Trendy Winter Nails 2025 – Which Manicure Styles Will Dominate?

Hybrid nail polish colours for winter 2025

Winter colour trends are a mix of timeless elegance and bold evening shades. In the winter palette of coloured hybrid nail polishes for 2025, the top shades are:

Hybrid nails in navy and midnight blues

Deep navy is an absolute hit. In a classic cream version it is timeless, but paired with shimmer or a cat eye effect it creates a spectacular galaxy look. It is a perfect choice for evenings, New Year’s Eve and the carnival season.

Gel polish manicure in burgundy, wine and deep reds

This is a winter classic in a new, luxurious edition. Red with a magnetic sheen, wine burgundy, deep berry tones with shimmer – this year, “dark elegance” is winning in the trends.

Winter nails in bottle green and evergreen shades

In 2025 green takes on a glassy, semi-transparent finish (“jelly nails”) and metallic flecks. It is a festive colour, but stylish throughout the whole winter.

On-trend winter nail colours: milky whites, nudes and cool pinks

Minimalism is back – light, whitened shades with a subtle shimmer are a hit for fans of delicate nails. Perfect for work and for short nails.

Gold, silver and metallic glow in gel polish manicure

New Year’s Eve and carnival cannot exist without shine. In 2025 we wear gold in the form of glitter, metallic foils and even “liquid metal” on the entire nail plate.

On-trend winter nail colours – step-by-step nail art

Winter nail inspiration Frosty Glow – snowflake design

Effect: a light base, trendy nail colour, a soft “frost” finish and one minimalist snowflake that perfectly fits winter trends. You can create fashionable winter nails in just a few minutes!

1. Preparation: prep the cuticles, buff the nails and degrease the surface. Apply a base coat and cure.

2. Colour: apply 1–2 layers of gel polish in milky white or light nude and cure each layer.

3. Frosty glow: cover the nails with a top coat with fine particles or a delicate frosty powder and cure.

4. Snowflake: on one nail, use a thin brush to paint a white snowflake. Optionally, sprinkle with acrylic powder for a 3D effect and cure.

5. Winter nails finish: seal with a no wipe top coat, avoiding the 3D design. Massage in a cuticle oil.

Nail art and designs that will define winter manicures in 2025

Winter nail inspiration: frost and ice effect

Bright, frosty nails inspired by winter nature. A subtle glow, cool tones and delicate particles that imitate a frozen surface. This is a perfect option for those who love minimalism but still want their manicure to be on trend.

Galaxy nails – cosmic winter manicure

Navy + holo + iridescent particles = nails like a starry night sky. This trend is especially fashionable in winter 2025 and perfect for long, evening looks.

3D cable-knit winter nails

The effect of raised knit-like patterns created with gel or acrylic is a seasonal classic. Cosy, warm and very “wintery”. In 2025 we combine them with a matte or glossy top coat.

Winter french

Instead of a white tip – silver, gold or a cat eye effect. It is a quick transformation of a classic french into a super trendy winter manicure.

Glitter accents

A single glitter nail, a sparkling tip or fine particles on a milky base – subtle shimmer is one of the most universal winter motifs.

Styling techniques perfect for winter – from ombré to knit effect

Ombré in frosty colours

A gradient in shades of white, blue and silver creates an icy transition effect – light, elegant and perfect for long nails.

Cat eye – velvet light in 3D

The cat eye effect is an absolute hit for winter 2025. The magnetic glow makes every colour look deeper and more luxurious.

Velvet nails – soft-focus winter manicure

Nails with a satin, slightly “blurred” sheen. Under the light they look like velvet – a fashionable detail for nights out and festive gatherings.

3D knit effect

Designs created with thick gel and sprinkled with acrylic powder. They create a warm, soft effect that is perfect for winter styles.

Chrome and metallic mirror effects

Refined reflections in gold, silver or rose platinum – this season, chrome is back in a big way.

Winter nails for short lengths – the best ideas for 2025

Short nails can look fashionable too – the key is to choose the right trends.

• Micro french – an ultra-thin tip in silver or navy.
• Burgundy and wine tones – short nails look exceptionally elegant in these colours.
• Cable-knit details – a single nail with a delicate knit pattern adds winter charm.
• Milky or nude – perfect for work and everyday looks.
• Subtle glitter on one nail – short nails love minimalist sparkle.

How to care for your nails in winter so they stay strong and hydrated

In winter, the nail plate and cuticles are especially prone to dryness. To keep your manicure looking perfect for up to 3–4 weeks:

• Moisturise your cuticles with oil at least once a day.
• Use a hand cream after every wash.
• Wear gloves when cleaning and in cold weather.
• Choose strengthening base coats (e.g. rubber).
• Drink plenty of water – dehydration shows on your nails.
• Remove gel polish gently: with an e-file or remover, never by peeling it off.

This routine will keep your nails looking beautiful all season long.

Winter nail inspiration from the catwalk – what translates into manicure?

Winter fashion shows from the biggest fashion houses were full of contrasts:

• metallic silver and gold,
• black in the leading role,
• subtle pastels and cold nude shades,
• geometric lines,
• minimalist nail art on a milky base.

We now see all of this reflected in the trends for winter nails 2025.

Minimalist trends – soft nail looks in line with 2025

If you love simplicity, this season will delight you. We pair minimalism with:

• thin lines,
• a touch of shimmer on one nail,
• subtle micro chrome,
• milky ombré,
• semi-transparent polishes.

It is the perfect direction for office-appropriate styles or for anyone who prefers calm colours.

The best products for winter manicure – base coats, top coats, powders and decorations

• Rubber bases – strengthen the nail plate in winter.
• Long-wear top coats – extend the durability of your manicure.
• Chrome and metallic powders – boost the festive mood.
• Flash glitters – shine like snow under the lights.
• Acrylic powders – essential for knit-effect designs.
• Cat eye magnets – to create velvet depth.

How to combine winter colours in one manicure – ideas and inspiration

• Navy + silver – elegance and a winter night mood.
• Burgundy + gold – festive classic in a luxurious version.
• Nude + glitter – a subtle accent that is perfect for the office.
• White + holo – frosted, luminous effect.
• Black + silver cat eye – ideal for New Year’s Eve.

What will be the trendiest winter nails for 2025?

Winter 2025 is a season full of textures, shine and styling contrasts. Winter nails inspired by nature, the night sky and the festive atmosphere are in the spotlight. Both fans of minimalism and lovers of bold colours, glitter and 3D effects will find something for themselves in these trends.

What are the trendy nail colours for winter 2025? From cool pastels and milky nudes, through navy and burgundy, all the way to gold and silver. This year you can allow yourself almost anything in your manicure! Experiment, mix techniques and create your perfect winter nails 2025!

Want your nails to catch the eye at Christmas dinner or on New Year’s Eve? Check how to create a mirror manicure inspired by Sabrina Carpenter. Want to extend your nails safely? Here you will find a ranking of the best builder gels for nails.