Manicure with Pink Nails for the Winter
Use pink as the base for this French manicure, and accent a nail with rhinestones. This is glamorous and will go well with your winter whites.
49. Rainbow Glitter Art
When the gray of winter gets you down, brighten up your life with these rainbow glitter nails for the winter. They rebel against the cold of winter and get you ready for the warm summer days ahead.
50. Sizzling Flames
You won’t need to worry about a thing when you paint these sizzling flame nail designs for winter. Winter might be dull and dreary, but you can make it hot with this nail art.
These examples of gorgeous nails for the winter should inspire you and excite you to find something perfect that matches your unique personality. Winter nails typically have many shades of grey or blue and take on the feel of the season, but this year the style is more open to interpretation.The winter can be dark and dreary or happy and uplifting. Pastels, light whites, and pretty glitters make for a gorgeous nail.
We love the brighter bold designs and looks so don’t be afraid to really go for whatever you enjoy. Be sure to submit your photos to us or post below so we can check out all the creative styles and nail designs you have!