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Expert tips for choosing the perfect Christmas manicure

on 24th December 2024

Traditions

Christmas is a special time of year when we all want to enjoy the festivities with glitz and sparkles – so why not embrace the festive cheer with a dazzling Christmas manicure too?

A seasonal manicure is becoming a popular way to add some extra sparkle to the season and can be a great way to complement an outfit.

But what exactly are Christmas nails, and why are they so special? Here, the Christmas.co.uk team explore what you need to know.

A tradition of festive fingers

PIc of nail being done for a Christmas manicure Christmas nails as a tradition goes back to the rise of nail art in the early 2000s. As nail polish colours and techniques have become more advanced, manicurists have experimented with festive designs for Christmas.

This trend has been amplified by social media as people show off their fancy designs to help inspire others to invest in creative nail art.

For many, Christmas nails help to express their style and love of the festivities.

With so many colours, designs and embellishments to choose from, there’s a Christmas nail look to suit everyone.

Stylish and bright Christmas nails are also a great conversation starter.

They’re a fun way to show off a love of the festivities and can help the recipient feel good.

For many people, a fresh manicure can boost confidence and help them deliver stylish outfits with a great eye-catching finishing touch.

What are the nail experts suggesting this year?

· Manucurist UK

Manucurist UK offers festive nail art ideas with exclusive new colours like Green Flash, Quartz, Mystic and Nights in Pink Satin. They suggest using glitter, glazed powders and biodegradable holographic glitter for a shiny, festive look. Their White Glazed Effect Powder creates a frosty, sophisticated look which is perfect for the festivities.

· Salons Direct

Salons Direct’s guide for this year features 20 Christmas nail designs, including cute mini-Christmas trees, classy, red-tipped nails, candy canes and Christmas pudding-inspired designs. They also suggest glittery, starry night designs and nails inspired by Christmas jumpers for a festive touch.

· Scratch Magazine

Scratch Magazine provides 15 minimalist Christmas nail ideas for a subtle yet festive look. They recommend delicate Christmas patterns, textured nails and feature fingers to complement seasonal outfits. These designs are perfect for those seeking a low-key festive manicure.

Are Christmas nails growing in popularity?

Christmas nails are definitely growing in popularity, as more of us embrace the festive spirit and express it through manicures.

According to Google Trends, the search interest for ‘Christmas nails’ has increased steadily over the past decade.

This shows that Christmas nails are a hot topic and a sought-after service during the festive season.

It helps too that various celebrities, influencers and bloggers opt for stylish Christmas designs for their nails.

Some of the most famous and influential people who have rocked Christmas nails include Kylie Jenner who has sported various Christmas nail designs, such as candy cane stripes, snowflakes, and Santa hats.

Ariana Grande shows off her festive manicures on Instagram and has enjoyed nail designs with white and silver glitter, red and green swirls – and a cute reindeer!

What are your Christmas nail options?

When it comes to Christmas manicure, the world is your oyster!

You could consider the opinions of the manicure experts above, but there are endless possibilities to consider – here are a few of the most popular festive nail designs:

Acrylic nails: These are artificial nails applied on top of your natural nails. Acrylics can be customised in terms of length, shape and design, making them ideal for creating elaborate Christmas nail art. While acrylic nails offer stunning results, they do require a trip to a nail salon for application and removal.
White nails: Even though white might not be the first colour you think of for Christmas nails, it allows you to incorporate other festive colours easily. It essentially provides a clean canvas for your festive creativity. You could have a solid white base with red and green accents, snowflakes or even reindeer painted on top! The white polish works nicely in combination with other festive colours that are usually associated with Christmas. Examples include red and green but could also extend to gold and silver. White nails also pair well with other festive colours, such as red and green.
Green: Another traditional Christmas colour representing holly, mistletoe, wreaths and trees. This can be used as a solid colour, or combined with white, gold or silver for a more festive look.
Red nails: Red is another quintessential Christmas colour. A bold red manicure is a timeless and festive choice. Red nails can also be used for a variety of Christmas-themed designs, such as candy canes, Santa hats or reindeer.
Glitter nails: These are a festive way to add some sparkle to your Christmas look. There are endless possibilities when it comes to glitter nails, from subtle shimmers to full-on glitter bombs.
Pink nails: Pink is a softer and, for some, a more feminine take on Christmas nails. It’s a great choice for those who want a festive look that’s still subtle. Pink nails can be paired with other colours, such as white or silver, or decorated with festive designs like snowflakes or reindeer.

Choosing the perfect Christmas manicure

With so many Christmas nail designs to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are a few factors to consider:

Your personal style: Do you prefer classic and elegant nails, or something more fun and quirkier?
The occasion: Are you looking for a festive manicure for a work party, a family gathering, or a night out with friends?
Your lifestyle: If you’re active and hard on your hands, you may want to avoid delicate nail art or long acrylic nails.
Your budget: Acrylic nails and intricate nail art designs will typically cost more than a simple polish.

You should also consider:

Your outfit: Your Christmas nails should complement your festive attire.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Christmas nail art is all about having fun and expressing yourself.
Find a good nail technician: If you’re getting acrylic nails or complex nail art, it’s important to find a qualified nail technician who can create the look you desire. Ask friends or family for recommendations.

One thing we haven’t mentioned is that while choosing the best Christmas nails can be a fun and exciting process, it can also be a bit overwhelming, given the variety and diversity of choices available.

To help, you should narrow down your choices by considering:

Your personality and style: Your nails are an extension of your self-expression, so you should choose a design that reflects your personality and style. For example, if you are outgoing and adventurous, you may like bold and bright colours, glitter and nail art. If you are more reserved, you may prefer subtle and neutral colours, matte and glossy finishes.
Your outfit: Your nails should also match your outfit to create a harmonious and cohesive look. For example, if you are wearing a red dress for a Christmas party, you may want to choose a complementary colour, such as green, gold or silver, for your nails. If you are wearing a casual and cosy jumper for a family gathering, you may want to choose a fun and festive design, such as snowflakes, stars or reindeer, for your nails.
Your time: Your nails should also fit your budget and time, to avoid overspending or rushing. For example, if you have a limited budget, you may want to choose a simple and affordable design, such as a solid colour or a glitter accent, for your nails. If you have a tight schedule, you may want to choose a quick and easy design, such as a sticker or a stamp.

How to get started with Christmas nails

If you’re new to Christmas manicure, there are a few things you can do to get started:

Browse social media: As mentioned, social media is a great source of inspiration when it comes to Christmas nails.
Talk to your nail technician: If you’re getting your nails done professionally, your nail technician can recommend designs that will suit your taste and lifestyle.
Start simple: If you’re not sure where to begin, then start with a simple design and build your confidence for stronger designs from there. For example, why not try a classic red manicure with a few accent nails decorated with snowflakes or glitter?
DIY or professional: You can create simple Christmas nail art designs at home with some basic nail polish and nail art tools. For more intricate designs or acrylic nails, it’s best to visit a qualified nail technician.

Christmas manicure inspiration

Having discussed starting simple and building confidence, what sort of nail art design will work at Christmas? Here are some festive nail art ideas:

Jolly jingles: Channel the spirit of Christmas carols with a red and white candy cane stripe design. Use striping tape for perfect lines, or freehand some wavy lines for a more rustic charm.

Festive Fair Isle: Recreate the cosy charm of Fair Isle knitwear on your nails. Use a base colour like cream or navy, and then use a thin nail art brush to create small geometric shapes in red, green, and white.
Christmas pudding: Embrace a quintessentially British Christmas tradition with a playful ‘pudding’ nail art design. Paint your nails a deep brown colour and then use a dotting tool to add red and green ‘berries’ on top. A touch of gold glitter can represent a festive coin.
London Calling: Celebrate the festive spirit in the capital with a red double-decker bus design on an accent nail. You can find nail art stickers featuring iconic London landmarks or hand-paint them with a fine brush.
Winter Wonderland: Capture the magic of a snowy Christmas with a winter wonderland scene on your nails. Use light blue polish as a base and then paint white snowflakes, snow-dusted pine trees, or even a tiny snowman silhouette.

Beyond the polish: Festive nail accessories

Christmas nails aren’t just about polish! Here are some additional ways to add a festive touch to your manicure:

Rhinestones and crystals: Add a touch of glamour with tiny rhinestones or crystals in Christmas colours like red, green, and gold.
Nail art decals: There’s a wide variety of Christmas-themed nail art decals available, featuring everything from snowflakes and Santa hats to reindeer and Christmas trees.
3D nail art: For a truly unique Christmas manicure, consider 3D nail art. This can involve adding small, sculpted elements like miniature presents, snowflakes, or even Santa hats to your nails.

Christmas nail care tips

No matter what Christmas nail design you choose, it’s important to take care of your nails. Here are a few tips:

Moisturise regularly: Winter weather can be harsh on your hands and nails. Use a good quality hand cream and cuticle oil to keep your nails hydrated and healthy.
Wear gloves when doing chores: Protect your nails from harsh chemicals and cleaning products by wearing gloves when doing housework.
Avoid picking or biting your nails: This can damage your nails and make them more susceptible to breakage.
Give your nails a break: If you’re getting acrylic nails or using gel polish, it’s important to give your nails a break in between applications to allow them to breathe.