There are almost TOO MANY amazing winter nail ideas popping up on my Insta and Pinterest. Add to that the gorgeous shades we’re seeing roll out from our favorite nontoxic nail polish brands and it’s all we can do to not repaint my nails every other day. Here are the hottest nail ideas for winter, coming in cool and moody for 2024.
By: Nicolle Mackinnon & Claire Molyneaux
IN THIS POST:
- Tortoiseshell
- Darkest green
- Plum
- French ombré
- Velvet
- Subtle glitter
- Milk bath
- Exclusive codes to SAVE on our top nail polish picks
RELATED: The BEST nontoxic nail polish brands (with swatches!).
Winter nail ideas for 2024
Tortoiseshell
We’re seeing tortoiseshell on everything from home decor to fingertips this season. The preppy classic works on both long and short nails and we’ve even seen versions with just a tortoiseshell French tip—très chic. This is actually easier to DIY than you’d think. Dot your nails with shades of black, rich brown and a lighter jelly brown or clay tone then gently swirl/blend to get the look. Don’t forget a glossy top coat!
TNK’s tortoiseshell picks
Olive and June Cateye | $7.50
Kure Bazaar Essenziale | $22
Cote No. 126 Warm Chocolate Brown | $18
Darkest green
Is it black? Is it blue? No, it’s DARK green! This season’s green trend is to take the hue to its edge. The best polish picks are emerald in tone but near-black in shade, and make everyone do a second glance at your tips. One coat is clearly green; two coats and WHO EVEN KNOWS.
TNK’s darkest green picks
Kure Bazaar Kale | $18
Olive & June It’s Actually Dark Green | $9
Dazzle Dry Juniper | $22
Plum
Jewel tones in the winter are like florals in the spring…groundbreaking, ha. But plum brings a little more depth and feels less expected than the standard burgundies we usually turn to once the weather cools down. Purple is having a moment and plum is a super sophisticated way to adopt the trend.
TNK’s plum picks
Olive and June Plaza | $9
Kure Bazaar Catwalk | $22
Cote No. 91 California Raisin Purple Nail Polish | $18
RELATED: The best natural nail polish remover.
French ombré
The newest twist on french manicure creates a subtle transition between your tips and the rest of your nail. Try it with a neutral palette like a classic frenchie or blur two brighter tones to get a punchier version of the look.
TNK’s French ombré picks
Olive & June Sandy | $7.50
Cote No. 2 Pure White Nail Polish | $18
Kure Bazaar French White | $22
Velvet
Maybe our favorite trend for winter (this one is still going strong!), velvet nails are textural and luxe. The technique works on just about any shade and automatically elevates any outfit. There are a few ways to achieve the fuzzy-esque look, but the easiest way is by applying a matte top coat over a metallic polish.
TNK’s velvet picks
Dazzle Dry Mattify Top Coat | $20
Cote No. 94 Graphite Grey Nail Polish | $18
Olive & June Lilac Shimmer | $9
Subtle glitter
Like glazed donut nails, but make it winter. This trend takes whatever color you’re jamming on and kicks it up a glittery notch. We love adding a glitter on top of a go-to shade, but there are LOTS of options that don’t include mixing your own color at home.
TNK’s subtle glitter picks
Dazzle Dry Starstruck | $22
Kure Bazaar Gloss | $22
Cote No. 103 Muted Shimmery Silver Nail Polish | $18
Milk bath
Somewhere between opaque and sheer white, the key to achieving milk bath nails is to stay slightly translucent—these are not White-Out nails from high school study hall. The most low key look of our round up, but the subtle, creamy wash of color feels so modern and reminds us of fresh snow.
TNK’s milk bath picks
Olive & June Office Party | $9
Dazzle Dry Pawn | $22
Kure Bazaar Beige Milk | $22
TNK exclusive codes to save on nail polish
- Code THENEWKNEW will save you 20% off all Olive & June systems (including Mani, Pedi & Complete Systems).
- Code THENEWKNEW15 will save you 15% on your first order of Kure Bazaar polish at The Detox Market.
- Code NEWKNEW will save you 15% sitewide at Dazzle Dry.
What winter nail trends will be your go-to?
TNK Team Note: This article contains affiliate links. TNK uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. TNK stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
