Choosing a nail color is rarely easy, but during the holiday season, choosing something festive can help narrow it down. Though red, metallic, and glitter polishes are go-to’s this time of year, a candy cane stripe is a more playful and unexpected choice. The pattern is a clear yet understated reference to the holiday, perfect for those who can’t quite commit to a Christmas tree decal. It takes a skilled hand to pull off the intricate red and white stripes, but the payoff is big. Plus, candy cane nails run the gamut from minimalist to maximalist. You can do a sleek striped French tip or go all out with multicolored peppermint swirls and different designs on each finger—there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you go for a classic candy cane stripe, a candy cane French tip, or a peppermint swirl, you’ll add festive energy to any outfit. Ahead, find 18 candy cane nail looks for inspiration.
Mix and Match
This whimsical manicure shows off three variations of candy cane stripes. Pick one or mix and match all three.
Candy Cane French Tips
For a whimsical take on the candy cane nail trend, try a swirling peppermint patterned French tip with a 3D gem. Because the design doesn’t take up too much real estate, the manicure will go with any outfit.
A Very Merry Accent Nail
A candy cane patterned accent nail mixes well with alternating red-and-white French tips. This manicure strikes the ever-elusive balance of festive yet restrained.
A Neutral Take
Elevate the candy cane French manicure even further by adding a white border to a red French tip. It’s like an abstract take on a Santa hat.
Cable Knit Tips
This 3D manicure features textured cable-knit French tips. It’s a small detail that goes a long way.
Peppermint Swirl
Don’t restrict yourself to the traditional hook-shaped candy cane when there are plenty of other peppermint candies to inspire you. Here, a peppermint swirl design over a sheer nude base makes for a stunning accent nail.
A Candy Cane Border
A candy cane-striped border around a nude nail is a festive-yet-minimalist take on holiday cheer. Use the design for the whole manicure, or mix and match with other designs. The holly-decorated stamp seen above is particularly sweet.
Snow Caps
A classic white French tip doubles as a snow bank when you add candy cane and gingerbread designs on top. To go the extra mile, make some of the tips a cable knit design.
‘Tis the Season
For a more literal interpretation of a Santa hat, drag the French tip down into a tail complete with a white pom pom. The candy cane accent nail done in red and white glitter makes this manicure really shine.
The More the Merrier
Another festive French option is a red base with a white tip. Accent nails including candy cane stripes, bows, and stars really hammers home the holiday spirit.
Bowcore
For a fun and feminine nail look, use bright red and white polishes to create candy-cane-striped French tips, a heart, and a bow.
Rudolph
If candy cane stripes alone aren’t festive enough, throw in a Santa hat, bow-wrapped present, and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. What keeps this manicure cohesive is using the same three colors throughout.
Make it Pink
If red isn’t your color, try a pink and white stripe. After all, candy canes come in all colors these days. The addition of chunky glitter makes it a manicure fit for the Barbie universe.
Festive Yet Minimalist
A sheer pink base coat offers a blank canvas for seasonal embellishments. A thin, asymmetrical French tip featuring a candy cane stripe offers a more streamlined take on the festive pattern.
Gingerbread House
A candy cane and gingerbread man pattern on a baby-pink background makes for a super-sweet manicure. A frosted accent nail complete with a snowflake and glitter French tip adds a wintery detail.
Half and Half
Give your eyes and hands a break and try doing candy cane stripes on only half of a nail. Sparkles and a gem ensure this manicure is still maximalist.
Glitter Stripes
Use a glitter-specked shade of red for an extra festive touch. Ornament, gnome, and snowflake designs round out this holiday-ready look.
Glitter Tips
Candy cane stripes, bows, and snowflakes—what more could you ask for? Using a glitter polish on the French tips adds a little extra something.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
