With Chinese New Year right around the corner, why not stay on theme with a festive manicure? Ahead, we found 11 different mani ideas — from jelly to tiger-print — that are sure to step up your Lunar New Year look. Pick your fave, take a screenshot, then take it to your manicurist.
Don’t know where to start? We’ve also recommended some of our favourite salons to get the CNY nails of your dreams.
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Looking to capture the festive colour scheme in a non-cliche way? Blackpink’s Lisa dipped her toes (or her tips) in the nostalgic jelly nail trend with a cherry blossom pink mani featuring marbled details.
This slightly translucent, vibrant nail look can be achieved by applying a clear tip to the nail or sculpting it with a clear, hard gel before layering a sheer, bright polish over it. You can choose to do your nails in the same shade, or opt for a multi-coloured style.
We love how Mamamoo Hwasa added a snake that reaches across the index and little fingers. So rather than doing individual designs on each nail, you can consider doing a bigger design spread across five or ten fingers.
As we move into the spring season, bright pops of colour will come back in trend. So follow Red Velvet Irene’s lead and go with glossy pastel blue or swap it for a matte top coat for a unique twist.
Girls’ Generation Hyoyeon’s mani might look like simple silver nails. But each nail is actually accented with crystal and diamantes, perfect for this time of the year.
If neutral nails are your go-to, take a cue from Find Yourself star Victoria Song who is seen rocking a patterned nude and red mani. The checkered and chevron prints add some cool factor, while on-theme hues keep the look classic.
It’s going to be the Year of the Tiger so immerse yourself in the CNY spirit with adorable tiger cartoon patterns and modern tiger print.
For those who love mahjong, this nail design should be a no-brainer.
And with so many tile designs to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Mahjong nails might also just bring you a boost of good luck to start the new year with.
Pink and red are romantic colour combinations for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
But instead of going with solid colours, as most people would, combine both of them with cherry blossom patterns.
Move over marble nails. It’s time to incorporate the gemstone that is beloved by the Chinese: jade. Jade is said to have protective properties and also bring harmony and balance to the wearer, so why not get them on your nails?
Another symbol of prosperity and abundance, the fortune cat nail design is not only cute but will also serve as a conversation starter.
Red nails are always appropriate this time of the year, but you can update the classic look with a sophisticated negative-space twist.
Where to get your nails done this CNY
Don’t know which nail salon to visit for CNY-ready nails? To help you navigate the endless nail salons in our city, we’ve put together this list of reliable nail shops that will help you get the job done — in style and comfort, no less.
With over 100 shades of polish to choose from, this nail boutique located in Haji Lane is easy to love. Founders and experienced technicians Cheryl Ou and Germaine Monteiro created The Nail Social in 2014 with the goal to empower women from lower-income groups and underprivileged backgrounds by offering them jobs and training. Once you’ve chosen your colour and design, relax with drinks, snacks and an iPad (loaded with Netflix, games and books!) while their friendly staff work their magic.
The Nail Social
42A Haji Lane, tel: 6717 3221 (Bugis outlet)
333 Kreta Ayer Road #01-14, tel: 6902 6732 (Chinatown outlet)
Easties and North-Easties can grab a bite, partake in a mani/pedi or all of the above in one leisurely afternoon thanks to this stylishly outfitted salon in East Coast and Serangoon Gardens. The nail technicians are well-equipped to execute any look, but if you’re going for quality nail art, you’ll be in especially good hands. Prices start from $15 for a manicure or a pedicure.
The Nail Artistry
27 East Coast Road, Singapore 428749, tel: 6386 2722 (East Coast outlet)
#01-23 myVillage, 1 Maju Avenue, Singapore 556679, tel: 6966 1919 (Serangoon Gardens outlet)
This picture-perfect salon in Beach Road was practically made for Instagram but it’s the service and results that will keep you coming back. Before booking an appointment, we recommend trawling through the salon’s unique nail art designs on Instagram.
Manicurious
41 Beach Road, Singapore 189680, tel: 6333 9096
Affordable manis in town? Indeed, they exist, thanks to this cozy studio in The Cathay. Well-executed pedicures from $43 and manis from $33 make the shop hard to beat. The best part? All of its nail technicians have at least four years of experience, so you’re definitely in good hands.
Home Nails
2 Handy Road, #01-17 The Cathay, Singapore 229233, tel: 6333 4985
Get pampered in this chic salon located in the eclectic Haji Lane area. This isn’t the place where you would go for your typical single-shade manicure; instead think elaborate hand-painted designs, gemstone-encrusted nails and ombre tips.
The Nail Artelier
76A Haji Ln, Singapore 189269, tel: 6298 8028
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- cny 2021
- CNY nails
- manicure
- nail salons