7 whimsical nail designs to try for the festive season

While many of us may be partaking in the naked nails trend this season, online ‘whimsymaxxing’ has taken the nail world by storm.

Distinguished by mismatched patterns, spontaneous colour combinations and elaborate embellishments, the aesthetic is the antithesis of the understated manicures that have dominated the nail trends of late.

And with Christmas approaching, there’s arguably no better time to embrace a little excess.

From miniature bows and festive characters to shimmering metallics and three-dimensional nail art, the trend encourages experimentation rather than following any particular rules.

But according to celebrity nail artist Jenni Draper, who has worked with stars including Adele, Julia Roberts and Rihanna, the idea of having fun with your manicure is hardly new.

“I actually think whimsymaxxing is something many nail technicians and their clients have been embracing for a long time,” she tells the Press Association.

“Yes, we’ve seen periods where minimal, understated manicures have dominated, but there has always been a client who wants to leave all of that behind, let loose and simply have a bit of fun with their nails.”

And the festive season is when people tend to become particularly adventurous.

“Suddenly, clients are much more adventurous and open to trying things they might not ordinarily wear,” Draper adds.

So, whether you’re after something subtly festive or a manicure that could double as a Christmas decoration, here are seven whimsical nail designs to try this season.

1. Mismatched festive prints

We’ve all had that feeling of being torn between two designs, but why settle on one? Draper predicts we’ll be seeing more people mixing patterns and colours across nails.

“I’m seeing a lot of mix-and-match colours, patterns and little individual details,” she says.

“I think we’ll see [polka dots] alongside bows, stripes, stars and mixing things up rather than sticking to one particular design.”

Draper suggests choosing a loose colour palette that ties the different patterns together, whether that’s traditional red, green and cream or something more trend-driven such as baby pink, burgundy and silver.

For a more maximalist take, alternate between stripes, polka dots and miniature festive motifs, leaving one or two nails in a solid colour to prevent the design from looking too busy.

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2. Chrome polka dots

Polka-dot manicures have been one of the year’s biggest trends across fashion and nails, and Draper doesn’t expect them to disappear simply because Christmas is approaching.

“I don’t think polka dots are going anywhere,” she says.

“They’re such an easy and effective design, particularly for nail technicians at this time of year when salons are incredibly busy.”

For a festive update, swap the usual contrasting colours for metallic dots in silver, gold or chrome.

A deep burgundy base with silver polka dots are a sophisticated yet festive interpretation, while pale pink and champagne chrome are a good option for something slightly softer.

The design also works particularly well on short nails, making it an easy way to experiment with whimsymaxxing without committing to elaborate embellishments.

3. Tartan and plaid nails

“I think we’ll definitely see some of the plaid and tartan designs that were popular last year making a return,” continues Draper, noting that if polka dots feel a little too summery, tartan is the perfect, traditional winter alternative.

While red and green tartan is an obvious choice for Christmas, the pattern doesn’t have to resemble Eighties wrapping paper.

Chocolate brown with cream stripes, burgundy and pale pink, or a darker navy-and-forest-green combination are all great options.

For a look that’s a little less loud, Draper suggests a plaid accent nail alongside a glossy solid manicure, or alternate tartan with fine stripes and tiny bows.

4. Miniature bows and festive charms

One of the easiest ways to embrace whimsymaxxing is to introduce a small, fun detail to an otherwise classic manicure.

“There are lots of ways to introduce a little whimsymaxxing into a manicure, even if you prefer shorter nails or a more understated look.

“Adding just one small detail can completely change the feel of a manicure,” says Draper. “It could be a tiny bow, a little Santa hat, some chrome polka dots or a small festive design on just one or two nails.”

For a subtle look, a miniature painted bow on a nude or sheer-pink base is a great starting point. While tiny crystals, raised bows or three-dimensional embellishments can make the design more maximalist.

Draper says Japanese nail art is also influencing the decorative manicures appearing in salons more and more, with different textures and individual details taking precedence over matching nails.

5. Festive French tips

“Chromes are another way to experiment without going too far outside your comfort zone,” Draper explains. “Subtle champagne chrome, pearlescent finishes or a little shimmer” are a perfect way to jazz up your normal nude manicure.

Rather than covering the entire nail in glitter, Draper suggests updating a classic French manicure with silver or gold tips.

“Even something as classic as a French manicure can be given a whimsical twist by swapping the traditional white tip for silver, gold or another random pop of colour,” says Draper.

A pearlescent base with a fine metallic tip feels particularly suited to Christmas parties.

Alternating different metallic shades across each nail is also a fun style, and if you want to embrace the trend without any nail art at all, a full champagne-chrome manicure is an equally effective option.

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6. Rich cat-eye nails

For a statement manicure that will carry you through Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Draper recommends looking towards the velvet and cat-eye techniques popular in Japanese and Korean nail art.

These finishes use magnetic polish to create a shifting, light-reflective effect that can resemble velvet, gemstones or a subtle shimmer beneath the nail’s surface.

“They’re perfect for evening occasions because they catch the light beautifully and create that gorgeous, almost jewel-like finish,” she says.

“What I particularly love is that they can be quite subtle in themselves. You don’t necessarily need to add anything else.”

Ruby reds and midnight blues are perfect options for the festive season, although softer shades like champagne, sky blue and icy pink can create a similarly striking effect if you want something lighter.

And for anyone who wants to take the design further, Draper says you can add some embellishments.

“You can build on those effects with embellishments, little crystals or 3D details to create something more extravagant.”

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7. Christmas classics with a twist

Despite more varied and maximalist colours taking charge of trends this season, Draper doesn’t expect traditional Christmas manicures to disappear altogether.

“Classic Christmas reds and greens are here to stay,” she says, but rather than sticking to a conventional red or green variation, try experimenting with different shades and colour combinations.

Draper suggests wine red with pale pink accents, or icy blue and cream. If you’re reluctant to give up your signature red manicure, a single contrasting accent nail is an easy way to embrace the trend without abandoning the classics.

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