The Most Cozy Winter Nails To Try This Season (2025)

Winter nails are a lighthearted reminder to celebrate the cozy, festive vibes of the holiday season. 

What makes manicures around this time of the year so special is their ability to combine elegance and warmth with a touch of sparkle, whether you’re going for deep jewel tones, icy metallics, or frosty whites. 

Winter nails stand out by blending both the comforting and glamorous aesthetic, making them a perfect accessory for everything from holiday gatherings to New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

No matter if you’re looking for a fresh take on classic French tips or want to go all out with bold glittery accents, there’s plenty of inspiration for cute winter nail ideas to choose from. 

In this roundup, we’ve curated the best winter manicures from top nail artists around the world. These fit every style and occasion during the colder months. Think: snowflake nails, red nails, abstract designs, and metallic accents. 

This season, let your nails be a canvas for creativity and break out of the winter rut with different colors, textures, and designs.

Whether you have short nails, long nails, or somewhere in between, read on for your next winter nail design idea.

8 Cozy Winter Nails To Try, From Snowflakes To Gem Tones (2025)

White Winter Nails

Embrace the cooler months and snowy season with a fresh set of white winter nails. This set by Breaston, England-based nail artist Natalie Kirk of @nailperfectionbynatalie features pretty stars and gold outlining. 

The long soft almond shape feels comforting and pairs with a white sweater for a classic look. This white combo makes it so easy to match different outfits for casual to dressy occasions.

Espresso Nails

Winter is all about warm drinks like a cozy cup of espresso. These “Hey, Coffee Run?” nails by Heyhae match the mood with a rich brown hue.

Best of all, you can do these nails yourself at home with Heyhae’s gel nail strips. They apply like stickers that stretch to fit your nail size. Just trim and cure them in the sun (no LED needed!) for five minutes and you’ve got yourself a fresh mani. 

The glossy finish makes this dark nail set stand out during the winter months.

Snowflake Nail Designs

Blue winter nails are one of the biggest nail trends around this time of year for good reason. Pair the color with snowflake designs like in this set by Bellacures nail salon. 

The color combo of icy blue and frosty white is an easy way to toast to the season in style. This is one of my favorite winter nail designs since it blends elegance with a touch of whimsy. 

Winter Icicle Nails

Winter trends come and go, but classics like icicle nails are here to stay. This set captures the pure beauty of nature. 

These icicle nails are a work of art by nail artist San Sung Kim, featuring intricate embellished rhinestones on a soft pink base color. The long length adds a touch of sophistication that’s fitting for holiday parties and beyond.

Baby Blue Winter Nails

The winter season can be hectic but these baby blue nails are here to remind you to relax and breathe. The light, pastel shades are reminiscent of clear skies and icy landscapes.

Believe it or not, this Paintbox ‘Like Magic’ set are actually press-on nails. You can apply them in less than ten minutes and look like you’ve just stepped out of a salon. The metallic details add an opulent feel to the pale blues.

Metallic Swirl Nails

For an elegant look that fits the festive season, try metallic swirl nails like these. This set combines little hearts with swirly lines against a silver base coat. 

The swirl patterns give a sense of fluidity and motion, which can symbolize the frosty winds of winter. 

Bonus points: add a glossy clear polish (like this fast-drying one) on top for shiny glass nails. 

Dark Winter Nails

Embody the rich, serene beauty of winter with dark blue nails. This Paintbox ‘Nightcap’ press-on nails set combines textures of shiny and matte, giving navy nails a step up. 

The deep sapphire hue carries a sense of richness and mystery, making them fitting for anyone looking for a more refined, dramatic winter nail look. 

Minimal Winter Nails

For a fresh alternative to a French manicure during winter, try these snowflake nails. It’s minimal yet still exciting, tying in the winter colors of frosty white and sparkly silver.

These short nails are perfect for those who are constantly typing on the phone or computer and need a practical option that goes with every outfit. It’s rare to say there’s a perfect set of nails, but I have to say these are a no-fail style!

Shop The Story: Winter Nails

What Colors Are Best For Winter Nails?

For the cold weather season, look to cozy comforting colors like baby blue and frosty white. You can also go bold with deep gem tones such as sapphire blue and espresso brown. Since winter also focuses on the holidays, glitter shades like gold and silver are also key.

What Winter Nail Designs Are Popular In 2025?

For 2025, popular winter nail art includes snowflake designs, blue and white color combos, abstract motifs, glitter accents, and glass nails. Press-on nails will continue to trend, offering a more convenient, lower-cost way to get a salon-worthy manicure in minutes.

How To Keep Nails Healthy In The Winter

Winter can be hard on nails and skin since the cold air strips moisture. This can make nails more prone to breakage and dryness. To combat this, follow these tips:

Hydrate Often: Consistently use a hand cream every morning and night (and during the day when needed) to keep your hands and nails hydrated. A cuticle oil also helps lock in moisture and nourishes your nail bed.

Avoid Hot Water: Use lukewarm water as much as possible when washing your hands and taking a shower since hot temperatures can weaken nails and cause them to peel or break.

Don’t Use Harsh Nail Polishes or Removers: The winter weather can take a toll on nails, so be extra gentle and avoid nail polishes with harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde or toluene. Instead, opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover (this helps avoid dryness).

Take A Break: Getting your nails done is exciting but constantly doing so can weaken nails. From time to time, take a break to let your nails breathe. If you must do your nails, choose press-on nails between salon appointments which can be gentler.

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