Every Nail Trend Worth Trying in December, Per a Mani-Obsessed Editor

There’s something about silver-chrome nail designs that just make sense in the beginning of winter, especially in a a midnight blue or black shade. As long as you or your manicurist have a steady hand, the small details in any celestial design will be so magical (or feel free to bring a bunch of decals you can stick on).

Some of us are just drawn to a more neutral design, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go festive or sparkly. Case in point: These glittery French tips with snowflakes. They’ll take you well into January (a great choice if you like to keep your manis on for a long time) and don’t feel too tied to a specific holiday.

I refuse to ever get over these wine-inspired nails. This design is perfect for the month of December (you know, when you’ll def be drinking copious amounts of red wine… or maybe that’s just me??). My personal fave shades are Malaga Wine by OPI and Obsessed by Olive and June).

It’s no secret that we’ve been all about martinis practically the last six months. This December, get ready to see martini nail designs in all their glory, and if you’re down to copy, try a nail look like the one above. FWIW, Hailey Bieber celebrated this trend during her birthday weekend, so it already got her stamp of approval.

“Showing up and showing out is fully my vibe all Sagittarius szn, which is why I’ll personally be getting these nails for December,” says beauty editor Beth Gillette. “I’m def going to pick up a set of bb rhinestones on Amazon to take to my appointment, then ask for super clean, groomed cuticles to keep the look minimal.” Ya know, as minimal as a bunch of rhinestones stuck on your nails can look, ofc.

Blue isn’t ever not in style, no matter the time of year. But it can go super wintery and festive depending on the design, like this gorg blue velvet nail look above. The ultra-shimmery, velvet texture immediately takes this to the next level and can be achieved using a magnetic nail polish (aka it’s a breeze to do at home by yourself).

Plaid nails are and will always be a December manicure staple. If red and green are not your thing, feel free to play around with your favorite bold colors. You can’t go wrong with adding a touch of silver or gold too.

If this design caught your eye right away you are probably someone who had their tree up on November 1st. The Christmas season runs through your blood. Therefore, you must, and I repeat you MUST add this to your IG saves and show to your artist ASAP.

Maroon nails are one of the biggest nail trends this fall and winter, per runways. But if you want to make them feel a bit more December appropriate, mix it up with a few crystal embellishments too. Dare I say, it’s the perfect look to ring in the New Year?!

Gold is a power color that can be used any time of the year, but lately, we’ve been seeing more and more of the “gold drip chrome” nails. So if you’re someone who likes to hop on trends early (aka before they’re all over your IG feed), now’s the time. The 3D texture of this look adds a super cool, futuristic element to an otherwise typical French tip.

Let’s face it: This December, you will see various red nails everywhere. Wanna feel a lil bit different with your red mani? Try this gradient look in your desired shade. For an extra sparkle, add a layer of chrome powder on top.

ICYMI, pearl nails are everywhere rn. In this design, though, it’s just the cherry on top of an already festive, neutral, glam, and classic look (look at you, checking every box). Pro tip: Make sure your pearls are cured in gel—that way, they’ll stay on for up to two weeks without popping off.

Red nails always have all the love during the “ber” months. But this classic forest green color is kinda giving it a run for its money rn. Especially in this chic almond shape with hella shine (TY, high-shine top coat), it’s just giving ✨rich girl on holiday✨.

My presence is a present, so my nails will be outfitted with bows until further notice. (Plus, bows are never going away, since it’s a part of most of our personalities now.) Peep this tutorial to make the bows yourself using a nail brush and red nail polish—it’s surprisingly easy with some practice.

The reverse French design is a major trend we will be seeing this December and going into 2025 (according to Gillette, who saw it multiple times on the spring/summer runways). It feels chic and timeless, while also playing into something modern and fresh, especially with these shades, which also happen to be some of the top trending nail colors at the moment (see: maroon, baby blue, gold, and butter yellow).

Tori Polizzotto is a contributor at Cosmopolitan with more than two years of experience writing beauty stories, including anti-aging treatments and microcurrent devices.