Glide through the year of the snake with snazzy nails
It’s that time of the year when you again take styling cues from us. Whether you’re bold or demure, there’s no reason why you can’t meander through the new year in style—with dressing up your nails as the easiest form to be snazzy. From serpent-inspired nails to classic red-manicured nails, there are a variety of nail ideas you can recreate this Chinese New Year 2025.
Scroll below to see our 2025 Chinese New Year nail ideas you should try to recreate.
Here’s our curated guide to the best Chinese New Year nail ideas to try in 2025:
Jade-ified
Get lucky this festive season with jade-inspired nails that will look beautiful and chic with any outfit. Most people wear jade throughout the festive season to prevent bad luck and foster good fortune, so why not wear them on your nails this year?
Roseate
Nothing screams Chinese New Year quite like red—it’s the perfect hue to lift your spirits and bring prosperity. An easy way to make a statement upon arrival, sticking to the classic red is a simple yet effective way to wow the crowd.
Serpent Side
Twisty, sinuous and stealthy, embracing the serpent side this Lunar New Year is a prominent way to catch attention. Choose a psychedelic twist design to recreate the movements of a snake—a great way to slither into 2025.
Mandarin Delights
Made for the cottagecore girlies out there, these mandarin-inspired nails are a cute, whimsical way to doll up your nails. This will go perfectly with either traditional or modern qi pao.
Slither In
Bid ode to the Year of The Snake with sleek and slithering nails. Whether imprinted with bright colourways or venomous hues, this nail idea will be fun to recreate.
Golden Time
A little sparkle goes a long way. Dress up your nails with shimmers this festive season to pop out and pack a punch wherever you go. It’s also versatile enough to match with any outfit—from qi paos to a simple tee and jeans.
A Lunar Medley
If you have a penchant for history and traditions, pay homage to Chinese New Year by reimagining your nails with objects and colours symbolising the festive season. Whether you’re opting for nail stickers, drawing it yourself or having your favourite nail technician do the honours, this is a perfect inspiration for those who want a bit of everything.
French It Up
For those who want nails that can transcend the Lunar New Year and be a perfect fit for Valentine’s Day as well, then this is the perfect set to do. Demure, sexy and chic, a French tip in red is a must.
Ombre It
There’s nowhere you can go during this festive season without seeing hues of red and orange. So, embrace it even further by peppering your nails with a medley of these colours—it’s dreamy and adds a pop of colour.
Yin and Yang
For those who’d prefer to go all-black this Year of The Snake, baring this yin and yang combo will ooze modernity and playfulness. A concept that originated in Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yan is more than fitting to don this festive season.
Flame Up
For the trendy girls, play up your classic red manicured nails with a dash of gold for a little zest. It’s the year to go big or go home.
Syameen Salehaldin
A lover of steamy romance books and all things green, Syameen Salehaldin is the Senior Content Producer for Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia. She spends most of her time immersed in books, and food and doing anything that makes her happy. Expect to see her diving into lifestyle, fashion and beauty trends on this platform.
