As the winter of 2025 approaches, social media platforms are buzzing with the latest nail trends that are taking over feeds everywhere. The season’s hottest designs range from striking cat-eye flicks to dazzling rhinestone-encrusted masterpieces. From icy blues and luxe jewel tones to festive snowflake patterns, there’s a winter look to suit every style and aesthetic.
With TikTok users going wild, Pinterest boards overflowing with inspiration, and social media feeds transforming into virtual nail salons, it’s time to dive in and explore the trends that will dominate your mani game all season.
Rhinestone Nails
The rhinestone nail phenomenon has reached new heights, and we’re thrilled to see this Y2K-inspired trend dominating social media platforms, from TikTok’s For You Page to Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds. This nostalgic craze is not just a fleeting fad – it’s the ultimate winter accessory for adding some extra glamour to your holiday season look.
With rhinestones making an appearance on everything from classic French tips to bold, over-the-top designs, there’s no excuse not to get in on this trend and make it shine.
Black Cherry
Winter’s coolest newcomer, black cherry, has taken the beauty world by storm. Its dark, alluring quality and sophisticated vibe are making it a staple across social media platforms like TikTok. The versatile shade can be seen in various styles, from bold and unadorned to more playful iterations featuring bows, rhinestones, or clever use of negative space. If you’re drawn to the moody elegance that black cherry embodies, this season’s must-have color is sure to win your heart.
Cat-Eye Effect
The phenomenon has experienced a staggering surge in popularity—Google search queries have increased by an impressive 1,000%, while TikTok views have skyrocketed to the millions. The distinctive ‘snap’ of the metallic cat-eye effect is undeniably captivating, with its mirror-like texture evoking the luxurious feel of velvet nails. Interestingly, red cat-eye nails are particularly sought after during winter, offering a touch of gold for the season.
Jewel Tones
Rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and fiery ruby red have taken over the winter manicure scene. These bold colors can easily stand alone or be paired with various winter-inspired designs, whether short and sweet or long and dramatic. It’s no surprise that these hues are being heavily featured on Pinterest by top nail artists, as they’re unlikely to lose their appeal anytime soon.
Chrome Accents
Chrome’s popularity on social media platforms like Pinterest isn’t a fleeting trend – it’s here to stay this winter. The luxe aesthetic, characterized by intricate and often 3D accents, is dominating users’ feeds. If you’re looking for the perfect winter 2025 manicure, cool-toned or black chrome nails are all the rage, despite their expensive-looking appearance being justified by their high-end quality.
Coquette Bows
The world of nail art has been taken over by a charming phenomenon – bow-themed designs. This feminine style has been gaining immense popularity across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often pairing well with fashion trends such as Barbiecore and balletcore. What’s more impressive is that bow nail art looks stunning on all types of nail lengths, from short to long. This season, it seems like every salon, from Seoul to LA, is embracing the trend.
Whether you opt for bold 3D bows or subtle minimal designs, this embellishment has become a staple in winter nail art aesthetics.
Starry Nails
The star-studded world of nail art has captured our hearts, and we can’t get enough! Hand-drawn or stickered, the results are nothing short of celestial. As we dive into the depths of winter, this trend is soaring high on Pinterest boards, offering a range of designs from understated to out-of-this-world cosmic creations that are begging to be Instagrammed.
Icy Blue
Icy blue nails have taken over the beauty scene this winter as the ultimate soft-glam choice. The frosty pastel hue has been dominating TikTok feeds from Tokyo to New York City, showcasing its versatility in pairing seamlessly with both cozy sweaters and glamorous outfits. Whether you’re going for a relaxed, wintery look or a more polished, evening appearance, icy blue nails provide the perfect touch of seasonal chic.
Cherry Chrome
The allure of cherry red and chrome has reached new heights, with no signs of slowing down. This bold combination has taken over social media platforms, from Instagram reels to Pinterest boards, showcasing its undeniable appeal. As the holiday season approaches, this striking pairing is sure to make a statement, perfect for those seeking a touch of festive flair in their fashion choices.
Snowflake Designs
As the calendar flips to December, a festive phenomenon takes over social media feeds: snowflake nails. Minimalist masterpieces and full-coverage snowstorm designs alike, this trend embodies the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a fan of understated elegance or bold statement pieces, snowflakes bring a touch of winter wonderland magic to every manicure – making them a seasonal staple that’s sure to sparkle in photos (and TikTok videos)
Aura Effect
As the winter 2025 fashion landscape unfolds, aura nails remain the ultimate cool-girl accessory. Gone are the bright, playful hues of previous seasons; instead, we’re seeing a darker, moodier palette take center stage on TikTok feeds everywhere. But what’s driving this trend’s enduring popularity? The answer lies in its unique blend of sophistication and creativity – allowing wearers to express their individuality through an endless array of custom combinations.
Glazed Neutrals
Soft glamour has taken center stage on Pinterest, with icy chrome hues becoming the go-to choice for a flawless, effortless look. This polished aesthetic beautifully complements every skin tone and outfit, making it a must-have for the winter months (December to February).
Wicked-Inspired Nails
The resurgence of green nails has been fueled by the upcoming release of Wicked, which has sent social media platforms like NailTok and Instagram into a frenzy over this rich, deep shade. For those who may have missed the initial Bratz-green trend, now’s the perfect opportunity to dive in and go all out with this bold and vibrant color.
Pink Chrome
The wintery hue of pink has taken the nail art world by storm, defying traditional seasonal norms. Chrome pink nails have become a trending phenomenon, striking a delicate balance between feminine charm and frosty flair. As evidenced by NailTok enthusiasts, it’s now possible to showcase pink year-round while still staying on-trend with the changing seasons.
Dark French Tips
This winter, French manicures have taken on a moody twist. Gone are the classic white tips, replaced by navy, dark green and black for a chic, winter wonderland vibe. Celebrities and influencers alike are elevating this timeless look with celestial art, hearts and pearls, cementing its status as an unwavering winter staple.
As we bid adieu to 2024/25’s nail trends, it’s time to get creative – grab your polish stash or book that appointment with your go-to nail tech and let your nails be the main attraction. With inspiration from December’s nail ideas to January’s winter glam, there’s no shortage of ways to make this winter season one to remember.
