The very notion of having to think about January nail trends right now fills me with dread. Frankly, I'm exhausted.
Over the past 12 months, I have struggled to keep up with what's hot and what's not when it comes to manicures. Sure, I've adored scrolling every 2025 nail trend that's come my way, but when I have to settle on a look for myself, I get totally overwhelmed. You see, the past year of non-stop nail art, gel appointments and changing my nail look every couple of weeks in a bid to keep up with the trends has left my nail health in the gutter.
For 2025, I'm ready to live my nail truth: I love a "boring" manicure. I fall head over heels for nude-toned milky manis and am far more interested in what January nail colours are having a moment than what intricate design I can attempt to replicate. So this month, I'm keeping things true to my heart's desire and opting for minimalist manis that put nail health first. And truthfully? I think everyone could probably benefit from a bit of a nail reset at the start of the year.
So, if you want to join me on my 2025 mission, here are six beautifully boring January nail trends.
The Best Simple Nail Trends for January 2025
1. Natural Strength
Luckily for me, there are heaps of trending manicures that prioritise nail health whilst also looking exceptionally chic. "There is nothing I love more than a New Year nail glow-up to get your nails fighting fit for the year ahead," says Julia Diogo, nail technician for Bio Sculpture.
Of course, it's important to keep up the use of cuticle products to ensure your nails remain strong, but you can also lean on treatment polishes to strengthen your nails. "Nailcare is evolving, with a focus on health-conscious products that support and protect natural nails," says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse. "From breathable polishes to strengthening treatments, [some products] provide a nourishing, wellness-led experience. Builder gel overlays [can also] enhance and support natural nail growth, seamlessly complementing any service."
Shop the Trend:
This polish contains moisturising and antioxidant ingredients to strengthen the nail whilst delivering a subtly shimmering finish—it's gorgeous.
Diogo highly recommends this nail serum for keeping cuticles and nails nourished throughout winter.
2. Micro Art
As I've mentioned, after dabbling in various trends over the past year, nail art is not high on my manicure agenda for January. However, if you can't stand to be apart from your cherished nail art looks, Diogo recommends looking towards more minimal designs right now. "Micro nail art is becoming a massive trend, featuring delicate designs like mini dots, bows and subtle florals. These charming details add an interesting touch to any manicure whilst keeping it chic and elegant," she says.
Shop the Trend:
These super-fine nail-art brushes are perfect for creating minimal designs.
If you're not particularly handy with a nail-art brush, these stickers deliver a salon-esque finish at home.
3. Refined Styles
"The over-the-top nail trends of 2024, characterised by oversized 3D elements and heavy crystal embellishments, are making way for more refined and wearable looks," reveals Huber-Millet. And this is something I can very much get on board with for January—I'm talking all-over gel-finish polish in wintery shades. "Elegance and subtlety are replacing shock value as the hallmarks of modern nail art," she adds.
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Forest-green nails are having a serious moment this season.
Deep burgundy nails were the trend of last season, and I'm still loving every second of wearing them.
4. Clean French
Remember how we spoke about the importance of selecting treatment polishes for January? Well, a French manicure is the perfect way to incorporate these nail-health products undetected. Apply a moisturising base coat as your "pink" layer, and use a super-fine brush to create a skinny French tip. Trust me: if you like to start the year with a clean nail slate, it doesn't get much chicer than this.
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Dior Base Vernis isn't just the single most perfect base shade ever made; it also contains a bunch of strengthening ingredients.
Essie's white polish is the best around for creating a highly pigmented French tip.
5. Keep It Short
One of the most impactful things you can do for your nails this January? Keep them short. "For January, I’m recommending short nails to complement those fresh nude shades. Many of my clients are embracing this look, and it’s easy to see why—short nails are low maintenance and perfect for everyday wear," says Diogo. Beyond the fact they look great, short nails are also less prone to breakage, making them an ideal choice if you're trying to build up your nail strength.
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These curved nail scissors aren't just the best around; they also look incredibly chic on your dressing table.
Trust me on this: you will never meet a nail file anywhere near as impressive as this one.
6. Nude Shades
No, this trend isn't necessarily about keeping nails healthy, but it's one that just seems to make sense for January. Nude nails for a new year—it's a perfect match. "After the glittery, bold styles and festive patterns of the holidays, there’s nothing quite like starting the new year with a refreshing, subtle nude," confirms Diogo.
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This sheer pink is iconic for good reason—it looks beautifully fresh.
This almond-hued polish looks beyond beautiful on those with darker skin tones.
