We’ve all had the best time looking at the hot winter nail trends of 2021 into 2022, to help get our fingers up to date — if not our shoe collection. One limb at a time perhaps?
When it comes to beauty trends, I love nail polish because it’s a relatively inexpensive, fun form of self expression whether you’re adding a little sparkle and fancy to dreary winter days, or just getting your nails clean and polished for the next Zoom meeting.
But… we’re not necessarily going totally outrageous either. Happy to leave that one to the kids.
From blue hues to mix and match holiday nail sets, check out these winter nail trends. Don’t be surprised if you see them pop up on one of us in our next Instagram video!
Related: Does bakuchiol really work? An honest review of this Pinterest-favorite beauty product.
Sophisticated Winter Nail Trends for 2021-22
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Winter Nail Trend: Not-White Manicures
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While an icy white manicure is still classic, this winter we are seeing much more subdued whites like this gorgeous TT nail polish from Olive and June. The grey undertones with a hint of lavender compliment nearly every skin tone, without making your winter hands look pasty. Another plus is that as your nails grow out, it isn’t as obvious, so it buys you a bit more time before scheduling your next manicure — or DIY-ing at home.
If you want just a bit more white in your off-white nails also check out Essie’s Adore-A-Ball polish right on Amazon or from your local salon.
Related: Six stay-at-home spa tips to pamper yourself affordably
Winter Nail Trend: Blue Hues to Brighten the Days
Blue nails are very trendy this winter and I for one am not sad about it at all. I love blue on my fingers — from a soft blue, to a richer navy blue denim polish, to this gorgeous Electric Blue No. 40 nail polish from Sundays. I also love that as far as winter nail trends go, you can go big with solid blue, or use the blue as an accent color in a modern geometric French tip.
You can also bring a little shimmer into it with this Essie Aruba Blue nail polish, also seen at very top.
Or, if you want to be a little extra, check out how Sarah @TheBeautyRoombySarah blends some holiday sparkle with that deep blue — she’s using In the Navy Gel Color, Jean and River Glitters, and the super shiny Like A Diamond top coat, all from Magpie Beauty.
Related: We tried those at-home gel manicure kits to see if they’re worth your time and money
Winter Nail Trend: Look-at-Me Metallic
Speaking of sparkle, metallic nail polish is another hot winter nail trend for 2021 that we can fully get behind! For a bold, mysterious metallic look for your winter nails, the iridescent Liquid Glass Lacquer Alchemy from Static Nails is perfect for that little black dress, or your black sweat pants. It’s non-toxic too.
The silver Essie nail polish above is a limited edition, so make sure you snag it soon. It would look great by itself, or as a single accent finger. Rose gold nails never really go out of style; it’s become like the new neutral. Orly’s Breathable Rose Gold nail polish is timeless — and even better doesn’t need a base coat or top coat.
Related: Our review of the Expressie quick dry at-home manicure
Winter Nail Trend: Browns and Mustard are the New Neutrals
Brown and mustard hues are trending for winter nails in 2021 and I can honestly say this…is not my personal color palette of choice. However this Glam & Grace Mustard nail polish just may turn me into a fan after all. This color is just lovely and would compliment a variety of holiday outfits, whether you’re sporting reds, blues, blacks, or any jewel tones at all.
For a fun holiday gift, you could absolutely tie a bottle of this gorgeous color onto a gift certificate for a mani at a local nail salon.
Winter Nail Trend: Mix and Match Nails are as 2021 as It Gets
Mix and match nails basically means you can paint each one of your fingers a different color and still be on trend, which is the most 2021 thing I can imagine.
This Essie Limited Edition Holiday Sparkle Minis Nail Polish Gift Set I spotted at Target is a lovely little set that combines all of the trends of the season. You could paint each finger a different color, or change them all every few days. Think how great that is if you chip a single nail — just change it up with whatever you have around!
These would also make fantastic stocking stuffers for the tweens and teens in your life.
Winter Nail Trend: Holiday Nail Wraps, as Festive as You Want to Be
Finally, the winter nail trend that just calls out for the holiday spirit: Festive nail wraps! Try one of the many Holiday Nail Wraps from Etsy shop Cleble Nails, from playful and simple snowflakes, to more outrageous patterns.
The cool thing is that they are super fast to apply and there is no wait time for drying. They do work on any length nail, but know that they don’t last as long as polish or gel polish, so you may want to apply a high-gloss, clear top coat to help them last a few days longer.
