New year, new opportunity for a stunning nail look. As we kickstart 2024, there are many ways to approach your manicure. For example, the January birthstone is garnet, so sultry red nail looks are fitting for the month. Then there's the fact that January falls in the dead of winter, so anything icy or blue can work, too. You may also want to draw inspiration from the year's most popular motifs—for 2024, bows are set to reign supreme. Another idea? Take a 24-karat approach with your nail art to honor the new year.
Suffice it to say that no matter your aesthetic, there are many ways to tailor your manicure for the first month of the year. To prove it, we rounded up 24 January nail ideas. Peruse them below.
Blush Aura Emoji Nails
To mimic the look of flushed cheeks in winter, try a blush aura nail look. This one, featuring pale pink emoji accents, is especially darling. Nail artist Sarah Haidar used Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush ($30) to create the aura effect..
Minimalist Bedazzled Nails
If you prefer minimalist nail looks, consider a milky nude base topped with a few gemstones for a fun, fancy finish. Here, nail artist Brittney Ellen used Lights Lacquer products to perfect the look. For the base, try Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($11) in Mrs Potts; for the gems, use the Lights Lacquer Gemstone Charms and Wax Pen Duo ($18)..
Garnet Illusion French Tips
Love the idea of a garnet nail look? This illusion French manicure puts the color of the January gemstone front and center. Ellen created it using OPI Infinite Shine Gel Nail Lacquer ($13) in Malaga Wine and Complimentary Wine..
Pearl Velvet Nails
These pearl velvet nails look rich, cozy, and winter-ready all at once. Nail artist Sarah Haidar created them using ICEGEL Star Galaxy Gel Polish ($16) in the shade 1148..
Minty Fresh Aura Nails
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This colorful manicure reminds us of being able to see your breath in below-freezing temps in the middle of January. To achieve the minty-fresh aura nail look, use Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($13) in Something Wicked and Misfit Toys..06of 24
Gemstone Star Nails
Here's another minimalist gemstone mani that we love for January. It's an ideal look for when you want to skip out on color altogether, as it's designed with clear gems and delicate white stars..
Gold Chrome Nails
Gold might feel too warm a nail color for the middle of winter, but it's perfect for welcoming a new year. To achieve gold chrome nails at home, pick up a jar of the Daily Charme Mirror Gold Chrome Powder ($25)..
Rhinestone Cuticles
You can never go wrong with a classic French manicure. For a fun addition, add clear gemstones at the center of each cuticle. (Psst: If you're not the best at painting on French tips, do yourself a favor and use the Orly Half Moon Guides, $6.))
Gold Foil French Tips
Love the gold chrome idea, but looking to add a little nail art to the mix? We adore the look of this asymmetric French tip style..
Platinum French Tips
Speaking of chrome, you can opt for a cooler tone if that's more your thing. Here, you can see how silver chrome micro French tips look..
Blue Velvet Bow Nails
Velvet nails are perfect for winter, and this icy blue color is about as gorgeous as it gets (there's even a bow accent to top it off). For a similar look, try the Daily Charme Soak-Off Cat Eye Gel Polish in Caturday ($19)..
Subtle Snowflake Nails
Here's another icy blue nail look fitting for the new year. The blue holo chrome works well on its own—and is even better with snowflake accents..
Milky Nude Nails
Consider a milky nude nail look for a "new year, fresh start" mentality. While this manicure looks like one color at first glance, it's actually Sally Hansen Good.Kind.Pure Demi Matte Vegan Nail Color ($5-$10 each) in Almond Milk (on the middle finger), Cashew Butter (on the index finger and pinky), and Roasted ChestnutRoasted Chestnut (on the thumb and ring finger), so you can pick your favorite..
Garnet Cherry Nails
This rich cherry nail look is one of our faves, by far. In addition to the perfect garnet polish, it features a bow-tied stem. How cute! (For a similar shade, try the essie Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Color ($8) in Not So Low-Key.))
Minty Geometric Tips
Cool Blue French Tips
Classic Red Nails
Blue Velvet French Tips
Silver Glitter Edges
Cobalt French Illusion Nails
Blue Swirl Nails
Swirl nails are a popular nail art trend every year. This baby blue, silver, and white iteration is perfect for winter, don't you think? If you're swooning over the nail shape just as much as the nail art, snag it yourself with the Aprés Gel-X Natural Almond Medium Box of Tips ($30)..
Abstract Silver and Teal Nails
This teal hue is an unexpected winter color that looks even more seasonal when paired with silver polish. The exact colors are Paintbox Nail Lacquer ($22) in Like Satin and Like Future.