The holidays are such an exciting time of year, and they bring plenty of opportunities for us, as nail artists, to get creative both with our clients, and on ourselves. Whether your clients celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, or just love the winter vibes, there’s a ton of inspiration to draw from this season. Let’s dive into some holiday nail trends for 2024 that will keep your clients looking “red-y” for the holidays:
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The holidays are such an exciting time of year, and they bring plenty of opportunities for us, as nail artists, to get creative both with our clients, and on ourselves. Whether your clients celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, or just love the winter vibes, there’s a ton of inspiration to draw from this season. Let’s dive into some holiday nail trends for 2024 that will keep your clients looking “red-y” for the holidays:
Christmas Nail Trends: Mixing Fun with Elegance
Christmas nails are all about sparkle and festive vibes, but this year, we’re seeing some fresh takes on the usual red and green combos. Instead of literal designs, 2024 is about balancing tradition with a modern twist.
Adobe Stock/Oxana
1. Velvet Nails
Velvet nails (aka cat eye nails) are one of the biggest trends this year. They have that soft finish that’s so cozy, chic and luxurious. Try deep colors like an emerald green, rich cognac, or sapphire blue. These shades give off a subtle festive feel without being too in-your-face- perfect for the client who isn’t into nail art “design”.
2. Pearl Detail
If your client is more “Uptown Girl,” try adding a little pearl stud or 3D pearl gel accents for a subtle detail at the base of each nail.
3. Red & Gold Glamour
Red nails will always be a Christmas favorite, but pairing them with gold accents takes them up a notch. Think gold foil details on red nails, gold studs, or a thin gold French tip over a crimson base. Red and gold is a classy and timeless holiday look that will match the stockings on the mantle.
4. Festive Frenchies
French manicures are making a comeback, but try it with a holiday twist. Swap the classic white tip for a mix of metallic colors, or marble pink and green on a silicone stamper for a more girlie french tip.
5. Minimalist Holiday Accents
If your client isn’t into bold designs, go for a nude or pearlescent white base with tiny holiday accents like a snowflake can still give them that holiday cheer without being too much. Can’t handpaint? No worries; tons of pro brands have stickers and decals like Olive & June, Deco Miami and Ciate London.
Hanukkah Nail Trends: Light Up Your Nails
For Hanukkah, the color palette is usually blues, whites, and silvers, representing the holiday’s themes of light and celebration. But there are ways to mix it up while keeping things traditional.
1. Blue Ombre with Silver Accents
Ombre nails are always a hit, and for Hanukkah, try fading from a deep navy to a soft sky blue. Add some silver foil or tiny glitter to give nails some extra sparkle, reminiscent of the menorah candles lighting up at night.
2. Star of David
For clients who want a more literal Hanukkah nail design, you can hand paint a small Star of David. A matte blue background with silver details keeps it modern and sleek.
3. Menorah-Inspired Nails
A white base with a silver or gold menorah on an accent nail is a simple yet meaningful way to honor the holiday.
Kwanzaa Nail Trends: Bold Colors & Heritage
Kwanzaa nails are all about celebrating African culture with bold colors like red, green and black. This year, we’re seeing a mix of vibrant patterns and cultural symbols that really make a statement.
1. Bold Geometrics
Go for geometric designs inspired by African fabrics, using the traditional Kwanzaa colors of red, green and black. You could play with color-blocking or abstract designs that are bold yet wearable.
2. Matte Black with Shiny Color Pops
Matte black nails with bright pops of shiny red and green are a stylish way to rock Kwanzaa nails. Add a little gold detailing for that extra touch of glam, or even some tribal-inspired designs to tie the whole look together.
New Year’s Nail Trends: Sparkle and Shine
New Year's Eve is all about glitz and glamour, and this year’s nail trends are no exception. Whether your clients are into full-on chunky sparkle or something more micro and understated, there are plenty of ways to make their nails party-ready.
Adobe Stock
1. Disco Ball Glitter
Chunky, holographic glitter like from Aurora Queen is making a comeback, and New Year's is the perfect time to go all out with it. Cover the nails in silver or rainbow holo glitter to give that disco ball effect and help your clients stand out as they ring in the new year.
2. Metallic Chrome
Chrome nails are sleek and super on-trend right now. Chrome in every shade (like CND’s Over the Top Effects) are perfect for New Year’s Eve parties. Chrome is so versatile; you can go for a full chrome set or just chrome tips for something a little more subtle. Isolated chrome looks are still trending and I love mixing metals!
3. Confetti Nails
If your client wants to keep it fun, confetti nails are really fun, and popular in nail art hot spots like Seoul. A black or nude base with colorful sprinkle accents will make it look like they’re ready to devour some cupcakes. You can even add a couple of stars or streamers to really play up the New Year's vibe.
4. Midnight Blue with Fireworks
Midnight blue is a classic choice for New Year's, and it works with any skin tone. Pair it with gold or silver hand painted fireworks on an accent nail for a festive but sophisticated look.
Winter-Themed Nails: Cozy Vibes for Non-Holiday Clients
Not everyone celebrates holidays, but they still want that winter feel! These winter-themed nails are perfect for clients who love the season but don’t celebrate a holiday, or simply celebrate the joy of winter as a season.
Jennifer Ho
1. Sweater Nails
Sweater nails are always a hit in the cold weather months. You can create that cozy, textured look with soft shades like white, gray, or blush pink art gel, then sprinkle clear acrylic powder over the wet gel before curing. The design mimics knit sweaters, giving off those warm and fuzzy winter vibes.
2. Metallic ink nails
A frosted metallic accent over a solid color with metallic art inks is quick and easy, and so chic for New Year’s and beyond.
3. Snowflake Accents
Snowflakes are timeless when it comes to winter nails. You can keep it simple with white snowflakes over a nude base or go for a deeper winter blue with a micro silver snowflake for that wintery feel.
Holiday nails are such a fun way for clients to show off their personal style and celebrate the season. It’s also the perfect time for your clients that may be a little “nail art shy” to try a bit of art or more color than their usual! Whether they’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, or simply loving winter, there’s something here for everyone. From simple and elegant to bold and festive, plus lots of ways to incorporate the trends from overseas, these trends will have your clients ready for whatever the season brings. So get those creative juices flowing and start spreading the holiday cheer, and be sure to tag me in your creations at @julieknailsnyc.
