With Chinese New Year right around the corner, everyone is getting into the mood for celebration.
Most of us are getting our hands tied with sprucing up our homes, while others are busy refreshing their wardrobes and primping their hair. On top of that, you’re also probably looking to get your digits done to go with your outfit.
To help you look ready for the Lunar New Year, we’ve gathered a ton of Chinese New Year nail looks for some much-needed inspiration.
You’ll want to stay with us till the end of the article too, because we’ve got the best nail salons for you to check out!
Chinese New Year Nail Designs: Dragon-Themed
Announce the Year of the Dragon loud and proud with your new set of nails. We’ve got:
Dragon Accent Nail
Photo credit: @querty19/Pinterest.
Embrace the Dragon Year on your nails with a red and gold theme! Choose one nail for a glittery gold base and a red dragon design. For the others, go for a red base and add gold lantern patterns.
Dragon Scales
Photo credit: @zhegestovskan/Pinterest.
If you’re after something that’s bold yet subtly embraces a dragon vibe, this could be the perfect choice for you! Stick with a red base and add a pop with white dragon scales.
Whether you go all out with a full set or mix it up with red nails in different finishes like glitter, it’s sure to catch the eyes in just the right way!
Abstract Dragon Print
Photo credit: @by_valeria/Pinterest.
Going for that sleek minimalist vibe? Keep those “dragon” nails effortlessly chic by rocking an abstract dragon print across them.
Chinese New Year Nail Designs: Auspicious Red
Just like a red lip, a red mani is a power statement. We love a classic, glossy red polish, but with the addition of elaborate nail jewels or just a touch of gold, you can take your Chinese New Year nail designs to the next level.
A Touch of Gold
Credit: @thenailsocial/Instagram
The metallic gold foil adds an edge to a crimson red Chinese New Year nail design.
Metallic Moons
Credit: @paintboxnails/Instagram
Amplify a bold red base colour with metallic moons at the base. Go for a gold sparkly colour like one of these, if you’re feeling fancy.
Red Marbled Nails
Credit: @gnal_nail/Instagram
Marbling always looks chic on the nails, so why not go maroon to rev up the sophistication of your Chinese New Year nail design?
Cartoon Nails
Credit: @nailsbymei/Instagram
White details give your nails a 3D effect, so you can channel your inner Betty Boop with this cartoonish design.
Cherry Bomb
Credit: @vanityprojects/Instagram
Upgrade a bare or sheer nail look with the addition of ultra-cute cherries.
Kisses Aplenty
Credit: thestack.world/Instagram
Celebrate both the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day with mini smooch patterns on your digits.
Tiger Stripes
Credit: @nataliepnails/Instagram
This bold, striped Chinese New Year nail design is sure to please the tiger moms out there.
Turn Up the heat
Credit: @tinybrushes/Instagram
This red flame manicure is sure to turn heads.
Chinese New Year Nail Designs: Pretty in Pink
From a classic pink-and-white French mani to bold magenta nail art and everything in-between, a pink manicure knows no limits.
Whether you’re looking for something super simple or eye-catching and extravagant, Instagram is serving up some serious Chinese New Year nail design inspo.
The Silver Lining
Credit: @satoo_nail/Instagram
Touches of silver foil lend a modern edge to a feminine pink manicure.
Wispy Pink
Credit: @gnal_nail/Instagram
In some alternate universe, we hope the skies are pretty in pink, like this stunning marbled manicure with tinges of wispy white.
Red Accents
Credit: @thenailsocial/Instagram
Why choose just one colour when there’s more fun to be had with two? Here’s a clever way to incorporate hints of red in your nails alongside a neutral pink.
A Pop of Neon
Credit: @ladyfancynails/Instagram
What’s better than a traditional pink and white french mani? A pop of neon orange, that’s what.
Seeing Hearts
Credit: @shortnails.club/Instagram
Hearts aren’t only just for Valentine’s Day. You can wear a romantic mani during CNY and all year long with this pink-based, heart-tipped look.
Ombre Pink and Gold
Credit: @nails_by_diana/Instagram
You can never go wrong with gold speckles, especially if it’s on an ombre pink manicure.
Flower Power
Credit: @nailjerks/Instagram
We’re all for this pastel manicure with floral details. This look is subtle and oh-so-dreamy.
Chinese New Year Nail Designs: Zesty Yellow and Orange
There’s nothing like a bright burst of citrus to boost our mood and brighten our day. Check out these zesty nail designs that’ll put a spring in your step whenever you glance down at them.
Tangerine Dream
Credit: Pinterest
Opt for a clear base and zest it up with bright tangerines.
Orange You Glad?
Credit: Pinterest
Get your daily dose of vitamin C with this fruity manicure.
’70s-Inspired Florals
Credit: @nailsbymh/Instagram
You might not have grown up in the ’70s, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the Woodstock vibes to your fingers.
Peachy Keen
Credit: @chillhouse/Instagram
Whether you’re more into the fruit or the emoji, you can’t go wrong with these peach-inspired nails.
Credit: @nailsuponatime/Instagram
Between the creamy, peachy base and the bold floral art – what’s not to love?
Chinese New Year Nail Designs: Jade Nails
Since it’s associated with the heart chakra, jade is believed to treat stress, anxiety, and improve blood circulation. This is why we’re seeing more jade nails circulating on the ‘gram – even Rihanna’s into it!
If you’re not one for a red or pink manicure Chinese New Year nail design, you’ll want to check out these creations ahead.
Credit: @glitzyfingers/Instagram
Add gold foil to the mix and you have an opulent take on the jade nail trend that surely won’t go unnoticed.
Jade and Rose Quartz
Credit: @gnal_nail/Instagram
Adding a little rose quartz to the mix keeps this Chinese New Year nail design minty fresh.
Dark Green Nails
Credit: @chalkboardnails/Instagram
If you prefer a darker colour palette, consider these dark jade nails.
Crackled Jade
Credit: @kindofanailtech/Instagram
These almond-shaped beauties look like purposefully shattered jade.
Green and Gold
Credit: @liliana.khasanova/Instagram
This stunning matte green Chinese New Year nail design is elevated with slivers of gold.
Where to Get Chinese New Year Nail Designs in Singapore
kiyone+LIM
Elaborate, whimsical hand-drawn creations are a speciality over at kiyone+LIM, with everything from water-coloured hues to milk cartons making an appearance on nails. It shares a space with 1tto+LIM, one of the trendiest Japanese hair salons in town.
These lovely nails don’t come cheap, though. Prices start at S$2 per nail for nail art designs and S$90 for a manicure by a Nailist, but we think it’s well worth it!
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8Twenty8 Nails
Located right in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, 8Twenty8 Nails is a nail salon that offers delightfully Instagram-worthy Chinese New Year nail designs, from cracked marble to steel-tipped talons.
They also pride themselves on the little luxuries you can indulge in while getting your nails done, such as hydro-massages and premium Jacuzzi jet-basins to soak your nails in.
The prices for nail art vary depending on the design, so call up early to enquire.
The Nail Artelier
Situated in the eclectic, vibrant Kampong Glam neighbourhood, right at the entrance of Haji Lane, lies The Nail Artelier. Dubbed an “art-centric” nail salon, you can expect beautiful masterpieces here.
The salon’s customised nail art portfolio ranges from sweet florals to embellished offerings, so there’s something for everyone.
Nail art is priced at an additional S$3 per nail. Be sure to make an appointment soon – limited slots are often snapped up fast.
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The Nail Artistry
An unassuming space with floor-to-ceiling windows, The Nail Artistry is furnished with plush seats and a huge TV screening the latest blockbuster.
The manicurists are flexible with requests, but be sure to check out the salon’s Instagram page for innovative and trendy designs. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s also a café on the premises that offers light bites such as bread, croissants and cakes, and coffee.
The Nail Artistry’s services start from S$22 for an Express Manicure.
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Manicurious
Specialising in intricate nail art designs, Manicurious is the parlour of choice for those in search of unique, one-of-a-kind nails. Think dizzying geometric patterns and hyper-realistic renderings of our favourite animations.
We also appreciate the soothing ambience, which is comprised of vintage-inspired armchairs, specialty teas, and a wide selection of magazines.
Manicurious’ services start from S$18 for an Express Manicure.
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Nails & Good Company
A nail spa that’s committed to providing socially responsible nail care services to their customers and the community, Nails & Good Company emphasises the use of less-toxic nail polish – something that is greatly overlooked.
Apart from gorgeous Chinese New Year nail designs, the salon also prides itself on implementing stringent hygiene practices to put your mind at ease.
Prices start from S$35 for an Express Gel Manicure.
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