Candy Cane Nails Designs

10 Festive Candy Cane Nails Designs You’ll Want to Try This Holiday Season

As someone who has been immersed in the world of nail art and design for years, I’ve seen countless trends come and go. But there’s one trend that has remained a beloved favorite during the holidays—Candy Cane Nails. There’s something undeniably festive about this classic design that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. From simple DIY designs to intricate acrylic looks, candy cane-inspired nails are the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your fingertips.

In this blog post, I’m excited to share 10 gorgeous Candy Cane Nails designs that will elevate your manicure this holiday season. Whether you’re going for a red and white classic look or want to experiment with pink, blue, and even black variations, there’s a design here for everyone.

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1. Classic Red and White Candy Cane Stripes

When you think of candy canes, the first thing that comes to mind is that signature red-and-white striped pattern. This design is a timeless go-to for the holidays.

How to Achieve This Look:

To get the perfect Candy Cane Nails design, start with a red base and use a thin nail brush or nail tape to create white diagonal stripes.

This simple design can be dressed up by adding a glitter top coat for extra sparkle.

My Personal Tip: When I first tried this design on my clients, I noticed it works beautifully on both square and almond nails. It’s the perfect mix of festive and classic, and it's a design anyone can master at home.

2. Glittery Green and White Candy Cane Twist

If you’re looking to mix things up, a green and white candy cane twist offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional red and white. This look stands out while still staying true to the candy cane theme.

Application:

Start with a green base coat and layer on white stripes using a nail art brush.

To really make this design pop, add a layer of glitter on top of the white stripes for a dazzling finish.

This design is perfect for anyone who loves acrylic nails because it allows you to play with texture and length, offering a longer-lasting manicure that will carry you through all your holiday parties.

My Favorite Acrylic Set: I highly recommend the Morovan Acrylic Nail Kit. It’s my go-to for clients who want strong, vibrant nails that last for weeks. This kit is ideal for beginners or professionals who want quality acrylic supplies without breaking the bank.

If you're looking to try acrylic nails for this look, check out the MMorovan Acrylic Nail Kit on Amazon! It has everything you need to create long-lasting, holiday-ready nails.

3. Pink and White Candy Cane Nails with a Twist

For those who prefer a softer, more feminine take on the candy cane design, pink and white stripes are an excellent choice. This look is delicate yet festive, making it perfect for anyone who wants a subtle holiday manicure.

How to Create This Look:

Begin with a pink base and create white stripes diagonally across your nails.

To add some extra holiday magic, sprinkle a bit of glitter on one or two accent nails.

This look is great for everyday wear, and it works well on short nails, making it a fantastic option for those who want something cute but not too over-the-top.

4. Candy Cane Nails with a French

If you’re a fan of the classic French tip manicure, why not give it a holiday twist by incorporating candy cane stripes into your nail tips?

How to Get the Look:

Paint the tips of your nails with alternating red and white stripes, while keeping the rest of the nail a clean, natural tone.

You can also use pink or blue instead of red for a more modern take.

Nail Shape: This design looks best on square nails, giving a sleek and polished appearance.

5. Bold Black Candy Cane Design

For those who like to push boundaries, try a black and white candy cane design. It’s bold, unexpected, and perfect for anyone who loves to add an edgy twist to their holiday look.

Creating the Look:

Paint your nails with a black base and use white to create candy cane stripes.

For a bit of glam, you can add some glitter or metallic accents.

I personally love this look for holiday parties—it’s eye-catching and sophisticated, and works beautifully on almond nails for a more dramatic effect.

6. Blue and White Winter Wonderland Candy Cane

For a frosty, winter-inspired take on candy cane nails, opt for blue and white stripes. This look gives off icy, winter wonderland vibes, making it perfect for December.

How to Achieve It:

Start with a blue base coat, then add white diagonal stripes for that classic candy cane look.

To finish, dust your nails with a fine glitter to mimic the sparkle of freshly fallen snow.

Product Recommendation: For this design, I love using the OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow. It’s a bright, clean white that pairs perfectly with any holiday look. The formula is long-lasting, and the color is rich, giving your stripes a crisp, professional finish.

Get your hands on OPI’s Alpine Snow to create the perfect white candy cane stripes. It’s available on Amazon and will be your go-to white polish for all your festive designs!

7. Easy DIY Candy Cane Accent Nail

Sometimes, less is more. If you’re new to nail art or just want something simple, try a candy cane accent nail on just one or two fingers, while keeping the rest of your nails solid.

DIY-Friendly:

Paint all of your nails in a festive color like red, green, or pink. Then, on one or two nails, create diagonal candy cane stripes using a fine brush or nail tape. This is a great DIY option that’s quick and easy, but still gives you a festive holiday vibe. Plus, it looks fantastic on both short and long nails.

8. Candy Cane Glitter Gradient Nails

For those who want a bit more glam, try a glitter gradient. This design starts with a bold red base and gradually fades into white and glitter, giving your nails a festive ombre effect.

Application Tip:

Use a sponge to dab white polish and glitter from the tips to the middle of the nails, creating a smooth gradient.

This design is best for almond nails, as the shape enhances the fading effect, making your nails look extra elegant.

9. Green Candy Cane Tips with a Red Base

Want something bold and playful? Try green candy cane stripes on the tips of your nails, paired with a red base. This is the ultimate festive combo, perfect for holiday parties.

How to Get This Look:

Start with a bright red base and use a thin brush to create green candy cane stripes at the tips of your nails. You can also add some glitter for extra sparkle.

10. Pink, White, and Glitter Candy Cane Ombre

Last but not least, for a romantic take on holiday nails, go for a pink and white ombre with candy cane accents. Add a sprinkle of glitter for a delicate, dreamy finish.

How to Achieve This Look:

Use a sponge to blend pink into white from the base to the tips. Then, add a few candy cane stripes on top.

This design works on both short and long nails and is perfect if you’re looking for something soft yet festive.

Book Recommendation: "Spectacular Nail Art: A Step-by-Step Guide to 35 Gorgeous Designs"

For those looking to up their nail art game, I highly recommend Spectacular Nail Art: A Step-by-Step Guide to 35 Gorgeous Designs. This book is packed with easy-to-follow tutorials, including holiday-themed designs, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced nail artists.

If you want to master nail art and create professional-level designs at home, check out Nail Art: A Step-by-Step Guide to 35 Gorgeous Designs on Amazon. It’s an excellent resource for perfecting your craft.

Whether you're looking for a simple DIY design or want to experiment with acrylic nails, these 10 Candy Cane Nails designs offer something for everyone. From classic red and white stripes to bold black and glittery green variations, these ideas will have you feeling festive and fabulous all season long. So grab your polish, your favorite nail art tools, and let’s get started on your next holiday manicure!

Happy holidays, and may your nails shine as brightly as the Christmas lights!