Contents
The upcoming Year of the Snake symbolizes growth and renewal.
Nail art has always been a canvas for self-expression, and in preparation for the Lunar New Year, it’s also a statement of tradition and transformation. The holiday isn’t just a celebration of new beginnings; it’s also a chance to adorn yourself with symbols of luck, prosperity, and renewal. This year, snake nails are slithering their way into the spotlight, blending traditional Lunar New Year colors like red and gold with sleek, scaly textures and bold designs that symbolize transformation and strength.
“The Lunar New Year always inspires bold, meaningful designs, and this year is no different,” says Christina Kao, co-founder of Le Mini Macaron. This year’s take on snake nails isn’t necessarily just literal interpretations. Instead, think less cartoon snakes and more about texture and finishes that evoke the spirit of a serpent. “Chrome and glitter are huge right now,” explains Kao. “They give a snake-skin effect that feels modern and luxurious without being too on-the-nose.” There’s also a rise of nail decals and stickers to create a chic, balanced, eye-catching look without being overpowering.
Meet the expert
- Christina Kao is the co-founder of nail polish brand Le Mini Macaron.
- Lisa Stardust is an astrologer and author based in New York City.
Of course, the symbolism in channeling the snake goes beyond surface-level aesthetics. Astrologer Lisa Stardust points out that the wood snake—the zodiac element associated with 2025—represents growth. “The wood snake is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, as the snake sheds its skin and regenerates a new one. They possess control at all times and never make impulsive decisions. This is a year of personal transformation,” she shares. “We will be pushed out of our comfort zones but it'll be bearable if we move at our own speed.”
Whether you’re drawn to bold, intricate patterns or more subtle, textured styles, snake nails are the perfect way to manifest creativity, wisdom, and even a little bit of luck this new year. Ahead, scroll through 15 gorgeous snake nail manicures for inspiration.
French Tips
What screams Lunar New Year more than a good red and gold combo? This manicure incorporates a fun French tip design along with a sleek gold snake accent.
Gold Chrome
Chromatic gold is always in style. These cool, textured nails are a bold spin on the season's trending shade that feels versatile and totally chic.
Bold 3D Nails
For a bolder, more statement-making take on snake nail designs—opt for 3D designs. These long nails feature gold textures, a pink 3D swirling snake, slimy red finishes and blooming white narcissus flowers.
Coquette
Bows will always have a seat at the table, even during the Lunar New Year. This adorable set channels the blue snake alongside darling bows and sparkly polishes. To top it off, it features a stunning coiled blue snake on a few accent nails.
Glazed Donut
Hailey Bieber nails, but make it Lunar New Year-themed. These milky white nails blend one of the most timeless nail trends and provide a subtle nod to our serpentine friend by way of a gold accent design.
Wood Snake Nails
It's the year of the snake, but more specifically, it's the year of the wood snake. It's most commonly associated the color brown and is known for its ability to use its hard work to evolve and grow. This manicure channels that color palette to a T and is easy to recreate with its use of minimalist lines.
Sleek Decals
“For beginners, nail art stickers or chrome powders are the way to go,” says Kao. “Stickers make it easy to achieve a detailed look without much effort.” This color-blocked set was achieved using Le Mini Macaron’s Snake Goddess bundle, released in theme with Lunar New Year. Included are three shades—Lucky Red, Magie Noire, and Serpentine Sheer—as well as a pack of decals that symbolize luck.
Luxe Serpent
It's giving opulence and serpentine chic all in one. These edgy, long square nails feature a mix of gold gems, deep green snake-skin-like prints, and a stunning coiled gold snake design.
Graphic Coil
These nails blend a soft, neutral pink base with a bold, graphic snake motif slithering across multiple nails. The sparkling silver snake design features intricate detailing that strikes contrast between the dark and light hues.
Metallic Snake
Paired with elements of a classic neutral white manicure, these silver accents leave a mark. Reptilian skin is recreated here with a metallic 3D effect for a more subtle nod to the snake.
Cat Eye Red
If you want your nails to be in theme without having to go all in on the snake nail motif, we suggest going the route of a traditional red. This gorg velvet finish will always be in style and is the ultimate versatile shade.
Traditional Red and Gold
This set goes all in on the traditional feel of the Lunar New Year in the most stunning way possible. It has subtle additions of gold mixed throughout the set and a white-and-red coiled snake on one hand.
Python Print
Going green? This set has an elite blend of sparkles that feels especially serpentine thanks to deep green and black hues. Did someone say Slytherin?
Pink Snake Maximalist
Blooming flowers, gold gems, pearls, and a coiled snake? Oh my. This pink set is for the nail maximalists who like to do it big.
Blue Snake
Another frequently associated color with the snake is, of course, blue. This chrome reflective blue set is simply delicious. Stardust notes blue as a lucky color for the snake that represents "peace of mind."