19 Lunar New Year Nail Designs to Try
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The Lunar New Year is quickly approaching, and families all over the world will be celebrating the beginning of spring, and the start of a new year according to the lunisolar calendar. The 15-day East-Asian celebration is marked by family gatherings, parades, festive meals, and more.
If you’re looking for your next nail set to set the tone for your Lunar New Year celebrations, you’re in luck. Lunar New Year also comes with a beautiful palette of traditional colors, each with their own symbolism and significance in many east-Asian cultures.
“Lunar New Year is all about vibrant colors!” says Nicole Wong, lead designer at MiniLuxe. “Classic bright red, gold, and jade green are perfect choices as they are seen everywhere during the celebrations.”
This year being the year of the snake-it also brings along an entire catalogue of designs and motifs to accompany these colors. Fine 19 Lunar New Year nail ideas below.
Red Envelopes
“I’m always inspired by the designs on the red envelope,” says nail artist Narina Chan. A traditional gift during Lunar New Year is a beautiful red envelope filled with money, for good luck and prosperity in the new year.
For Prosperity
“Or I would also write some Chinese characters that you usually see on red envelopes,” Chan says. “Most of the time I like to use glitters, sequins, or rhinestones to make it stand out.”
Golden Half Moons
@leminimacaron
These red and gold nails are the perfect design for a festive color mix.
Sticker Snakes
“If you’re new to nail art, opt for easy-to-apply snake-inspired design stickers,” says Kao. It’s an easy way to get the design look you want, no matter your design experience.
Gold Accents and Good Fortune!
@miniluxe
Gold accents are a great way to add a touch of shimmer into your lunar new year design, representing prosperity and good luck.
Sparkly Scales
@narinanails
This sparkly red design combines a scale-like pattern, with the traditional red color.
Jade and Gold
@pinkbunnynailz
“Jade is an important symbol for Lunar New Year, along with red envelopes and Chinese fireworks,” says Wong. “You could create 3D molds of these objects or feature Chinese characters commonly associated with blessings for the New Year.”
Symbolic Stickers
“The Lunar New Year is all about luck, renewal, and prosperity. Incorporating traditional symbols and motifs can enhance your festive nail designs,” says Kao.
Subtle Snakes
@narinanails
For those who like intricate designs with a minimalist feel, this is the perfect snake design.
Gold Gems
@sansungnails
This fiery look uses 3D gems for an extra pop on this red and yellow look.
Dynamic Base
Switch around with your paints, using French designs and multiple colors, to make the perfect backdrop for holiday themed sticker.
Floral French
This gorgeous set features a clean red base, with accent nails that have a matching red floral, and a chic, sparkly gold line.
Cat Eye Red
For those looking for some extra glow in their mani, try these velvety red nails on for size.
Year of the Snake
To celebrate the year of the snake, try some chic, painted on snake designs—with a pops of gold for dimension of course.
Matte Jade
@narinanails
This matte jade look is beautiful, intricate, and perfect for Lunar New Year, as Jade is meant to symbolize virtue.
Snake Inspired
@setsbyonyx
For a design that’s lightly snake inspired, opt for a shiny, metallic green. Plus, some 3D swirls add an extra, serpent-like effect.
Red French, Gold Stars
@oliviaannicenailartist
Incorporate reds and golds into a traditional french manicure, for a festive twist. Plus, stick on stars make it easy to create a unique look.
Lunar Lunula
@pressed.byp
This twist on a french manicure features a crescent of negative space. Play around with festive designs in that area for some extra pop.
Never Jaded About Jade
@nailfrantasy
This beautiful and lifelike crystal set would look great any time of year, but is particularly fitting for the lunar new year.
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