With Google Trends showing searches for "Christmas Nails" up over 200 per cent in the weeks leading to Christmas, nail salon bookings are set to soar as customers flock to celebrate this magical time of year with a festive mani. Last year's Christmas nail trends were very bright and loud but in 2024, mani's are a bit more understated or should we say, demure. This season, deep brown shades are on top whilst unique nail art still reigns supreme. Thanks to Hailey Bieber's influence with her chocolate brown mirrored manicure at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, the cat-eye effect is more popular than ever this winter. Now, people are adding a festive twist, with candy canes and bright red Santa hats.
Expert nail artist Tinu Bello tells H! Fashion: "Christmas 2025 nails are all about unexpected sparkle, bold colour and playful details. This season, it’s not just about classic reds and greens. Think shattered-glass shimmer, neon pops on neutral bases, and deep jewel tones with clever cutouts. From grown-up glitter to futuristic snowstorms and luxe chrome illusions, these three looks are the perfect mix of festive and fashion-forward."
© @haileybieberAs we had to party season, get your notebook out and start planning your super cute Christmas manicures.
© PintrestChampagne Shards
A champagne shard manicure is 2025’s grown-up take on glitter. Tinu explains: "Think delicate, irregular holographic fragments set into a nude or pale gold base, like tiny pieces of fractured glass catching the light. The base is soft and understated, while the shards shimmer with rainbow tones as your nails move. Finished with a glossy or mixed-matte top coat, the effect sparkles without ever feeling over-the-top." Unlike traditional glitter, the abstract shapes feel modern and unexpected and perfect for anyone who wants a seasonal look that’s elegant rather than overtly festive.
The expert advises: "To get the look, start with a sheer nude or champagne gel, like the Mylee 'Materpiece' Gel Polish. Then, place tiny holographic shards individually into the gel. I recommend using holographic foil, which is ultra-thin metallic foil cut into irregular triangles or fragments that reflect rainbow light." Lastly, seal with a high-gloss or mixed-matte top coat.Top tip: Almond or coffin shapes really show off the shattered-glass effect best.
© PintrestNeon Snowstorm
Girlies who love colour - you might want to see this. The Neon Snowstorm trend is 2025’s bold, playful twist on classic snowflake nails. Instead of the usual white-on-pale-blue look, the Neon Snowstorm uses geometric snowflakes in neon colours like hot pink, electric blue and lime on a soft neutral or pale grey base. Tinu explains: "The negative space keeps the effect clean and minimalist, while the pops of neon give it an edgy, high-fashion vibe. It’s perfect for anyone who wants something festive but unusual."
The expert to the stars also gave us the easiest to follow tips to create the manicure. Start with a matte grey or pale neutral gel base, like the Mylee 'Fountain of Youth' Gel Polish. Next, using a fine brush, add small geometric shapes and dots in neon gel or polish, scattered sparingly for a delicate, abstract snowstorm. Finally, mix matte and glossy finishes for extra dimension. Top Tip: Short or long nails both work, the key is keeping the design sparse so it feels modern rather than busy.
© PintrestCutout Illusions
Tinu explains: "This look is all about luxe drama for Christmas '25. Deep jewel tones in emerald, sapphire and ruby will be paired with tiny geometric cutouts that reveal a metallic or holographic layer underneath." If you're wondering what it looks like - the end result will look like stained glass for your nails. She details: "The finish is rich, reflective, and sophisticated. The chrome finish makes the jewel shades gleam and the cutouts add depth to the mani. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a statement manicure that feels editorial but still wearable."
To get the look at home, apply a chrome gel or powder in your chosen jewel tone. She suggests: "I love the Mylee Pressed Chrome Palette in Camden. Using a fine tool, carve small geometric cutouts, then fill them with metallic or holographic gel. Seal everything with a clear top coat. Almond, coffin, or long square shapes work best to show off the cutout details."
Candy Cane Cat-Eye
According to Google, searches for cat eye nails have increased by 1,000% in a month. On TikTok, the term 'cat eye nails' has over 57 million views. H! Fashion previously spoke with Julia Diogo, expert nail artist to the stars, and she also predicted an uptick in the cat-eye manicures. Thanks to Hailey Bieber's chocolate brown cat-eye manicure - she's right. However, for a festive twist we are seeing more candy-cane red additions.
Bordeaux Berry
In case you missed it, Burgundy and cherry red nails are having a moment. This colour is also celebrity-approved, stars like Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez and Zoey Saldana have sported the colour and it shows now sign of stopping.
Sami Pelling, nail expert at Nail Mafia salon, says, "From crimson to burgundy, red nails add a pop of vibrancy. Red nails are timeless, but we see a spike in popularity during autumn into winter because red tones complement the warm, rich colours we naturally start to wear in our outfits.” If you prefer something classic and understated, consider this deep shade of red.
Sparkling Starbursts
Looking for a minimalist look with a hint of sparkle? Go for starburst nails. They feature gorgeous shimmering star nail designs with an ethereal vibe to them. To elevate it, add silver or gold 3D rhinestone crystals.
If the rise of 'milk-bath' nails are anything to go by, the classic french manicure with a little twist is the classic mani that will always be in style.
Ribbon Nail Art
With the rise of the coquette aesthetic, it’s no surprise that bow nail-art is gaining traction. Hair bows have become the must-have accessory this year - we've seen it on the runway to the red carpets but now this fun trend has evolved to adding bows to your nail art.
This look can remain dainty and delightful with subtle colours or it can be adjusted to create a bold design for a festive finish.
© FilmMagicChocolate Brown
Thanks to Hailey Bieber, the ultimate 2025 mani inspo, chocolate brown nails are here to stay. Of course, it looks even better with her signature almond-shaped style. This Christmas deep, warm brown hues are in and lighter, spiced tones are out. If you want to elevate the look maybe add some crystals or 3D designs.
Silver Chrome
If you're looking for a ultra-glam nail design this festive season, look no further than chrome. Spa booking agency, Spa Seekers, reported that in 2024 there has been an uptick of 83% in searches for chrome nail designs and TikTok currently has over 9 million searches for the style per month and over 151 million views
Chrome nails offers an allure and mimics the reflective state of metal. You can add this quick design effect to any colour but for Christmas, think silver. This glossy shine is like wearing jewellery on your fingertips.
"A chrome finish will also help the manicure last longer over the Christmas period and secure in any nail art designs," says Sophie Vongkhamsao, in-house beauty and content specialist at Fresha.
OTT Festive Mani
Sometimes, you just want it all. Take a hint from Cynthia Erivo's intricate 'Wicked:For Good' press run nails which featured gems, geometric designs and 3D fixtures - and just go all out. For a manicure thats screams "Christmas," consider a mix-and-match set. You can incorporate a variety of 2025 festive nail trends from bright red tips to intricate candy cane and gingerbread nail art.
Cynthia's nails were also stiletto shaped, which is a far cry from the viral Hailey Bieber almond shaped mani's that has continued in popularity this year. Could we see the stiletto revival this Christmas?
Snowflake Chic
Embrace the magic of the season with snowflake nails - delicate, icy designs that bring winter wonderland vibes to your manicure. Think shimmering whites, frosty blues and glittering accents for a festive touch that's as chic as it is merry.
Sophie, in-house beauty and content specialist at Fresha, revealed to H! Fashion that more and more customers are coming in to get snowflake and frosted candy designs.
Santa Tips
Ho,Ho,Ho. 2024, was the year of the candy cane tip but this year is all about santa hats. Put a twist on the classic chic french tip and bring some Christmas magic with this choice.
Red theory is alive and well with this choice. Sami says, "Red nails designs and red tips signal confidence, power, and a bit of allure, almost like wearing red lipstick. It’s based on the idea that red catches people’s attention and can be seen as a symbol of boldness and even romance.”
Christmas Lights
If you want to stand out, go for this glitter mani-moment. Shine bright like the Christmas lights around the Christmas tree this festive season. From subtle shimmer bow designs or all-out sparkle, these eye-catching nails are your go-to for instant glam.
If you don't want to cover your nails completely with glitter, there are other ways to incorporate this shine. Try geometric glitter nails, where glitter patterns create abstract figures on the nail beds. It's a minimalist yet still chic way to add a little extra glam to your nails.
