These Holiday Nails Are Perfect For New Year's Jet-Setting
Whether you're boarding a long-haul flight for an idyllic New Year's retreat or escaping the January blues with a restorative weekend away, no holiday beauty preparation would be complete without a glossy set of nails. Despite their glitzy, serotonin-boosting allure, it's time to wipe away that dated Christmas manicure in favour of something fresh and 2025-ready, and what better than a sculpted set of sunshine or seashell-inspired tips to replace those wintery designs?
Here, we break down the very best holiday nail designs for every location, as well as the expert guide to extending the life of your getaway mani, come rain or shine.
What Colour Nails Are Best For A Holiday?
Similarly to your jet-setting wardrobe, the perfect holiday manicure will heavily depend on the whereabouts of your getaway. For example, a frosty weekend in Paris will be best matched to a timeless red hue or elegant French tips, meanwhile a tropical beach stay will call for sunny neons, pops of ocean shades or an oh-so-trendy buttermilk yellow manicure. Nail art is a welcome addition, too; think sculpted shell designs and exotic floral accents.
If you're feeling adventurous but don't want to commit to an overly intricate nail style, try a dimensional and effortlessly sophisticated chrome or cat eye manicure instead. It will dress-up a traditional holiday colour without the need for lengthy salon sessions.
How Long Before Holiday Should You Get Your Nails Done?
According to experts at the Nails.INC manicurist team, it’s generally best to get your nails done no more than three days before your holiday to ensure they look fresh and flawless throughout your trip. The general rule of thumb is two to three days prior for a set of acrylics and pedicures, two days before for a gel manicure and the day before for traditional polish.
How To Protect Your Holiday Manicure
There's nothing worse than paying for a chic, tidy holiday manicure, only for it to be chipped and peeling a few days later. Luckily, there are few simple guidelines to follow to keep your tips looking polished:
Opt for gel or acrylic colours which have a longer lifespan than classic nail paints.
If you prefer traditional polish, choose a long-lasting formula, such as the Nails.INC 45 Seconds Speedy collection.
Always apply a top coat; the Nails.INC Better on Top Top Coat will leave a high-shine and help your manicure last longer.
Use cuticle oil to nourish and hydrate your nails.
Bring a nail file and nail polish for touch-ups and fixes.
The Best Holiday Nail Inspiration For 2025
Vibrant French Tips
Upgrade a classic French manicure with the help of juicy fruit-inspired hues.
See the original post on Instagram
Grecian Details
These delicate white and blue accents were made for a Mediterranean getaway.
See the original post on Instagram
Seaside Treasures
Enhance your beach-inspired manicure with the help of 3D sculpted gel details.
See the original post on Instagram
Just Add Pearls
A few tiny pearls will add dimension and elegance to any pastel manicure shade.
See the original post on Instagram
Bridal Seashells
If you're looking for a wedding set for your special day in the sunshine, this sophisticate white design is perfection.
See the original post on Instagram
Bold Brights
From neon green to vibrant orange, a bright statement nail is a holiday failsafe.
See the original post on Instagram
Blanket Blues
If in doubt, a simple sky-toned manicure will always be holiday appropriate.
See the original post on Instagram
Feeling Koi
These koi fish adorned tips may be an investment but there's no denying how artistic they are.
See the original post on Instagram
Ocean Aura
Aura nails made waves in 2024, and we expect they'll maintain their appeal all the way into summer this year.
See the original post on Instagram
Mix-And-Match
When it comes to holiday nails, the ethos 'go big or go home' springs to mind. Allow your imagination to run free with this playful mix-and-match design.
See the original post on Instagram
Buttermilk Tones
From Hailey Bieber to Sabrina Carpenter, pastel yellow nails are the perfect contrast to a rich, post-holiday tan.
See the original post on Instagram
Floral Bunches
As spring approaches, we're welcoming floral designs with open arms.
See the original post on Instagram
Classic Red
Whether you're opting for a romantic city getaway or a week under tropical rays, a red manicure is a steadfast nail classic.
See the original post on Instagram
Hibiscus Blooms
You'll struggle to find a motif more holiday-ready than the hibiscus flower, and this pretty-in-pink design couldn't be more feminine.
See the original post on Instagram
Chrome Accents
Chrome nails have long been a favourite for beauty editors and A-listers alike, and these beachy details are no exception.
See the original post on Instagram
Painted Palms
These microfine painted palm trees are just one example of how a black-and-white nail design can still be sunny.
See the original post on Instagram
Winter Cat Eye
These shifting cat eye nails are the perfect option for those setting their sails to colder climates. Try a gold tone for an opulent finish or look to the Northern Lights for ample shade inspiration.
See the original post on Instagram
Sun, Sea And Sand
Seeking a holiday colour palette for your playful nail art? Blues, yellows and oranges are a classic beach-inspired combination.
See the original post on Instagram
Pastel Haze
Fans of at-home nail art can create their own juicy aura manicure using an array of milkshake shades and a beauty sponge.
See the original post on Instagram
Poolside Patterns
These navy nails combine two of last year's biggest trends: metallic manicures and navy shades.
See the original post on Instagram
Matcha Manicures
Stolen directly from the runway, soft green manicures are the perfect earthy option for an understated holiday nail.
See the original post on Instagram
Ombré Hues
The main benefit of a gradient manicure is that they provide endless options when it comes to pairing colours.
See the original post on Instagram
Natural Nails
A polished, barely-there natural nail will never fail to look sophisticated.
See the original post on Instagram
You Might Also Like
