The 6 Hottest Winter Nail Trends To Warm Up Your Cold Hands

"The new year often symbolizes new beginnings for many people," says editorial and celebrity nail artist, Amy Le. "What better way to start off the new year with a clean, chic mani? I often opt for neutrals with pops of sparkle." Le often utilizes negative space and clear Gel X extensions, as well as decals, foils, and loose glitters, to create layered and multidimensional art.

"I expect to see a lot of [Skittle] manicures," says nail artist, Katie Masters. "There is something so simple and fun about those manicures. Colors that make no sense together all on one hand somehow making sense... I mean, come on — I love it." She continues, "It's something I can't stop doing on myself. It also challenges your brain a little bit to get a little weird with it and to not be afraid you're doing it wrong. It's a manicure style that is accessible to everyone inside and outside of the salon — no art background needed. Just play!" Le agrees that this trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, adding, "This style allows people to add a little more pizzazz to a standard one-color base manicure." It's nail art without the extra time in the chair!

"Abstract art work is particularly subjective to the beholder, which means it's very satisfying to create as an artist and it can take you in many different directions," says Birkett-Leigh. "You can use any color palette, and it can be as complicated or as simple as you and your client like." She tries everything from a few simple brush strokes in one or two colors, to more intricate layered designs composed of many colors and materials. "Abstract art is simple for the consumer to recreate at home because of the fact they can use whatever polishes they have available," adds Birkett-Leigh. "It's also great for those people who wouldn't say they were particularly 'arty' or have a steady hand. Just go with it, and see where it takes you."

While a classic glitter polish is always perfect for the winter and holiday seasons, there are ways to up your "nailfie" a little bit while keeping a bit of the glam. Le likes incorporating an ombre technique to fade the glitter into a solid neutral polish. You can also add even more dimension by adding larger chunks of glitter (like sequins or other decals!) in addition to the loose glitter, like how Le did with the stars in this example.

"It isn't winter without tortoise shell nail art," says Masters. "This manicure is dark, and moody, and cozy all at the same time. It goes with everything and has so much depth." She explains that it isn't a design that's super accessible to novice nail artists because not many people have the tools and supplies to use for this. Instead, she recommends trying out press-ons — like the one she creates and sells on her website — if you're not comfortable going back to the salon yet.Birkett-Leigh adds, "Animal print is the gift that keeps on giving as a nail professional. It seems that it has become a staple design, that can also be created in many different colors and materials. Gone are the days of simple leopard print — which is still very popular, to be honest — but we are now seeing tortoise, cow, poisonous tree frog, and python. The list goes on and on."She has been seeing a more modern twist on popular prints: Incorporating negative space and deconstructed prints are all on the rise. These looks can be created in any color palette so they can match any aesthetic.

"Clients are really enjoying the natural stone trend this winter," says Birkett-Leigh. "I adore the depth that can be created by encapsulating iridescent foils, chrome flakes and metallic leaf. The more depth you can add, the more authentic the 'stone' will look." Try different color ways, different patterns, and play with encapsulation techniques.