Christmas is here, and your nails should show it too!
Whenever it’s self-care time, and I start scrolling for nail inspo, it takes me a good two to three business days (and multiple identity crises) to pick a design, but the second I walk into the nail salon and sit in that chair? I suddenly forget every screenshot I saved and go right back to my trusty French tips. Don’t judge me — I’m simply a deeply indecisive girl at heart.
Now that it’s Christmas? The pressure has doubled. There are too many cute trends to choose — from the classic red-and-white Christmas nails to the cosy sweater textures, it’s a festive minefield.
So if you’re anything like me and nail decisions stress you out, this little guide is your go-to this season. Let’s dive into the Christmas holiday designs that will keep you in the festive spirit all through December.
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Cosy-vibe nails
This nail set is from one of my all-time favourite nail technicians, Sion K — and she absolutely devoured. It was a freestyle design for autumn, and it turned out so perfectly on-theme and effortlessly gorgeous. The talent? The creativity? Unreal. I would 100% get this set done on myself for the holiday season.
Stained-glass nails
One of my favourite Christmas holiday designs is stained-glass nails. From the cat-eye effect to the segmented patterns that mimic real glass, I absolutely love everything about it. To give it a festive twist for Christmas, you can ask your nail tech to play around with holiday colours like red, green, or gold.
Red cat-eye nails
It’s Christmastime, so you can never go wrong with a classic red nail — especially with a cute bow. To switch things up, try a red cat-eye polish instead of a regular red. The shine and dimension instantly elevate your nails, giving them that extra festive sparkle. A bow looks pretty on anything, so it’s the cutest finishing touch.
Brown nails
I know, I know — you’re probably thinking, brown nails for the holiday season? But hear me out. Brown is such a warm, cosy shade that fits perfectly with the holiday vibe. Even without the full-on Christmas sparkle, brown still gives that soft, rich, seasonal feel. Add a little bling if you want, but honestly, the colour on its own is stunning. I totally recommend it.
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Nude cat eye nails
Ah, yes… cat eye nails, my one true love. I adore them in every shade — nude, red, silver, black, even those deep vampire tones. They’re not as loud as full-on glitter, but they still catch the light in the most subtle, mesmerising way. It’s honestly one of those styles that works 365 days a year, and Christmas is definitely no exception.
Mistletoe-themed nails
I fell in love with these nails the moment I laid eyes on them. The design is perfectly holiday-themed, with a little mistletoe moment on one nail — and we all know what happens underneath the mistletoe (cue mischievous chuckle). While mistletoe isn’t that trendy in Nigeria, the younger generation is definitely embracing the fun. If you ever needed an excuse for a holiday smooch, this set certainly sets the tone. But don’t worry, singletons — myself included — we can still enjoy all the mistletoe charm without any of the actual smooches.
Sweater nails
What better way to express the cold, cosy holiday vibes than with the iconic sweater nails? Honestly, skipping sweater nails during the holidays feels like missing out on a holiday rite of passage. If I could change my nails every single week (which… is actually possible), I’d kick off the season with the most gorgeous white sweater set — lots of charms for extra sparkle, all the snow-themed details, the full holiday fantasy.
Ladybug-themed nails
Okay, so I’m fully aware that ladybugs have absolutely nothing to do with Christmas — but this set was way too cute to leave out. It’s red and white, so it still fits the vibe, and honestly, the tiny ladybugs were practically begging me to include them.
Polka dot nails (another trend that rose in popularity toward the end of the year) are such a fun option for the season. You can do them in any colour — baby blue, white, black, or whatever matches your mood. They’re playful and unexpectedly fitting for December.
Nude nails
For my girls who aren’t into the full glitz and glam — I see you, and your tastes are completely valid. If all the charms and intricate designs feel overwhelming, one-colour nails are always a good choice. Rich shades like burgundy, brown, red, or even butter yellow look stunning for the season, and if you prefer something softer, neutral tones like nudes and baby pinks are always a win.
Glazed French tips
Given my undying love for French tips, it only felt right to end this list with them, but not your typical French tips — no, we’re talking about the glazed French tip. Ever since the beauty mogul Hailey Bieber introduced the glazed-doughnut nails, we’ve watched the look evolve in the cutest ways, and this version is definitely a standout.
To achieve it, your nail technician rubs a white chrome powder over your French tips, giving them that soft, pearly glow. This subtle addition makes the whole set feel extra elegant. French tips are a trend that will always be here, so by all means, have fun with them this Christmas.
End the season on a high note with your nails in check
The time to unwind and treat yourself is officially here! Grab those gifts you’ve been eyeing, slip into that dress you’ve been saving for the season, and try out that hairstyle you’ve had on your Pinterest board. Most definitely, book that salon appointment and let your nails do the talking. Make them as bright, fun, and festive as your holiday spirit — because the moment you look down at them, you’ll instantly feel that Christmas is truly here.
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