As the beauty world transitions into winter 2025, nail art is experiencing a significant shift towards maximalism. Gone are the days of minimalist designs; instead, this season welcomes vibrant colors, playful patterns, and intricate textures. Prominent trends include polka dots, velvet French manicures, and imaginative animal prints, providing a striking contrast to the subdued styles that previously dominated.
This winter, nail art is characterized by its boldness and creativity. According to nail artists and industry experts, clients are increasingly requesting designs that make a statement. One of the standout trends is polka dots, which offer a playful yet stylish option for those looking to refresh their nail aesthetics.
Polka Dots: A Playful Revival
Polka dots are enjoying a resurgence, serving as an accessible entry-point for nail enthusiasts. Nail artist Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of Townhouse salons, explains that these designs can be simple yet eye-catching. “If bare nails are like chamomile tea, polka dots are a low-commitment pick-me-up,” she says.
For those wishing to experiment, options abound. A gradient Ben Day pattern or a black-and-white French manicure with dots can create a chic look. The trend has been influenced by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter, whose glazed pink nails adorned with white spots have become a reliable favorite. Huber-Millet emphasizes the importance of precision, noting that skilled nail artists use dotting tools to achieve the desired look.
Velvet French Manicure: A Sophisticated Twist
The classic French manicure is being reimagined this winter with the addition of a velvet finish. Nail artist Sarah Chue describes this style as “fashionable without overpowering.” The velvet French manicure retains the sleek silhouette of traditional French tips while introducing a unique texture.
Chue suggests that creativity can be infused into this design by incorporating multiple colors or achieving the look with a cat-eye effect on the tips. To execute this, a rectangle magnet is used to create the desired dimension. The versatility of the velvet finish means that it can complement any nail shape or length, making it a go-to option for the season.
Surrealist Animal Prints: An Artistic Expression
This winter’s nail trends also reflect a whimsical approach to animal prints, drawing inspiration from surrealism. Nail artist Miss Pop points out that this season features unexpected colors and imaginative designs, such as vibrant purple crocodiles and holographic blue zebras.
At Fashion Week, Miss Pop showcased golden zebra stripes on press-on nails, elevating the traditional animal print with a modern twist. To achieve intricate designs, professionals often use blooming gel, which allows for fluid color application. Elle Gerstein, another leading nail artist, explains the technique: “You can create crocodile scales by starting with a base color and using gel to create the blooming effect.”
Marbled Stone Nails: A Trendy Texture
Marbled stone nails are another captivating trend, frequently seen across social media platforms. Gerstein and fellow artist Naomi Yasuda have popularized this look using blooming gel to achieve the desired marbled effect. By swirling together complementary colors atop a base coat of blooming gel, nail artists can create stunning designs that mimic the appearance of natural stone.
For those seeking a subtler aesthetic, starting with a sheer neutral and adding darker shades can yield an elegant finish. Gerstein emphasizes the importance of using white lines to replicate the variations found in real marble, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Chunky Knit: Cozy and Creative
In response to the chilly winter weather, nail art is embracing cozy themes, with chunky knit designs becoming increasingly popular. This trend mimics the textures of warm sweaters, allowing individuals to carry a piece of comfort with them.
Gerstein particularly enjoys combining glossy and matte finishes to emphasize the knit texture. The process involves painting a knitted design over a glossy gel base and applying acrylic powder for added depth. “It creates a fabric-like appearance that’s perfect for the season,” she notes.
As winter 2025 approaches, the nail art landscape is set to embrace boldness and creativity, moving away from minimalist trends to more expressive designs. Influenced by celebrities and fashion runways, these styles reflect a vibrant artistic spirit that invites everyone to experiment with their nail aesthetics. With experts like Huber-Millet, Chue, and Gerstein leading the charge, the season promises to be filled with exciting nail art possibilities.
