The Winter 2025 Nail Trends That Need To Be On Your Radar

'Tis the season to be polished. From velvet textures to glittering adornments, winter style tends to be sumptuous and elegant, and winter nails are no exception. So say goodbye to the nail color trends of fall 2024 and indulge in a deep, luxurious color palette, subtle texture, or festive metallics.

According to celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon, the upcoming season is for subtle luxury. Winter's incoming nail trends emphasize dimensionality without gaudiness. The goal is subtly elegant but visually interesting manicures, perfect for the season of holiday party glamor. 

Women spoke exclusively with Kon to find out how to update this year's prevailing trends — French manicures, dramatic shapes, and rich textures — from summer brights to winter nights. Cozy? Check. Elegant? Check. Celebratory? Check. Whether you're pushing through the last of the holiday rush or already sipping hot drinks by a fire, these winter manicure trends are sure to keep your spirits bright.

Winter nail trends favor moody, saturated shades, including a luxurious range of jewel tones like ruby, amethyst, sapphire, or emerald — colors that are grounded and decadent at the same time. "These colors feel luxurious and complement the festive season while transitioning beautifully into elegant winter styling," Kon exclusively told Women. They'll complement your winter wardrobe as you reach for a darker winter color palette, while still injecting color and vitality into your styling.

This winter trend of neutral nails with metallic accents is peak "calm and bright." Relaxed color with hints of sparkle, it's festive without being flashy. Try silver, gold or even chrome finishes, as well as glitters or foil accents, for a little holiday shine.

"Subtle metallic lines or dots on neutral bases are trending for their chic simplicity," says Kon. "They reflect the shimmer of snow and holiday lights, adding a touch of understated glamour."

"Velvet-textured nail polishes are making a comeback," says Kon. A counterpoint to the hard candy finish of most manicures, the softer texture of velvet nails is well-suited to a season that's all about softness. "They're perfect for the cozy, wintery vibe while adding dimension to nail designs," Kon explains.

For a winterized version of the classic French manicure, try using warm colors for the tips rather than the traditional white. If you're looking for sparkle, you can refresh a classic French with gilded tips or glitter, but Kon suggests updating the look more subtly. "Use two complementary shades, like brown and ivory, for the tips to create a layered, dimensional effect," she says.

Sometimes, a manicure is interesting because of shape rather than color. Even neutral can look striking in an exciting form. So expect to see more dramatic almond or stiletto tips — or the genre-blurring almondetto nail shape.

"Almond and stiletto shapes paired with minimalistic design or bold color will remain a go-to, offering elegance and versatility for holiday and everyday looks," says Kon. In other words, subtle enough for daytime at the office but chic enough for the company Christmas party.