Okay so the holidays are over and I’m staring at my hands like… what now? January gets such a bad rep but honestly its one of my favorite months for nail inspo. Winter is still here which means you can totally rock icy colors and cozy neutrals! Snowflakes are still fair game too. Nobody told me this when I first started doing my own nails but January is actually perfect for trying new stuff because you’re not committed to a specific holiday theme or whatever.
I’ve been experimenting with SO many looks lately. Some worked, some didn’t (we don’t talk about the patchy navy blue chrome incident). But these ones? These are the good ones. The ones that make people grab your hand at the coffee shop like “wait where did you get those done?” And I get to be like “my living room actually.”
Whether you want something subtle for work or you’re ready to go full glitter and rhinestones, there’s something here. I tried to include lots of different vibes because not everyone wants sparkly snowflakes you know? Sometimes you just want a nice sage green. And that’s valid! So yeah, here are 23 January nail ideas that’ll keep you looking cute all month long.
Fine Silver Glitter With White Intricate Snowflakes
So this look is really pretty. Silver glitter everywhere and it looks like ice or something? Then you put white snowflakes on top. They gotta be the fancy kind with lots of detail. Any nail shape works but I think almond or short square is the prettiest for this one.
Sky Blue Ombre Into Neutral
You know that color the sky gets in winter. Thats what this is! It goes from blue to like a tan color or cream. The fade is really smooth and nice. I wear this one all the time because it goes with my clothes and stuff, it’s not too much and really cute.
White Animal Print French Tips
Okay so French tips are classic right. But these ones have animal print! And in white!! Usually leopard spots or cow print looks the best. Its fancy but also kinda fun and different at the same time, which I really like.
Soft Sage Green
Sage green is so nice and so simple. The color is earthy and calm. Sometimes you want that after all the Christmas themed nail designs. Goes with everything you wear in winter too! Sometimes a plain color is all you need. This one just makes me feel good when I look at my hands.
Mauve With Tiny Snowflakes
I love mauve for winter nails. It has purple and pink in it kinda, dusty looking. Super cozy feeling! Add little tiny snowflakes and wow. You can do white snowflakes or gray ones for lower contrast look, both are cute.
Gray Base With White Polka Dots
This design reminds me of old pictures from the 50s or something. Gray is fancy, and then white dots are playful! It’s different from other winter nails I see people doing. Perfect if you’re bored of the regular stuff but still want it to match the season.
Off-White To Dusty Rose Ombre
The softest combo ever. Off-white fades into dusty rose and it’s so gradual and pretty. Reminds me of when the sun sets in winter time? This one’s good if you like your nails to be pretty but not super loud or in your face.
Black Cherry French Tips On Short Square Nails
Short square nails are coming back. The black cherry tips are rich and deep, not as dark as black though. It’s moody but sophisticated! January is a good time for dramatic nails like this.
Classy Frenchies With Lacy Snowflakes
These are regular French tips but fancy. The lacy snowflake stuff on one or two nails makes it look expensive! I do this for special things mostly. But they look good enough you could wear them every day if you want.
Black Matte Chrome With Neutrals And Glitter
This combo may sound crazy but it actually looks amazing. Black matte chrome is edgy and modern, then you mix neutral nails with it. Maybe add some champagne glitter on one nail? It all works together somehow. Definitely makes people notice, but not in a bad way.
Fine White Glitter Nails
Sometimes you just need glitter on all your nails. Fine white glitter is like literally a blanket of snow on your nails! Catches the light so pretty. Goes with every single outfit I own. It’s festive enough for January, but not trying too hard, you know.
Ashy Brown With Snowflakes And Rhinestones
Ashy brown takes really good pictures. You add white snowflakes and some rhinestones and it’s a unique winter look. The brown part keeps it normal while the sparkly stuff makes it special and different.
White And Blue Simple Winter Nails
Clean and crisp. So winter! I do white and blue nails next to each other or maybe white with blue designs. There’s lots of ways to do this color combo. Makes me think of ice skating.
Blue And Pink French Mani With Hearts
This design is adorable but not too cutesy. The pastel tips are soft and dreamy looking! Then little white hearts add sweetness. It’s more fun and youthful I guess.
Deep Green, Almost Black
For girls who love dark colors, this is perfect. Deep green looks black sometimes but then you see the green and it’s so good! Moody and vampy. Still works for winter though.
Purple Glitter Tips With Colorful Rhinestones
If you’re feeling colorful this is it. Purple glitter tips are already pretty! Adding colorful rhinestones makes it even better. It’s playful and sparkly, people will definitely look at your nails.
Tinsel Nails With A Bow
Tinsel nails is a thing now – it’s all about that shimmery/chrome silver look. The bow thing is still popular and I looove it. Shimmery silver is classic winter nails, too. Then you add a 3D or painted little bow accent on one finger and boom – it’s super cute! Girly but not too much.
French Nails With Blue Polka Dots
A fun twist on regular French nails. Instead of plain white tips you add blue polka dots! Either on the tips or the bottom part. It’s preppy and fresh. Kinda gives clean girl vibes but with more personality to it.
Dark Brown Glitter Nails With Snowflake Detail
Dark brown glitter is so good for winter. It’s warm and cozy but glitter keeps it interesting! Then add a snowflake on one nail and it ties the winter theme together. I wear this one a lot because it goes with everything.
Soft Pink To White Ombre
This might be the most delicate look on here. The pink to white fade is so subtle! It’s like your nails but better basically. Good for anyone who wants natural-looking nails that still look polished and nice.
Short Glitter Nails With Chrome Snowflake
Short nails can be just as cute. White glitter is sparkly and fun on the base! Adding chrome snowflake makes it special. The chrome really stands out against the glitter, which is super cool looking.
Muted Blue With Detailed Snowflakes
Muted blue is popular right now. Its calming and pretty, not too bold or anything. When you add intricate snowflake designs it becomes beautiful winter nail art! The detail on the snowflakes is what makes this one really good.
Blush Pink Glitter
Blush pink glitter is my favorite when I can’t decide between simple and feminine designs. It looks good on everyone! The glitter adds sparkle and dimension. Blush pink keeps it soft and feminine though. You really cannot mess this one up.