There’s no better accessory for your seasonal wardrobe than a fresh set of nails. And who among us isn’t familiar with that fresh-from-the-salon feeling? Pure bliss! So just because you’ve put away your summer skin care, that doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment with a few fun nail trends this winter.
Whilst coloured chrome and micro French tips were crowned the best summer nail trends, winter 2023 is set to see the return of the classics as well as some maximalist manicure elements. Think bold accents, 3D embellishments and luxe finishes that mimic cosy winter textiles.
So whether you’re a seasoned DIY manicurist or on the hunt for inspo to show your nail tech, we’ve rounded up the best winter nail trends to see you through the cool months in style…
The best nail trends for winter 2023
Mermaidcore
Thanks to Disney’s latest iteration of The Little Mermaid, mermaidcore is officially the chicest trend of 2023. Mermaid nails have well and truly taken over our Instagram feed – think pearl embellishments, metallic ocean hues and 3D shell art. And we’re totally here for this whimsical nail trend.
Lip gloss nails
Glossy, pinky-nude nails are nothing new. But they’re definitely having a major moment right now. From Margot Robbie to JLo, lip gloss nails have become a red carpet staple. They’re simple yet chic, and easily elevated with a diamante (or 10) if a hint of sparkle is what you’re after.
Velveteen
Velvet is likely a staple in your winter wardrobe. But what if we told you there’s a way to wear it on your nails, too?! And no – it doesn’t involve glueing fabric to your cuticles. To create velvet nails, your manicurist will use a shimmery magnetised polish, then wave a magnet over the top to mimic the fuzzy finish of velvet. It’s truly mesmerising to watch…
Molten metal
Looking for something a little bolder this season? Molten metal nails are here to add a grungey edge to every outfit. This trend takes chrome nails to the next level, allowing you to combine metallics, 3D embellishments and all the colours of the rainbow into your mani (if that’s your thing). It’s the perfect nail trend to try if you’re looking to shake up neutral-toned nails.
Frosted glitter
The ’90s are calling… and we’re definitely answering! Think of frosted glitter nails as a nail lover’s answer to the Y2K frosted eyeshadow trend. All it takes is a coat of sheer, micro-glitter polish and voila – your winter mani is sorted.
Blush aura
If you prefer pinks and neutrals over nail art, blush nails were basically made for you. The trend started in Korea and features a pink base with a tonal aura in the centre of the nail that mimics blush makeup. You can always play around with colour combinations, but pink blush nails are a great starting place for those looking to experiment with some minimalist nail art.
Classic red
Red nails never really go out of style. But thanks to TikTok’s viral “red nail theory”, classic red nails are back in a big way. The idea behind the theory is simple: wearing red nail polish will get you more attention from men. And whether or not this is true, a good shade of red, from candy apple to moody maroon, is forever in vogue.
Main image: @daily_charme
Which winter nail trend is your favourite?!
If my nails looked like this I wouldn’t be able to do anything all day long in case I damaged them. How do people work with these nails.
I was thinking that with the mermaidcore with all the little bits and bobs stuck on them!
I wouldn’t be allowed to work with those, they’re an infection control risk
I think they look creepy. Yuk !!
I agree with you, JuJu47.
I agree Normap.
I was thinking exactly that. I don’t think I could type or text.
Agreed. I would struggle
Love red nails, looks so stylish and chic!
Yes and lovely for winter colours too.
One of my favourites is Molten Metal
I wouldn’t be able to work with those long nails, I think some of the images have been elongated as the fingers are the same width as mine but about an inch longer!
I really dislike the mermaid one, might even give me nightmares. I’d like the molten metal one if it was on an opaque background. My fave here is the classic red.
Incredibly creative! I am impressed!
Very nice, but not really practical
Dark red is always a winner, it’s so classy.
Classic red looks lovely!
I agree. I really like the look and length of the nails.
I love the blush aura with the stars. Very cute.
Molten metal. Even the name is different. Fancy asking for Molten Metal on my nails.
Velvet and glitter are pretty. Can’t go wrong with short nail red.
I would try lip gloss nails but classic red is classic for a reason.
It;s like a work of art but not at all practical
I much prefer all the plain styles
Shorter and plain for me. Works of art pretty to look at but not practical.
I hate the Mermaidcore look .It looks like diseased nails -Creepy !
They are all beautiful designs. Love them all.
I really don’t like the “pointed talon” look. No matter what’s on the nail, I find it ugly.
Those mermaid ones look amazing but surely they’re not very practical
Lip Gloss nails are my pick, I prefer the understated look. I’ve never had such long pointy nails as the ones here.
Some of those are really nice except for the mermaid one. It looks like she has barnacles on her nails. I also prefer more of a rounded tip or even square tip. Stiletto nails don’t do it for me.
Some really cool ideas
DONT LIKE ANY
Some of these 3D manicures look great, but they’re impossibly long.
I like all the rings that these ladies are wearing as well as all the lovely nail designs.
Short only for me.
Lovely to look at but not practical for me.🙂
Oh my Dizzy Aunt – the length of some of these is anything but attractive or practical, in my opinion.
I don’t really like the long pointy nails. I would injure myself and others. 😀
I really adore a few of these, not sure I am into mermaidcore. I am much more classic style, shorter and neat.
Not anything I’d like to see on someone.
Love the natural looking “lip gloss nails”