Winter’s Top Nail Art Trends Are Edgy Remixes to Classic Designs

When you need a midday pick-me-up, nothing compares to the feeling of looking down at an artistic design on your nails. Whether you’re working on the computer or happen to catch a glance at your nails mid-commute, a cool manicure is a surefire way to make you smile. There’s no shortage of looks to try, and the arrival of a new season brings even more options. Take the best winter nail art trends, for example, which offer a plethora of unique styles and designs. French manicures will always be a stylish look, but this winter the classic gets a shiny chrome upgrade that feels modern and sleek. There are even options for manicure minimalists who may prefer a simple, short nail look. Regardless of your mood, you won’t be disappointed when rocking one of these fresh nail art ideas. Keep reading to see the trends the experts predict will rule the season.

Featured experts

• Brittney Boyce is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Nails of LA
•  Sarah Nguyen is a celebrity nail artist
• Samantha Rose is a nail artist and creator

Winter Nail Art Inspiration

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Dark Aura Nails

When aura nails first debuted, they featured lots of bright neon colors. But the trend has recently shifted to embrace moodier hues. Celebrity manicurist Brittany Boyce notes that come winter, the darker the colors, the better the effect will be. She also says that creating the look at home is a lot easier than when the trend first began. “You can use regular nail polish and a makeup sponge to produce the blended aura design.”

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Solid Chrome Manicures

There’s no denying the popularity of ombré chrome nails. But this season the pros predict that all-over metallic and gilded looks will reign supreme. If you’re new to the trend, a simple, solid manicure is a good way to test the waters. Pairing a silver chrome polish with short nails only enhances the minimalist charm of the look.

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Chrome French Tips

Chrome tips instantly give Frenchies an edgy vibe. While there are lots of colors to choose from, a platinum-silver hue delivers the iciest look. With such a bold color, you don’t need much more to make your manicure stand out. However, if you want to spice things up more, you can pair the design with long extensions.

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Tortoiseshell

The tortoiseshell print has a cozy feel that’s fitting for fall and winter. Despite the intricacy of the design, it’s easy to DIY because there are no rules or rigid lines to follow. The key is to get creative with your brush strokes, dabbing and blending the colors to your heart’s desire. For this look, celebrity nail artist Sarah Nguyen suggests using a mix of brown shades, including nude, tan, chocolate and caramel. “To blend, use an ombré or blending brush dipped in acetone and allow the acetone to bloom the color over the nail. Then add your top coat and cure everything together,” she notes.

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3D Gold Elements

Simple gold accents are a staple look year-round. While you could opt for a simple gold leaf print, nail artist Samantha Rose mentions that a 3D design ups the ante. Take a cue from this look that features an artistic 3D flower and a single gold accent nail. The combination of colors is stunning and even makes for a festive look.

 

 

 

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Classic French Manicure

French manicures are arguably one of the most adaptable nail designs. Yet, the classic, with its baby pink base and crisp white tips, still captivates us. The sleek almond nail shape also gives the design an elegant finish and makes the final look even more compelling.

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Pearl Accents

Seashell nails were trending heavily during the summer, and while they don’t exactly scream winter, this look feels aptly seasonal. It blends some of the season’s top nail colors, like brown and caramel, with cool textures. However, the cherry on top is the pearl accent, delicately placed in the center of the nail. For a more glamorous look, try placing a single rhinestone just beneath the pearl to capture the light at every turn.

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Chrome Accents

According to Boyce, chrome of all sorts will be stylish this winter, and for maximalists, she recommends going for a sculptured manicure with fun chrome accents. “You can achieve the sculpted elements using a gel, such as Aprés Nail’s Extend Gel, that is moldable and good for holding its shape.

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Magnetic Glass

Nguyen predicts that the recent glass nail trend is going to be big this winter. Whether you opt for a cat eye or solid gel color look, the pro says that adding a glass finish will take your manicure to the next level. ” To recreate, use a magnetic polish and maneuver the magnet in a vertical direction until you get the desired look.” Her pro tip? “Deep colors like red, emerald green or brown make the best base, and the addition of gemstones and jewels creates an opulent look.

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Jade

If dark colors aren’t your thing, consider giving jade nails a try this winter. The marbled look has been trending this year, and the design blends deep and light pastel shades beautifully. For a fresh take, opt for a cool mint and pistachio shade to mix with the emerald base.