The holiday season is upon us again. And while it may look and feel different this year, nothing will stop people from trying to celebrate traditions. There’s still going to be lots of shopping, eating, and merry-making.
And with everything seeming to happen all at once, it’s not a bad idea to dress up for the occasion. After all, your party dress wasn’t used for quite a while! So go on – take out that dress, pamper yourself, and get a much-deserved mani-pedi.
How To Keep Your Nails Healthy and Strong
You’ll be doing a LOT of stuff with your hands for the holidays. So do yourself a favor and make sure those nails are nice, neat, and strong. Here are a couple of tips:
Stop the biting and the picking!
This could be a nervous tick, or something else. If you have trouble ending this bad habit, do seek counsel. Picking at your nails not only damages them, it removes the beautiful work of your manicurist. A good topcoat can help.
Mind your cuticles.
Most folks don’t even pay attention to them. But you should. Cracked, dry, or damaged cuticles will also affect the way your nails grow. It can make your hands look messy, too. Calm those nail beds with a good cuticle oil.
Take care of your hands.
Create your own regimen for your hands like you would for your face. Clean, exfoliate, and moisturize. Schedule a hand massage. Place hand lotions or creams around your house to remind you to use them often. Apply cuticle oil before going to bed.
Pre prepared.
Chipped your new holiday manicure? Keep a bottle of the same colored nail lacquer at home for such issues. This way, you can DIY rather than chipping off the entire nail.
Watch what you eat.
Yes, your diet can greatly affect the health of your nails. Drink plenty of water, and eat foods rich in biotin and B-complex vitamins (e.g. riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, etc.). If you notice that your nails are getting too thin, brittle, or yellowish, give them a break.
Don’t use your nails as a tool!
If you’re popping lids and cans with your nails – stop. It’s not only unhealthy, it’s a major culprit for breakage.
Christmas Nail Designs 2021
It’s that time of the year when everything is decked in festive hues. You probably already have the perfect outfit for that office party or night-out with the girls. Don’t forget to complete your look though. Pay attention to accents like your bag, shoes, hair, jewelry – and your nails.
Haven’t visited the salon yet? Or planning an at-home mani-pedi? Here are some Christmas nail design inspiration to consider.
1. Abstract
Credits to Madnails via Allure.com
Swipe on holiday colors like a modern day artist. This one has no rules.
2. Mistletoe on Beige
Credits to Tattoorary via Chic Pursuit
No need to wait for a kiss when you basically have him wrapped around your finger.
3. Bedazzled
Credits to Marigo20 from Getty Images via Country Living
Be stunning with stick-on gems you can customize to suit your tastes.
4. Black Snow
Credits to ILLUMINATEbyLiana via Chic Pursuit
Who says you can’t have a Black Christmas? In fact, this hue never goes out of style.
5. Don’t Be Blue
Credits to Hailthenails via Chic Pursuit
These water transfer decals are a quick and inexpensive way to get this amazing look in minutes.
6. Rudolph
Credits to TwinkleNailsShop via Chic Pursuit
This Burberry-inspired Rudolph will be going down in history as the cutest nail design!
7. Candy Canes
Credits to Love Ambie
What’s red-and-white and goes well with any outfit? Candy cane colors, of course!
8. Colorful Stripes
Credits to sweetandsavvynails Instagram via Allure.com
Give a sweet and vibrant twist to one of the season’s more underappreciated treats.
9. Feline Friendly
Credits to TheSuperRadNailSisters Instagram via Oprah Daily
Cat lovers hurrah! This holiday nail design includes your furry friends so no one gets lonely.
10. Charlie Brown Christmas
Credits to 25sweetpeas via Country Living
If you’re patient and you love Snoopy (and the gang!), then you will want to try these nails for Christmas.
11. The Gingerbread Man
Credits to Love Ambie
This adorable little ginger won’t run away from you – we promise!
12. Red and Green
Credits to Tattoorary via Chic Pursuit
Bring a lively festive cheer right on your hands with these Christmas gold snowflake decals.
13. Pretty in Plaid
Credits to DeniShop91 via Chic Pursuit
This red, black, and gold beauty is in fact, gel press on nails that will save you time and money.
14. Pink and Sparkly
Credits to EyeNailedItbyMegan via Chic Pursuit
You’ll be the belle of the ball in these adorable baby pink nails.
15. Christmas Characters
Credits to Love Ambie
Why choose which holiday character to paint on – when you could have them all!
16. Black and White
Credits to nails.byliz Instagram via Oprah Daily
This color duo looks clean, subtle, and chic. Definitely a win for any occasion.
17. Royal in Blue
Credits to For Creative Juice
Light up the holidays in this rich blue number.
18. Christmas Confetti
Credits to Mia Instagram via Oprah Daily
Go for the unconventional with multi-colored dots that can take you from dinner to party.
19. Green and Gold
Credits to Love Ambie
Make your friends green with envy in these underrated digits that scream fancy.
20. Chilled
Credits to Enid Instagram via Oprah Daily
Inspired by the animated movie ‘Frozen’, this iced look is something you won’t want to let go.
21. Sparkling Snowflakes
Credits to For Creative Juice
Gold glitter and white snowflakes adorn this design that’s simple yet radiant.
22. Stealing Christmas
Credits to Delanailz via Chic Pursuit
Who says you can’t buy Christmas from a store? This awesome Grinch design is available at Etsy.
23. Comet
Credits to NailFreakBoutique via Chic Pursuit
Give the other reindeers some love with this cute pink Comet nail art.
24. Ho-ho-holidays!
Credits to NailFreakBoutique via Chic Pursuit
Laugh away your holiday stress with these amazing press-on nails.
25. Gold and Holly
Credits to Kassandra Jones Instagram via Oprah Daily
French manicure never looked so good in this polished design with elegant holly accents.
26. Lightbulb Moment
Credits to Kawaii Klaws Instagram via Oprah Daily
This interesting take on popular Christmas lightbulbs will have people doing a double-take.
27. Star-Crossed
Credits to NAIL SWAG Instagram via Allure.com
Christmas lights or holiday stars? You decide – either way, they look fantastic!
28. Sweater Lover
Credits to Love Ambie
This cool nail design can be achieved with a stencil.
29. Baubles
Credits to sweetandsavvynails Instagram via Allure.com
Remember those bright Christmas tree ornaments? Well, guess what, you can wear them now.
30. Minimalist
Credits to Betina R. Goldstein Instagram via Allure.com
Simple, elegant, and stunning.
31. French Tips
Credits to For Creative Juice
Give the old tradition a fresh – and festive – twist in this dapper design.
32. The Nutcracker
Credits to Devin Strebler Instagram via Allure.com
Blue, white, and gold dominate this merry nail art that won’t crack under pressure.
33. Olaf
Credits to For Creative Juice
Kids at heart will love this Olaf-inspired piece that’s still chic and pretty.
34. Ornaments
Credits to Katie Masters Instagram via Allure.com
For those who don’t want to look ‘too decked-out’, this dainty design will surely satisfy.
35. Ready to Party
Credits to naturally.nailart Instagram via Oprah Daily
Not a fan of the typical red-and-green? Then go for black (and some sparkles) instead.
36. Happy Penguin
Credits to ILLUMINATEbyLiana via Chic Pursuit
Adorable and full of personality, this is one fun nail art you’d want to try this year!
37. Pink Snow
Credits to NailFreakBoutique via Chic Pursuit
These magical press-ons will have you going from drab to fab in minutes.
38. Plaid and Fab
Credits to Cosmopolitan
Looking to stay in a cozy log cabin this year? Then your digits will need this rustic, festive look.
39. Doing Dots
Credits to Love Ambie
Dots are always delightful. Period.
40. Twinkle
Credits to Cosmopolitan
Create that sparkly effect with just a few tools and a rich, red polish.
41. Santa
Credits to Love Ambie
Who doesn’t love this jolly ol’ man?
42. Red Suit
Credits to Love Ambie
Inspired by Santa’s suit, this nail art is simple but impactful.
43. Wonderland
Credits to LittleNailsUS via Chic Pursuit
Make your own little winter wonderland right on your fingers.
44. Gifted
Credits to Rebecca Morrissey Instagram via Oprah Daily
Nail stickers are perhaps something you should ask for as stocking stuffers.
45. Pink Sunset
Credits to Stephanie Instagram via Oprah Daily
Who says Christmas nails have to be in traditional colors? Create your own beautiful art with the hues you want.
46. Ugly Sweater
Credits to Hanna Instagram via Oprah Daily
Ugly sweater season doesn’t have to be literal.
47. Swirly
Credits to Rocket Fuel Nails Instagram via Oprah Daily
To achieve this marbled look, all you need are 3 nail polish colors, one of which should be holographic.
48. Sweater Weather
Credits to Love Ambie
If you have a steady hand and a bit of time, then this design will all be worth it.
49. All Red
Credits to Love Ambie
A tree and ornaments adorn the deep red backdrop for this amazing Christmas nail art.
50. Oh! Christmas Tree
Credits to For Creative Juice
This textured number may seem unconventional, but it’s a guaranteed hit for the festive season.
