Though some jack-o’-lanterns may yet haunt the front porch steps, within the nail art sphere, Thanksgiving has quickly become a tale of the past–the Yuletide season has arrived. Our eagerness to orchestrate our holiday nail aesthetics was evidenced by Google’s recent disclosure of a massive 250 percent surge in inquiries for “Christmas nail art designs” over a mere 24-hour period.
Easing into the holiday spirit can be effortless with nail art, sans the need for holiday sweaters. Endless are the possibilities for designs, whether one wishes to delve into the holiday spirit and embellish their nails with diminutive tinsel strings or subtle snowflakes. We have an affinity for toasty hues as a foundational color—imagine gingerbread and mulled spices. For those hesitant about embracing full festive flamboyance, opting for an accent on a single nail or just the tips is a savvy method to infuse a smidgen of Yuletide joy. You might start with designs featuring candy canes, festive Santa caps, or small bundles of mistletoe.
For those seeking a subtler nod to festivities, chrome continues to bask in popularity. Alter the approach by eschewing full coverage; consider it instead for accents such as tips, crescents, or a constellation of stars. Experiment with a scattering of sparkle or cleverly placed rhinestones to achieve a more contemporary, tactile variant of classic styles. “Glittery French tips are my go-to because they endure throughout the holiday festivities and still look understated as the New Year approaches,” comments manicurist Becky Wood from The Gel Bottle, “The French tip’s growth is less conspicuous, granting longevity to your nail ensemble,” she continues.
To maintain your nail’s pristine condition during the exhaustive list of seasonal celebrations, don’t overlook the importance of cuticle oil. Wood suggests, “Make it a part of your daily skincare ritual to ensure it’s not forgotten.” One final piece of advice, particularly relevant to those hosting this Christmas: “When prepping your abode for the influx of guests, always don protective gloves–and refrain from utilizing your nails as tools for prying open containers or parcels, as that typically ends in catastrophe,” she warns.