Hey readers,
‘Tis the season to spice up your digits with festive and merry nail designs! With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to embrace the spirit of shimmer, glitter, and cheer on your nails. Whether you’re prepping for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, or all of the above, our comprehensive guide to holiday nail designs 2018 will inspire you to unleash your creativity and sleigh the nail art game.
All Things Festive: Classic Holiday Nail Designs
Oh, Christmas Tree!
Christmas is synonymous with vibrant hues and shimmering accents, making it the perfect canvas for festive nail designs. Embrace the evergreen spirit with a bold red mani dotted with tiny green tree decals or paint your nails a deep emerald and add subtle golden stripes resembling Christmas lights.
The Nutty Manicure
Inspired by the iconic Christmas tale, go nuts with a playful nutcracker-themed design. Paint your nails a soft beige or pink hue and adorn them with intricate nutcracker silhouettes or a touch of gold glitter to add a touch of festive sparkle.
Ho-Ho-Holiday Nails
Spread some holiday cheer with Santa-inspired nails. Start with a classic white base, then paint on a cheerful red Santa hat complete with a fluffy white trim. Add a black or brown belt buckle to finish the iconic look.
Shimmer and Shine: Glamorous Holiday Nail Designs
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Add some celestial magic to your nails with a shimmering star-studded design. Paint your nails a deep navy or black shade and use a fine brush to paint on tiny white stars. You can add a touch of glitter to enhance the twinkling effect.
Disco Fever
Step into the disco era with a glamorous metallic nail design. Paint your nails with a bold silver or gold polish and add geometric shapes or lines in contrasting shades. Finish with a glossy top coat for an extra dose of shine.
Ombre Noel
Create an elegant yet festive ombre effect on your nails. Start with a base coat of deep burgundy and gradually blend into a lighter shade of pink or nude. Embellish with a delicate touch of gold glitter or rhinestones for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
DIY Delight: Festive Holiday Nail Art Ideas
Candy Cane Craze
Channel your inner sugar rush with a candy cane-inspired nail design. Paint your nails alternating stripes of red and white. For a fun twist, add a tiny black bow tie to the tips of your nails.
Reindeer Run
Bring the magic of Christmas to your nails with a reindeer-themed design. Paint your nails brown and add white antlers on the tips. You can also create a red nose and beady eyes using a fine brush and paint.
Snowman Soiree
Create a frosty winter scene on your nails with a snowman design. Start with a white base coat and paint on a black hat and scarf. Add two black dots for the eyes and an orange triangle for the nose.
Holiday Nail Design Inspiration Breakdown
| Technique | Color Palette | Embellishments |
|---|---|---|
| Shimmering Stars | Navy, White | Silver Glitter |
| Disco Fever | Silver, Gold | Geometric Shapes, Lines |
| Ombre Noel | Burgundy, Pink | Gold Glitter, Rhinestones |
| Candy Cane Craze | Red, White | Black Bow Tie |
| Reindeer Run | Brown, White | Red Nose, Beady Eyes |
| Snowman Soiree | White, Black, Orange | Hat, Scarf |
The Grand Finale
As the holidays approach, embrace the spirit of creativity and let your nails shine with festive cheer. Whether you prefer classic designs, glamorous shimmer, or DIY delights, our ultimate guide to holiday nail designs 2018 has something for everyone.
Spread the holiday cheer and share your dazzling nail creations with us! Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more inspiration and tips on all things nails.
Happy Holidays and Merry Nail-Painting!
FAQ about Holiday Nail Designs 2018
What are the most popular holiday nail designs for 2018?
- Classic reds and greens, metallic accents, snowflakes, and holly
How can I create a festive holiday nail look using simple techniques?
- Use a base coat, apply a seasonal color, and add simple designs with a dotting tool or striping brush.
What are some easy holiday nail designs for beginners?
- Snowflakes, candy canes, reindeer, or Christmas trees painted with a brush or toothpick.
How can I incorporate metallic accents into my holiday nail designs?
- Use gold or silver polish to create stripes, dots, or French tips.
How do I get perfect snowflakes on my nails?
- Use a dotting tool to create small white dots and connect them with thin lines using a striping brush.
How can I make my holiday nail designs last longer?
- Use a top coat that is specifically designed for gel or regular polish.
What are some unique and unconventional holiday nail designs?
- Geometric shapes, abstract patterns, or nail art inspired by holiday movies or characters.
How can I create a gradient effect on my holiday nails?
- Apply two shades of polish to a makeup sponge and dab it onto your nails to blend the colors.
What are some tips for removing holiday nail designs?
- Use a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover and gently wipe away the design.
How can I incorporate holiday-themed accessories into my nail designs?
- Add small gems, studs, or charms to create a festive touch.
