33 Snowflake Nail Ideas to Try This Winter
While it may not feel like it yet, winter is just around the corner. So what better way to celebrate the changing seasons than with some cool snowflake nails? No matter if you love or hate the cold, some snow-inspired winter nails are one way to embrace (or ease into) the dropping temperatures in the most Instagrammable way. And unlike other holiday nail art, it doesn’t feel out of place outside of December.
Snowflake nail art may sound straightforward, but turns out there’s a version out there for everyone regardless of their personal style. From minimal dots and glitters simply inspired by falling snow to full-on holographic snowflake designs, we rounded up the coolest snowflake nails to try before spring rolls around. Scroll on for our favorites, and get ready to screenshot.
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Red Snowflake Nails
Spice up your go-to red winter nail polish with a dainty little snowflake and snow flurry. Keeping it to an accent nail not only looks great but it’s way easier to DIY.
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Snowy Slopes
Put a twist on the trendy French manicure with slightly sloped tips that look like snowy mountain tops. Gold accents are a nice switch up from the usual silver.
Gold Glitter
While silver snowflake nails work all winter long, something about a gold glittery wash makes them feel totally holiday ready. (Be sure to check out more of our favorite holiday nail ideas as well.)
Silver Glitter
For a less literal—but still totally wintery—take on snowflake nail art, go for an all-over silver glitter that mirrors the falling snow. Try a super fine glitter like Paintbox’s Like Future, and be sure to read our guide on proper glitter nail polish application to get the best effect.
Holiday Sweater Nails
Channel your favorite cozy fare isle sweater with a red strip and snowflake accents.
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Minimal Dots
Not into intricate snowflake designs? A row of white dots gives the vibe of falling snow with none of the frills.
Snowflake French
A classic French mani and classic snowflakes are a match made in heaven. Try using snowflake nail stickers for a manicure that’s easy enough to DIY at home.
Silver Shimmer
A frosty silver shimmer—we like Essie’s Chiffon the Move—is like snowfall on your nails.
Accent Snowflake
A classic white snowflake is the perfect way to add a touch of charm to an otherwise sleek white mani.
Mixed Metals
Delicate white snowflakes look super cool painted on a background of mixed metallics. Try OPI in My Private Jet, Silver On Ice, and Made it to Seventh Hill for a similar look.
Subtle Sparkle
A thin line of silver glitter adds a wintery touch to your basic mani (and looks great peeking out of sweater sleeves).
Christmas Tree Snowflake Nails
It’s like the nail art equivalent of walking in a winter wonderland.
Golden Snowflakes
Not into an icy palette? Red and gold are perfectly festive without the frost.
Blue Snowflake Nails
Pale blue polish makes for an ideal background for intricate filigree snowflakes like these. To keep things interesting, make each nail a different shade or texture.
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Diamond French
For a more three-dimensional take on snowflake glitter, add floating crystals to a French manicure.
Ombre Glitter
To really get the effect of falling snowflakes, use an ombre glitter effect. Start with a pale blue or white base, and then paint a coat of a chunky glitter onto a disposable makeup sponge. Gently dab the sponge just to the tips of your nails and seal everything with a top coat.
Frosted Snowflakes
A matte top coat like Essie Matte About You adds to the frosty effect of classic white snowflakes.
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Negative Glitter French
For a modern take on snowflake nails, try this negative space French mani in a white and blue color palette. Silver glitter on the tips still gives it that snowy feeling without being so on-the-nose.
Snowflake Stripes
A band of deep wintery green with subtle snowflakes will compliment your favorite fuzzy jacket.
Holly Jolly Nails
This lovely holly design is a classic take on Christmas snowflake nails that’s so pretty, especially if you’re looking for something light on sparkles that still makes an impact.
Silver Stars
Silver star confetti glitter looks like snowflakes when it’s floating down your nails. Use a sponge to dab on the glitter polish for that pretty diffused effect.
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Iridescent Glitter
A heavy coating of iridescent glitter on a white base shimmers like ice catching the light.
Nighttime Snow
A black background makes a dramatic background for simple white snowflakes. You can DIY this design with a toothpick or detail brush, or try these press-ons from Etsy for a similar look.
Silver Snowfall
Does it get any more festive than holographic glitter?
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Blue Twinkles
Cartoony twinkles are a cool abstract take on snowflake nail designs, especially when done in an icy-blue color palette.
Snowfall Nails
Combine a glitter snowfall with tiny white snowflakes for a mani everyone will remember. Some nail stickers and chunky glitter are all you need to make it happen.
Purple Snowflake Nails
Purple is an expected choice that doesn’t scream “holiday,” but contrasted with silver snowflakes it’s so pretty.
Crystal Nails
For a mani for an ice princess, use nail glue to attach tiny rhinestones to a nude base.
Holographic Snowflake Nails
Somehow, the snowflakes are one of the least interesting parts of this manicure. A combination of holographic glitter, pearly polish, and 3D gems makes for an mani everyone will be talking about.
Glitter Cascade
Silver glitter on a nude base is a subtle nod to the season.
Glitter Hearts
Floating silver hearts will have you covered from now until Valentine’s Day.
Snowy Flowers
Are they flowers? Snowflakes? It doesn’t even matter because they’re super cute either way.
By Bella Cacciatore
According to GLAMOUR
