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Winter Nail Art Designs: Ideas to Try

When the winter months come around, many people like to change up their nail art to match the season. From festive holiday designs to cozy winter themes, there are endless possibilities for winter nail art. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with 38 winter nail art designs to try. Whether you’re a beginner or a nail art pro, these ideas are sure to add some style to your winter look.

1. Snowflake Nail Art

One of the most iconic winter nail art designs is snowflakes. To achieve this look, start with a light blue or white base coat. Then, use a thin nail art brush to carefully paint on snowflake designs in silver or white. You can add some glitter for extra sparkle, and finish with a top coat to seal in your design.

2. Cozy Sweater Nails

If you love the idea of cozying up in a warm sweater during the winter months, why not bring that feeling to your nails? To create a cozy sweater nail art look, start with a neutral base coat. Then, use a nail art brush or even a toothpick to create a knitted pattern on your nails. You can use different colors to replicate the look of your favorite sweater, and add some small details like buttons or a collar for extra flair.

3. Holiday Lights Nail Art

To celebrate the festive holiday season, consider creating a nail art design inspired by colorful holiday lights. Start with a dark base coat, and then use bright nail polishes or nail art pens to create the look of strings of lights on your nails. You can add tiny dots of color to represent the bulbs, and even incorporate some glitter for a sparkling effect.

4. Icicle Nails

For a sleek and elegant winter nail art look, consider creating icicle nails. Start with a clear or light blue base coat, and then use a metallic silver or white polish to create long, thin lines coming down from the tip of your nail to mimic the look of icicles. You can also add some shimmer or glitter for a frosty finish.

5. Penguin Nail Art

If you’re a fan of cute and whimsical nail art, consider creating a penguin design on your nails. Start with a black base coat, and then use white polish to create the penguin’s belly and face. You can add small details like an orange beak and feet to complete the look, and even add a little bowtie for extra charm.

6. Winter Wonderland Nails

For a more abstract and artistic winter nail art look, consider creating a winter wonderland design. Start with a light blue or white base coat, and then use a nail art brush to create snow-covered trees, falling snowflakes, and other winter scenery on your nails. You can add some glitter or rhinestones for extra sparkle, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

7. Plaid Nail Art

Plaid patterns are a classic winter look, and they can easily be translated into nail art. To achieve a plaid nail art design, start with a neutral base coat. Then, use striping tape or a nail art brush to create the look of plaid on your nails using different colors. You can choose traditional red and green for a festive feel, or go with more muted tones for a modern twist.

8. Hot Cocoa Nail Art

If you’re a fan of cozy winter drinks, why not create a nail art design inspired by hot cocoa? Start with a brown base coat to represent the cocoa, and then use white polish or a nail art pen to create the look of whipped cream on top. You can also add tiny brown dots to represent chocolate shavings, and even a small marshmallow for an adorable touch.

9. Sparkling Snow Nails

To create a dazzling winter nail art look, consider a sparkling snow design. Start with a light blue or white base coat, and then use a glitter polish to create the look of glistening snow on your nails. You can add snowflakes or other winter-themed designs using a nail art brush, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

10. Knit Sweater Nails

If you love the look of a cozy knit sweater, consider translating that into nail art. Start with a neutral base coat, and then use a nail art brush to create a knitted pattern on your nails. You can add details like cable knit or ribbing to mimic the look of a real sweater, and even incorporate different colors for a more vibrant design.

11. Nordic-Inspired Nail Art

For a unique and stylish winter nail art look, consider drawing inspiration from Nordic patterns. Start with a dark base coat, and then use white or metallic polishes to create intricate designs like snowflakes, reindeer, or geometric shapes on your nails. You can also incorporate traditional Nordic colors like red and white for a truly authentic look.

12. Polar Bear Nail Art

Polar bears are iconic winter animals, and they make for a cute and playful nail art design. Start with a light blue base coat, and then use white polish to create the look of a polar bear on your nails. You can add small details like eyes and a nose, and even a small scarf or hat for a whimsical touch.

13. Glitter Gradient Nails

For a simple and sophisticated winter nail art look, consider a glitter gradient design. Start with a base coat in any color of your choice, and then use a glitter polish to create a gradient effect on your nails. You can use a makeup sponge to dab on the glitter for a smooth transition, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

14. Frosted Berry Nails

If you love the look of winter berries, consider creating a nail art design inspired by frosted berries. Start with a dark base coat, and then use a metallic polish or nail art pen to create the look of berries on your nails. You can add small dots in different shades to mimic the look of frosted berries, and even incorporate some glitter for a sparkling finish.

15. Snowy Mountain Nails

For a bold and adventurous winter nail art look, consider creating a snowy mountain design. Start with a dark base coat, and then use a light blue or white polish to create the look of snow-capped mountains on your nails. You can add small details like trees or falling snow for a realistic mountain scene, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

16. Gingerbread Man Nail Art

To celebrate the holiday season, consider creating a nail art design inspired by gingerbread men. Start with a light brown base coat, and then use white polish to create the look of a gingerbread man on your nails. You can add small details like eyes and buttons, and even use colored polishes to create a festive outfit for your gingerbread man.

17. Evergreen Forest Nails

If you love the look of a snowy evergreen forest, consider creating a nail art design inspired by this winter scene. Start with a dark base coat, and then use a nail art brush to create the look of evergreen trees on your nails. You can add small details like snow-covered branches and falling snowflakes for a magical winter forest look.

18. Nutcracker Nail Art

If you’re a fan of the classic Nutcracker ballet, consider creating a nail art design inspired by this festive holiday tradition. Start with a dark base coat, and then use metallic or bright polishes to create the look of nutcrackers, ballerinas, and other elements of the Nutcracker story on your nails. You can add small details like sparkles and rhinestones for an extra glamorous touch.

19. Crystal Icicle Nails

For a chic and elegant winter nail art look, consider creating a crystal icicle design. Start with a clear or light blue base coat, and then use silver or white polish to create the look of sparkling icicles on your nails. You can add small rhinestones or glitter for an extra dazzling effect, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

20. Cozy Mittens Nail Art

If you love the feeling of bundling up in cozy mittens during the winter months, consider translating that into a nail art design. Start with a neutral base coat, and then use a nail art brush to create the look of mittens on your nails. You can add small details like knitted patterns and even a tiny snowflake for a truly wintery look.

21. Fair Isle Nails

For a timeless and stylish winter nail art look, consider creating a Fair Isle design. Start with a light base coat, and then use a nail art brush or striping tape to create the look of traditional Fair Isle patterns on your nails. You can use a variety of colors and intricate designs to achieve an authentic Fair Isle look, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

22. Hanukkah Nail Art

If you celebrate Hanukkah, consider creating a nail art design inspired by this festive holiday. Start with a dark blue base coat, and then use metallic or white polishes to create the look of menorahs, dreidels, and other Hanukkah symbols on your nails. You can add small details like glitter and rhinestones for a sparkling Hanukkah look.

23. Sweater Weather Nails

For a cozy and stylish winter nail art look, consider creating a sweater weather design on your nails. Start with a neutral base coat, and then use a nail art brush to create a knitted pattern on your nails. You can add small details like snowflakes or hot cocoa mugs for a truly wintery feel, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

24. Silver Bells Nail Art

To celebrate the holiday season, consider creating a nail art design inspired by the song “Silver Bells.” Start with a silver base coat, and then use metallic or glitter polishes to create the look of silver bells on your nails. You can add small details like holly leaves and ribbons for a festive touch, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

25. Frosty Floral Nails

If you love the look of winter flowers, consider creating a nail art design inspired by frosty florals. Start with a dark base coat, and then use metallic or white polishes to create the look of delicate flowers on your nails. You can add small details like leaves and snowflakes for a truly wintery look, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

26. Nutmeg and Cinnamon Nails

If you love the warm and cozy scents of nutmeg and cinnamon during the winter months, consider creating a nail art design inspired by these spices. Start with a brown base coat, and then use nail art pens or striping tape to create the look of nutmeg and cinnamon sticks on your nails. You can add small details like cinnamon swirls and dusting for a truly aromatic look.

27. Starry Night Nails

For a dreamy and enchanting winter nail art look, consider creating a starry night design. Start with a dark base coat, and then use metallic or glitter polishes to create the look of stars on your nails. You can add small details like a crescent moon and swirling galaxies for a truly magical look, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

28. Winter Fruit Nails

If you love the vibrant colors of winter fruits, consider creating a nail art design inspired by these seasonal treats. Start with a dark base coat, and then use bright polishes to create the look of fruits like pomegranates and cranberries on your nails. You can add small details like leaves and seeds for a truly fruity look, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

29. Silver Snowflakes Nails

To create a timeless and elegant winter nail art look, consider a design featuring silver snowflakes. Start with a light blue or white base coat, and then use a metallic silver polish to create the look of intricate snowflakes on your nails. You can add small rhinestones or glitter for a dazzling effect, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

30. Mistletoe Nails

To celebrate the holiday season, consider creating a nail art design inspired by mistletoe. Start with a dark green base coat, and then use white or metallic polishes to create the look of mistletoe on your nails. You can add small details like berries and ribbons for a festive touch, and finish with a top coat to seal in your design.

31. Nordic Lights Nail Art

If you’re a fan of the Northern Lights, consider creating a nail art design inspired by this natural wonder. Start with a dark base coat, and then use metallic or glitter polishes to create the look of swirling lights on your nails. You can add small details like snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees for a truly enchanting look, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

32. Candy Cane Nails

To celebrate the festive holiday season, consider creating a nail art design inspired by candy canes. Start with a white base coat, and then use red polish to create the look of candy canes on your nails. You can add small details like stripes and small bows for a truly festive touch, and finish with a top coat to seal in your design.

33. Frozen Fairy Tale Nails

For a whimsical and fantastical winter nail art look, consider creating a design inspired by frozen fairy tales. Start with a light blue base coat, and then use metallic or glitter polishes to create the look of winter scenes, castles, and enchanted creatures on your nails. You can add small details like shimmering snow and sparkling stars for a truly magical look, and finish with a top coat to seal in the sparkle.

34. Cranberry Dreams Nail Art

If you love the rich color of cranberries, consider creating a nail art design inspired by these delicious fruits. Start with a dark base coat, and then use bright polishes to create the look of cranberries on your nails. You can add small details like leaves and vines for a truly vibrant look, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

35. Snowy Owl Nails

If you’re a fan of winter wildlife, consider creating a nail art design inspired by snowy owls. Start with a light blue base coat, and then use white polish to create the look of a snowy owl on your nails. You can add small details like feathers and a beak for a truly realistic look, and even incorporate some glitter for a sparkling finish.

36. Winter Carnation Nails

If you love the delicate beauty of winter carnations, consider creating a nail art design inspired by these flowers. Start with a white base coat, and then use bright polishes to create the look of carnations on your nails. You can add small details like leaves and petals for a truly elegant look, and finish with a top coat to protect your design.

37. Ski Slope Nails

For an adventurous and sporty winter nail art look, consider creating a ski slope design. Start with a light blue or white base coat, and then use bright polishes to create the look of skiers and snow-covered slopes on your nails. You can add small details like snowflakes and evergreen trees for a truly wintery look, and finish with a top coat to seal in your design.

38. Santa’s Workshop Nails

To celebrate the festive holiday season, consider creating a nail art design inspired by Santa’s workshop. Start with a dark base coat, and then use bright polishes to create the look of Santa, his elves, and the toys they create on your nails. You can add small details like glitter and rhinestones for a truly magical touch, and finish with a top coat to seal in your design.

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