FESTIVE FINGERTIPS to sleigh the season
Have yourself a mani little Christmas with JESS WATTS’ roundup of dazzling designs & party-perfect nail art inspo
Image courtesy of OPI, featuring the Good Enough to Treat collection, available via uk.wella.professionalstore.com
Christmas chrome
Turn everyday nails into tinselled tips with the reflective shimmer of isolated chrome accents or an all-over metallic glaze. Popular Christmas chrome colours include gold, silver and red, but any look can be elevated with a hint of holographic handiwork.
‘Tis the season of gifting, glam and glitter! Whether your clients seek cute Christmas creations, sophisticated seasonal showstoppers or modern and magical manicures,
Scratch
has compiled a merry menu of designs to inspire and impress. Get ready to spread Christmas cheer, one nail at a time!
Andreia Professional nail product & academy director, Sara Pinto, states: “The modern client seeks a nail look that is festive yet refined: a design that feels luxurious but wearable beyond the holidays. Expect requests for chrome and glazed effects, inspired by the ‘clean luxury’ aesthetic that has been dominating the fashion and beauty realms this year.”
Sara recommends Andreia Professional Chrome Illusion Nail Powder Pens for merry metallic manis.
Andreia Professional Chrome Illusion Nail Powder Pen in 01 Aurora £7.04 + VAT
www.andreiaprofessional.comwww.salon-services.com
Wolverhampton nail tech & educator, Mya of @myanailedit_, goes for gold with this chrome snowflake and Christmas tree style, using the Glitterbels Pinched Acrylic Brush.
The team at Els Gels, a nail salon and training academy in Hertfordshire, wraps a client’s nails in red isolated chrome bows.
Halo Create Chrome Powder in #BeEmpowered £2.49 + VAT
www.purenails.co.uk
Glitterbels Pinched Pastel Glitter Acrylic Brush from £29.99 inc VAT & Chrome Powder in Chrome Mirror £7 inc VAT
www.glitterbels.com
HONA Compressed Chrome Nail Powder in Gold Rush £4.50 + VAT
www.homeofnailart.com
Salford’s Mia Farrelly (@bymiaf) uses a golden chrome pigment over a builder gel base to elevate festive shapes and features.
Caerphilly-based nail artist, Jodie Richards, selects HONA Compressed Chrome Nail Powder in Gold Rush to add glimmers of gold to two accent nails.
Jane of GLOSS & GLOW Studio, Manchester, pairs The GelBottle Inc BIAB
TM
in 19 with Emerald Chrome Pigment for this twist on a traditional tree design.
Mii Cosmetics pro ambassador, Hayley McColm (@h.e.r_nails), says: “Metallic and chrome star nail art will be popular this year. These finishes are set to trend, perhaps over glitter, as they provide more of a subtle glam look.”
Lecenté Chrome Powder in Red £6.95 + VAT
www.lecente.com
The GelBottle Inc Emerald Chrome Pigment £10 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
Gelish Chrome Stix in Silver Holographic £6.99 + VAT
www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk
Festive figures
Immerse in Christmas character art with nail designs featuring festive icons and film favourites, for a fun nod to the holiday.
Glitterbels Core Acrylic Powder in Glass Slippers £12.99 inc VAT
www.glitterbels.com
Gelish Art Form Gel in Essential Green £9.99 + VAT
www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk
Ashley Biasella, Arizona-based nail artist, educator &
North America’s Star Nail Artist
– Season 2 contestant, features Father Christmas on nails. She painted the detailed depiction of the jolly gent using Light Elegance ButterCream in Real Red.
Artistic Colour Gloss in Daze Me, Baby! £9.95 + VAT
www.sweetsquared.com
Light Elegance ButterCream in Real Red £17.95 + VAT
www.lightelegance.co.uk
Katie Barnes Short Liner Brush 01 £21.99 inc VAT
www.katiebarnesacademy.com
Gel Junkie Gel Polish in Enchanted £7.95 inc VAT
www.geljunkie.co.uk
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! Nail artist, Madison McCollough, depicts the key characters from
Home Alone
in exquisite detail on nails.
South Wales-based nail artist & content creator, Abi Markey, recreates the
Elf
movie poster, featuring Buddy’s yellow tights and two snowflakes on the pinky nail.
Wiltshire nail pro, Stacey Griffiths, paints textured sweater patterns and a green gonk on top of enhancements, created using Glitterbels Core Acrylic Powder in Glass Slippers.
Washington’s Trang Anh Hood crafts a gembellished set featuring Christmas icon,
The Grinch
. The crabby character pops against a nude background, with red accents adding festive cheer.
The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Kevin! £17.95 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
OPI Infinite Shine in Sneak-a-Blue Candy £9.30 + VAT/RRP £18
uk.wella.professionalstore.com
New Forest salon, Nirvana Nails and Beauty, used The GelBottle Inc products to create this seasonal Snoopy design.
HONA Detail Paint in White £12.50 + VAT
www.homeofnailart.com
HD Pro Nails Art Gel in Jet £9.50 inc VAT
www.hazeldixonnails.com
US nail artist, Danielle Via, replicates a scene from fan favourite film,
Annabel’s Wish
, on nails.
The Manicure Company Gel Polish in Red Alert £8.94 inc VAT
www.themanicurecompany.com
Leah Murphy, an Ireland-based nail pro, used The Manicure Company Gel Polish in Red Alert for this magical Minnie Mouse mani.
TOP TIPS: Successful scheduling
“The festive season can be demanding, so clear communication and organisation are essential,” says Sara Pinto. “Techs should encourage clients to book early, set realistic appointment durations and communicate policies for lateness or last-minute changes.”
“Ensure that clients disclose whether they want nail art before appointments, to avoid running over,” adds Hayley McColm. “Also be sure to look after yourself. It’s easy to get carried away during the festive season, and sometimes it can feel hard to say no, but it’s important to set boundaries.”
Merry minimalism
If subtle styling is your client’s preference this season, translate whispers of winter onto nails with magical micro art and delicate details.
Seasonal nails by Jessica White, featuring snowflakes and silver spots.
Dunstable nail artist & content creator, Brydie Leishman, accentuates 3D baubles with Lecenté Cat Eye Powders in Laser Beam, Dream Pool and Gamma Ray for an ultra-sparkly seasonal style.
Lecenté Cat Eye Powders in Dream Pool & Gamma Ray £8.99 + VAT each
www.lecente.com
“Clients want nails that feel festive but wearable: styles that can be rocked at work Christmas parties and on nights out, without feeling over the top,” shares
Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year
2025, Jessica White of @jessicawhitenailartist. “I love designs that tell a story in a subtle way.”
OPI GELevate
TM 4-in-1Builder £21.90 + VAT
uk.wellaprofessionalstore.com
Nail artist & educator, Eleanor Bronte Bennett, swaps the classic white French tip for red, elevating the look with Christmas motifs made minimal.
Harrogate nail pro & content creator, Maisie Jackson, uses HONA Detail Paints to add festive accents to this adorable mix ‘n’ match mani.
HONA Detail Paint in Green Velvet £12.50 + VAT
www.homeofnailart.com
TOP TIPS: Promotional perfection
“Create lookbooks or digital portfolios showcasing festive designs, share short videos or tutorials of seasonal styles on social media, and highlight limited-edition collections and festive offers,” shares Sara Pinto. “The key is to tell a story: invite clients to see nail art not just as decoration, but as a personal expression of celebration. A well-curated visual campaign helps clients feel excited to book their festive appointments.”
“Social media is your stage,” adds Jessica White. “I love posting short, dynamic clips showing a nail transformation from start to finish. Hashtags are great, but captions that tell a story or offer a festive tip will gain more traction.”
Hayley McColm shares: “I share more nail art designs on social media around the Christmas period, as clients tend to choose styles that I post. This year, I’m planning on creating a menu of Christmas nail art inspiration in my Instagram Highlights, to make it easy for clients to choose a design ahead of their appointments.”
Holly Rodgers displays her Christmas designs on a nail art board to inspire clients.
Samantha Deer
“Get ahead of the game by painting nail pops with Christmas looks,” advises Lecenté Creator, Samantha Deer. “Keep them on your desk or in waiting areas for clients to browse. Remember to take photos or videos of your work, to promote on your social media channels.”
Bluestreak Crystals Serinity Flat Back Crystals Non Hotfix in Crystal Pine Green Ignite, Crystal Silver Night & Siam from £2.15 + VAT per 50pk
www.bluestreakcrystals.com
Gelish Brush-On Builder in Light Pink Nude £16.99 + VAT
www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk
Nail artist & Halo VIP, Holly Rodgers of Hr Beauty, Morton, tops talons with glittering red French-style tips – with one transformed into a Santa hat.
“It is the small things, not the great, that bring joy at Christmas.”
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Northamptonshire nailist, Anna Grace, embellishes ornate ornament-inspired nails with crystal additions.
CND™ Perfect Color Powder in Cool Mocha £38.45 + VAT
www.sweetsquared.com
Seasonal sparkle
Get ready for glitter! It’s no secret that most nail techs will be finding sparkle in their hair, homes and on their skin for months after the festive period. But seeing clients proudly showing off their shimmery sets makes it all worth it!
The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Fondant £17.95 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
New York-based nail salon, MakailasManis, is behind these glittery Christmas-toned talons, featuring pink, red and green hues.
The Manicure Company Mistletoe Lodge Gel Cream Collection £34.97 inc VAT
www.themanicurecompany.com
OPI Good Enough to Treat Duo Pack £16 + VAT/RRP £29.94
uk.wella.professionalstore.com
Manchester’s Ashleigh Nails opts for all-out glitter, adding textured candy cane swirls and tartan patterns.
Gold and red glitter hues provide a base for these festive fingertips by The Pamper Lounge, Thirsk.
Sara Pinto says: “Sparkly nail art offers texture, artistry and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, turning each nail into a miniature celebration.”
Hara Gel Polishes in Golden Hour & Celestial £7.15 + VAT each
www.astonandfincher.co.ukwww.haraprofessional.com
Australian natural nail specialist, Peachi Nails, shimmers in style with these starry nails, featuring gold glitter accents.
“Sometimes, clients don’t want looks that are too flashy,” notes Jessica White. “Consider a subtle shimmer or micro-glitter, as they add the right touch of festive sparkle, without being overpowering.”
Sara Pinto embraces sparkle season with this 3D bauble nail design.
Norfolk nail tech, Sophie of @sophies_nails20, features plenty of seasonal sparkle in this Christmas-coloured striped set.
Andreia Professional Lucky Star Gel Polish in Stardust £5.99 + VAT
www.salon-services.comwww.andreiaprofessional.com
Luxury manicurist & content creator, Lois Samantha, selects seasonal sparkle for this deep red set.
Halo Gel Polish in Snow Flake £5.95 + VAT
www.purenails.co.uk
The GelBottle Inc Studio Effects Flashing Pigment in Pillarbox £5 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
Winter wonderland
Snow white woodland and starlit skies epitomise Christmas. Even if we don’t experience a classic ‘white Christmas’, at least you can paint one onto nails!
The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Knightsbridge £15.95 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
Emma Logan, a builder gel specialist based in Castle Donington, creates multidimensional green trees using The GelBottle Inc Gel Polishes in Secret Entrance, Jungle, Knightsbridge and Ivy.
Leicestershire-based nail tech, Katie Bottrill, recreates
a classic Christmas scene, featuring a snow-topped
house with an inviting golden glow.
Holly Rodgers notes: “I find that Christmas tree designs are most popular in December, and offer blooming gel trees, dotted trees, zig-zag trees and more.”
Light Elegance P+ Cat Eye Gel Polish in Ice Kitty £14.95 + VAT
www.lightelegance.co.uk
Lecenté Snowflake Nail Foil £3.99 + VAT
www.lecente.com
Glitterbels Liner Brush with Lid – 9mm £7.99 inc VAT
www.glitterbels.com
Boston-based nail artist, Courtney of @thenailartbabe, hand-painted the details of each tree in this luscious landscape. The white trees pop against the navy base.
Halo Create Dotting Tool Double Ended Combo £9.85 + VAT
www.purenails.co.uk
Natural nail specialist, Britt EagleStar, decorates digits with a classic Christmas scene, including snow-covered huts and pine trees.
OPI GelColor in Star-zipan On The Tree £19.90 + VAT
uk.wella.professionalstore.com
Glitterbels Shimmer Drops Cuticle Oil (18pk) £35.99 inc VAT/RRP from £4 each
www.glitterbels.com
Complete client experiences with a festive-scented cuticle oil or touch of shimmer.
Oregon-based nail artist, Lilly of @nailsbylilly2501, paints a pink winter wonderland complete with snow-like texture and a sweet snowman.
Roxi Gel Polish in Blanc from £6 inc VAT
www.roxinails.co.ukwww.nsinails.co.uk
Lecenté Winter Wonderland Nail & Skin Conditioning Oil £9.99 + VAT
www.lecente.com
Cheshire nail artist, Ellie of Gellie Beauty, brings this festive scene to life with white glitter gel polish to mimic sparkling snow.
TOP TIPS: Conquering charging challenges
Sara Pinto advises: “Pricing should reflect time, skill and product quality. Nail techs must calculate the true cost of each service, including products used and design complexity. Detailed pricing menus or tiered systems – such as basic, advanced and premium – make it easier for clients to understand the value of artistic work.
“Confidence in pricing also comes from education; the more informed and skilled a professional is, the more they can justify and communicate their worth clearly and fairly.”
“Be realistic about timings,” suggests Jessica White. “That includes prep, layering and the tiny details that make each nail service special. If you’re doing intricate artwork, don’t undervalue it. Clients often understand the skill and time involved when you explain it clearly.”
Samantha Deer adds: “When practicing on nail pops or tips, time how long each design takes and calculate your prices accordingly. If a design takes an additional 50% time on top of a standard manicure service, make sure to charge an extra 50% on top of your standard price. Art is a skill, so don’t undersell yourself. Share the price and time to create each design you promote on social media, so clients can make appropriate choices for their budgets and schedules.”
Yuletide yummies
Cream-coated hot chocolate, spicy gingerbread biscuits, sweet selection boxes, warming mulled wine, chocolate yule log… We could go on, but we’re starting to drool! Food nail art has boomed this year, so it’s no surprise that Christmas treats and festive sweets are set to be popular nail inspirations.
Penrith nail tech, Bethan Taylor, adds sparkle to seasonal dessert, Christmas pudding, enhancing the look using a shimmering brown shade.
CND Shellac
TM in Sweet Cider £14.95 + VAT
www.sweetsquared.com
Scratch Stars Gel Polish Stylist of the Year
finalist 2025, Marzena Zigmunt, takes inspiration from a festive Tesco bag for these pretty in pink candy cane nails.
Midlands-based nail tech, @polished_bysoph, paints a plethora of goodies using The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Caramel and HONA Detail Paint in Red Velvet.
The GelBottle Inc Gel Polish in Caramel £15.95 + VAT
www.thegelbottle.com
Nail artist & content creator, Jasmine of @basecoatstories, makes mouths water with this intricate gingerbread design.
HONA Detail Paint in Red Velvet £12.50 + VAT
www.homeofnailart.com
Claudia of @clasicasnails, Florida, uses a caramel cat eye shade to elevate this gingerbread set.
NSI Attraction Acrylic Powder in Rose Blush from £11.95 + VAT
www.nsinails.co.uk
Meifod-based nail artist & educator, Zoe Hannah, created this cute Jellycat-inspired hot chocolate nail style, using NSI Attraction Acrylic Powder in Rose Blush for the base.
Derby nail tech, Kae of @kreatedbykae_, recreates the packaging of classic Christmas chocolate, Lindor, intricately painting the gold and white details over a reflective red base.
Light Elegance P+ Cat Eye Gel Polish in Golden Kitty £17.95 + VAT
www.lightelegance.co.uk
Cuccio Colour Nail Polish in Brownie Points £2.29 + VAT
www.cuccio.co.uk