24 January Nail Ideas for a Clean, Fresh Start to 2026

Need a little extra January Nail Ideas inspo going into the new year? You’ve come to the right place. We scoured Instagram for the prettiest manicures for January 2026. While you can absolutely wear whatever you want on your nails, whenever you’d like to wear it, we do love leaning into a theme. With that in mind, ahead, you’ll find a mix of garnet-inspired designs to pay homage to the month’s birthstone, frosted, icy finishes to embrace the wintry month in style, and just general trending nail art in colors that complement the season.

Ready to nail down your next mani? Explore January Nail Ideas, below.

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Aqua Glass Velvet Nails

This aqua glass velvet January Nail Ideas stopped us in our tracks. January Nail Ideas artist Brittney Ellen created it by starting with a jet black base and layering it with silver velvet polish followed by aqua jelly. It’s simple to DIY and stunning to look at.

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Wavy 3D Baby Blue French Tips

Instead of your classic white French manicure, consider a cool, icy baby blue rendition. Then, to make it even more wintery, add clear 3D waves on top to mimic the glistening effect of icicles.

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Cobalt French Tips

Another way to elevate the classic French manicure for one of the coldest months? With rich, cobalt blue nail polish. Here, nail artist Olivia Sabellico used Aprés Nail Gel Couleur in In the Navy.

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Mystical Garnet Aura Nails

Simply put, this dual-finish garnet aura design is gorgeous. The matte centers create a frosted effect that fits especially well for winter, while the color nods to the gem of the month.

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Baby Pink Glass Velvet Nails

For a softer take on wintry January Nail Ideas, opt for a pale pink polish with a glass velvet finish. January Nail Ideas artist San Sung Kim used shade MG04 from the Show Me Korea Moonlit Grove Collection to create the look.

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Icy Baby Blue Nails

Baby blue January Nail Ideas are trending for January 2026. Overall, the lighter, the better.

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Garnet and Blush Bow Nails

The new year is nothing short of a gift. To reflect that vibe on your January Nail Ideas, consider layering a solid garnet mani with cutesy bow accents. While January Nail Ideas artist Phoebe Summer hand-painted these bows, you can achieve similar accents with the Lights Lacquer Fa La La Nail Tattoos.

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Neutral Bubble Nails

If you’re going to rock a neutral January Nail Ideas look in January, consider making it interesting. One way to do so is by pairing a creamy sheer finish with glossy, 3D jelly bubbles on top.

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Cherry Cola Croc Nails

Croc January Nail Ideas remain a popular pick in salons near and far. This January, consider a clear 3D croc application overtop a garnet base for an edgy birthstone-inspired nail look.

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Minty Fresh Paint Stroke Nails

Love the minty freshness of the January air? Let it inspire your next January Nail Ideas look! Here, we love how nail artist Mutsa E. M. went with an artsy paint stroke design topped off with 3D lines.

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Color Block Mismatched Nails

Speaking of lines, check out this bold color block design. The mix of thick and thin lines, horizontal stripes, and contrasting borders makes for a very eye-catching January mani. The best part? It can be crafted in any color palette.

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Mixed-Finish Cool Lilac Nails

Dual-finish nail looks are impossible to ignore, no matter the time of year. This one mixes raised matte lines with a smooth glossy ombré base, accented with a purple 3D dewdrop.

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Cozy Cashmere Skittle Nails

Another way to make neutral nails a smidge more interesting this January? Use more than one in your mani. We love how soft and cozy this cashmere Skittle mani looks.

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Dusty Blue Cloud Nails

This marbled dusty blue manicure reminds us of blustery January days dotted with gray skies. You can get the look by painting on an ash blue base and using a nail art brush to swirl sheer white polish on top. (Alternatively, you could take this pic to your nail artist as inspo.)

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Garnet Blush Swirl Nails

Swirl manicures are a fan favorite, whether on solid or naked bases. For January, we love the look of this sheer blush base topped off with glossy garnet swirls. It brings images of a wind-kissed complexion to mind.

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Garnet Glass Velvet Nails

Speaking of garnet nails, the rich red color looks especially stunning when paired with a glass velvet finish. To get the look, start with a black base, add a layer of silver velvet, top it off with a coat of garnet jelly polish, and finish with a top coat.

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Lavender Aura Nails

Lavender might seem more fitting for spring and Easter, but when you mix the color with royal purple in an aura mani, the effect is a crisp, cool fade fitting for January. To get the look at home, start with a pale lavender base, then use a sponge to dab royal purple polish in the center of each nail. Touch up the edges with acetone and finish with a top coat.

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Malachite Marble Nails

Evergreen polish works well for winter, in general. This January, mix the dark green color with mint and sage for a dimensional marbled design that’s bound to earn you endless compliments.

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Mismatch Plaid Nails

Plaid nails are on-trend, and this mismatched iteration made us double-take. We love the addition of silver chrome accents and reflective dewdrops. Très chic!

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Mismatched Croc Shorties

Speaking of chic, let’s chat about these colorful croc shorties. We love the hot and cold juxtaposition and glam gemstone accents. The result is a rich, textural manicure we’d happily wear all month.

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Oyster Velvet Nails

While texture is top of mind, let’s ogle over these oyster velvet nails. One word: Stunning. DIY the look for yourself using Icegel’s Star Galaxy Gel Polish in the shade 1271.

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Sapphire Velvet French

Velvet polish also looks beautiful concentrated at the tips for a faded French effect. For this look, nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens used Gelcare’s Sapphire and Silver Velvet.

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Skittle Blush Croc Nails

Croc nails, skittle nails, and garnet features all in one mani? Talk about a fashion-forward nail look for January 2026.

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Velvet Cabernet French Tips

One last garnet nail idea for good measure! Take a peek at these velvet cabernet French tips. So gorg, right? You can recreate the rich design by layering burgundy jelly polish over champagne velvet.