11 Winter 2022 Nail Trends

We are officially in a new season and almost a new year. It’s time to look for new nail ideas that will help us get through the winter. We know that a new mani is a great way to lift our spirits, even though we will likely spend most of winter with our hands in our pockets and gloves. We’re willing to give our winter skin all the love and care it deserves, even during the cold months.

Two celebrity nail experts were tapped to predict which nail designs, shapes and colors will be most in demand. We’ve collected all the best serotonin-boosting nail ideas, from extreme minimalism to gold-tinted looks. For the top 11 nail trends of winter 2022, read on.

Gold Foil

You will see tons of gold-tinted manicures on social media this season. Gold foil is the latest nail accent to be in fashion, according to Brittney Boyce (star celebrity nail artist, founder of Nails of LA). She tells us that gold is having a moment in winter, and adds that it can be paired with anything from simple foil accents to raw French tips.

Motif of the ’90s

Boyce says that people love motifs. Boyce says, «You’ll find them incorporated somehow with either hand-painted nail art, or with nail decals, and nail wraps,» noting that celebrities like Madonna, Travis Barker, and others have adopted this trend.

One-Coat Shimmer

Although New Year’s Eve may have passed, we still see tons of low-key sparkle looks this season. Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist, says that accentuating nails with glitter or shimmer can be a subtle and fun way to enhance your manicure without being too obvious.

For a seamless effect, we love to use a few coats of sheer shimmer nail polish.

Impressionism-Inspired Art

Boyce says that nail artists will take inspiration from Van Gogh and Monet this winter. She explains that «Impressionism is likely to be a trend as nail artists will focus on brush strokes and colors over lines and contours. I believe nail artists will experiment with different textures and finishes.»

French Pearl

Pinterest predicted Pearlcore would be a big style trend in 2022. It makes sense that there is a matching manicure. The easiest way to elevate the French mani is to use pearl accents. The versatile look can be worn with almost any outfit.

Dynamic Reds

A timeless red manicure is still in fashion, but Lippmann suggests that the color is best suited for winter. She explains that red, as a warm, dynamic color, is well-known for being energetic and passionate. These traits can lift your spirits.

Lippmann suggests that you choose a darker, more moody shade than the bright reds you may have chosen for the holidays.

Extreme Minimalism

The extreme minimalism nail trend will make you look polished and professional as you start the new year. Boyce says that while nail art will be bold and creative in 2022, there is also a push towards extreme minimalism. «Just clean nails, in a natural shape. You can use a sheer neutral to make them look shiny and glossy or a ‘new’ neutral.

Squoval Manis

Boyce tells short nail lovers to rejoice. She says that many of her clients are now requesting shorter, rounded-square or squoval nails as a result. She explains that many people are returning to natural nails because of the current surge.

Boyce adds that nails with short tips look great when they have round tips. Lippmann agrees with Boyce that the year 2022 will be the year of natural mani shapes. She shares that she recommends finding the best nail shape for you hand by pushing down your cuticles and mirroring your tip. This will give you the longest, most natural nail.

Very Peri Nails

Lippmann says, «I’m very excited about the periwinkle trends inspired by the new Pantone Color of 20022, Very Peri.» You have two options: subtle accents or a full periwinkle look which will boost your mood and bring you into spring.

Lippmann recommends using Gel Lab Pro Polish in shades Young, Wild & Free ($20) or I Put A Spell on You ($20). She also notes that a topcoat and base coat will not go out of fashion and help to preserve your manicure. Lippmann suggests starting your DIY manicure with Hard Rock ($20), which is a protein-rich nail strengthener. Then, top it off with High and Dry ($20), for a high-shine finish.

Bold Blues

Boyce predicts that in the next few months, a brighter, more attention-grabbing shade of the color will be in high demand to balance winter blues. She says, «The color that will be most popular in 2022 is bold and bold, rich and statement-making.»

Boyce suggests Orly’s It’s Brittney Beach ($10) as a mood-boosting color. This bright cobalt is actually her idea and was named after. She says, «It’s great for all-over or as a geometric color-blocking nail color or french tip.»

Oval Shapes

Boyce claims that stiletto- and coffin-shaped nails are no longer the fashion in 2021. However, Boyce believes the tides will change for 2022. She says that most of her clients still want long, natural-looking oval shapes. It’s classic and elongates nails. You can use it with a basic nail polish or a French tip.

She also said that oval shapes look great regardless of your natural nail width or shape. Boyce explains that some people have longer nails than others and that a stiletto doesn’t taper as naturally.