Almond is the nail shape that suits winter best. The tapered tip lengthens your fingers when they are half-hidden by sleeves, and the smooth curve does not catch on gloves or knitwear.
Winter colour suits it too. Icy blues, deep greens, cat-eye neutrals and dark reds all look richer on an almond nail than on a square one.
These 19 winter almond nails go from cool-toned and frosty to classic and warm. For the shape itself, see our almond-shaped nail designs.
19 Winter Almond Nails to Try
1. Sage Glass
Sage green with a glassy chrome finish. Earthy and cool at once.
Best for: gold jewellery, long almond nails, green lovers.
Save2. Silver Mix
Silver chrome, glitter and nude nails mixed across the hand. No two nails need to match.
Best for: party season, cool skin tones, silver rings.
Save3. Frosted Lilac
Pale lilac with a frosty shimmer, sometimes just on the tips. A soft break from dark winter shades.
Best for: fair skin, January and February, pastel fans.
Save4. Blue Auras
A blue glow airbrushed into the centre of each nail over a pale base.
Best for: salon appointments, medium almond nails, cool tones.
Save5. Dark Aura
Black or navy with a lighter aura in the middle. Moody, and striking with leather.
Best for: evening wear, short almond nails, edgy style.
Save6. Shimmery Gradient Blue
Blue fading from deep at the tip to sheer at the cuticle, with fine shimmer through it.
Best for: long nails, low-upkeep grow-out, winter trips.
Save7. Icy Blue With Snowflakes
Pale blue nails with white snowflakes on the accent nails. Wintry all season, and not tied to Christmas.
Best for: December to February, grey knits, short almond nails.
Save8. Snowy Blue With Sweater French Tips
Sheer nails with pale blue tips in a raised knit texture. Our winter nail ideas include more textured sets.
Best for: salon gel work, cosy outfits, texture lovers.
Save9. Abstract Blue French
French tips redrawn as loose blue swirls and waves.
Best for: creative dressers, medium nails, denim.
Save10. Sparkly Nude
A sheer nude with fine glitter over the top. Quiet enough for any office.
Best for: office wear, short almond nails, every skin tone.
Save11. Forest Green
One deep, glossy green. The simplest set here and among the richest.
Best for: gold jewellery, camel coats, DIY manicures.
Save12. Glittery Blue French
A sheer base with thin blue glitter tips. For thinner tips still, see our micro French nails.
Best for: French tip fans, medium nails, parties.
Save13. Tinsel French Outline
A fine metallic line tracing the tip and the edge of the nail, like a strand of tinsel.
Best for: minimalists, New Year, long almond nails.
Save14. Pearl White
Milky white with a pearl sheen. Clean and bright against dark winter clothes.
Best for: winter brides, white knits, short to medium nails.
Save15. Smoky Blooms
Nude nails with smoky black and grey marbling or blooming-gel flowers.
Best for: nail art lovers, monochrome wardrobes.
Save16. Negative Space Details
Bare nail showing through small cutouts or fine lines. Regrowth hides in the gaps.
Best for: natural nails, long gaps between appointments.
Save17. Classic Red
Deep glossy red on short almond nails. Always right in December.
Best for: deep and medium skin tones, Christmas, classic taste.
Save18. Neutral Cat-Eye
A nude or grey base with a silver cat-eye stripe that moves in the light.
Best for: gel manicures, subtle shine, office-to-evening.
Save19. Tortoiseshell Tips
Tortoiseshell on the tips only, over a sheer base. Warm brown tones for anyone tired of blue.
Best for: warm skin tones, autumn into winter, gold jewellery.
SaveHow to Look After Almond Nails in Winter
Cold air and central heating make nails brittle. Use cuticle oil every night and hand cream after every wash.
Wear gloves outdoors and for washing up. Keep the length moderate, because long almond tips snap more easily when nails are dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colours are best for winter almond nails?
Icy blue, navy, forest green, deep red, pearl white, silver and soft nudes.
Can short nails be almond-shaped?
Yes. You need a little free edge to taper, and a short almond is the easiest shape to keep in winter.
Are winter almond nails suitable for work?
Sparkly nude, pearl white, neutral cat-eye and classic red all suit an office.
How long do gel almond nails last?
Two to three weeks, with cuticle oil to stop lifting in dry weather.
Final Thoughts
Pick a cool blue or green for the whole season, or a classic red for December. For festive versions, see our almond Christmas nails.
