The holiday touch: These are the best nail trends to try this festive season

There’s no denying that one of the very best accessories is a good set of fresh nails. An eye-catching manicure is as effective as a diamond-set stone or a string of fresh pearls. But when it comes to the holiday season, how can one maintain a look that is both festive and wearable beyond the big occasions?

The key to a successful holiday manicure lies in mastering a festive twist to year-round classics. A touch of gold, a subtle shimmer or a play on a classic are the best ways to do so. Read ahead to discover the best options to do so.

While any other day of the year may be too casual to flash a fully golden set, let the holidays live on your nails by applying some classic sheen to a gold-chrome set of nails. Warm-toned and the perfect complement for those who prefer yellow-tone jewellery, the set is meant as a whole new level of wearable bling.

You can never go wrong with a classic. Thus, no holiday edit would be complete without a deep, everlasting shade of red. Whether you prefer reds with blue undertones, or the warmer end of the spectrum, a dark red on a clean set of nails – no matter the length – will always be a safe, effective and on-trend option.

Some shy away from black as it can feel too intense for the nails. The cool-toned lack of pigment can result in a flat appearance that some aren’t fond of. The solution? Almost black. Dark shades of purple, brown, red or even blue allow for an appearance that is almost black in certain lights but not quite once looked carefully. This brings a new dimension onto the nail and creates depth within the colour and usage.

A classic French manicure is a clean natural shade with a white border atop the nail. While classic, it can sometimes feel old or done. The key is to switch up the application. Whether you do flip the border for a darker shade, involve colourful pigment or go for a metallic rim– it's bound to create a modern edge.

Lastly, we take inspiration from the hands of Miss Hailey Bieber and her ever-so-famous donut glazed nails. Whole that application took a pale pink base and applied a pearlescent top coat, we challenged the pink and offered a nude that looks like your nails but better, and then a top coat of pearlescent natural. This will allow that subtle mind-tricking finish where your nails look naturally perfect done but with a slight sparkle ever-so-appropriate for the season.