A collection of incredibly cute candy cane nail designs to give you the inspiration to try this quirky style for yourself. I’ve tried to include a big range of different ideas here rather than just a traditional candy cane look, there’s a lot more you can do with this than you might think.
They’re fun, easy to do and a perfect way to add a little cheer to your nails. I often see people do this for a Christmas nail designbut a lot of these designs could be used year-round.
Let’s start with an understated and minimalist look. A single candy cane on a single lane and even then it’s a subtle bit of color. You don’t need bold colorways for this style to work.A style like this does have a very festive vibe with the colorway and the star – but I do like the dotted french tip at any time.While the most common way to do this style is in red, I really like black and white take. Very unique.These gels have a mint green background which is cute but I’m in love with the candy cane french tip style on some of the nails. Very playful.A simple way of adding a hint of the candy cane nail look with just a few simple lines. Simple but special.A cool take here. A dark background and a few simple dots form cute little candy canes at varying angles.These would be cute little short red nails by themselves but the ring finger has a unique take on the style. Rather than showing the entire stick you get more of a diagonal swirl from the corner of the nail. Fabulous.They’re like ribbon candy!! ?? I like the metallic green and white flanking the candy cane stiletto nail here.You can make candy canes out of any color! Possibly the most playful set we’ve looked at so far and I like how subtle and light the swirls are.This glittery set goes a slightly more somber colorway but with a little touch of glitter, there’s some real class to these nails.Very festive looking colors here and a cute little snowflake but I really like how it’s done against a v french tip nail in white. A more standard candy cane nail on the middle finger makes this a way more unique look than just another solid red.These stiletto nails might be some of my favorites so far. I love how the candy cane design is done with glitter instead of just polish.A cool take on negative space nail designs. We’ve seen the candy cane being used as a french tip but alternating between the tip and the cuticles is a great idea. Very cool.I like the two Ombre nails and, again, the detail has been done in glitter and not polish. Why don’t see more of this?I’m going to use this example as a good way to highlight how simple but how effective candy cane nails can be. Rather than needing stamps or incredibly detailed hand painting a few simple stripes can be an incredible way to make a cute unique style and anyone could do this kind of thing themselves.Another festive take on these acrylics. Candy canes and snowflakes ?✨A solid combination and I love the little snowflakes.A lighter shade with thin white and red metallic gel polish. You could do so many variations of this kind of design but I’m a sucker fo that v-french tip.Deep red nails make the candy cane nail stand out. Or how about a grey and white take? A little bit of glitter on the cuticle really works for me and there’s a little glittery highlight on the candy nail design itself.A press on festive set.It’s the, the, the…. The Grinch! But it’s also two different takes on the candy cane design with it being used as both the full nail with glitter and a larger french tip.A winter-themed colorway with a little glitter. I like the pink candy cane nail design used here, especially against the matte white.Candy Cane + Tips ❤️? I think french tips should be included in every design, especially with that extra little bit of silver.To say I’m in love with these is an understatement. Longer coffin nails with some candy cane themes.Matching the other nails to the swirls just works so well.Short and simple. A little bit of glitter works so well with this style, I’m not surprised to see it used so often.Red and white is a common colorway with this design but there are just so many different ways to do implement the design so there are lots of opportunities to apply it to your own look.Lighter acrylics with little alternating french tips. I like the dotted effect on the ring finger.It’s just so gorgeous!! ❤? White stamping polish and some glittery red polish. A slight tweak to the shade can make a huge change to the look.These dipped nails have a great finish and a very glittery look.You’ll notice most of these designs have a range of different looks and just one or two canes on the whole set.Nice glossy finish and the matte white pinky really stands out.Red glitter and a polished white finish. Simple lines give such a cute look.Oh, this we haven’t seen before. How about a little gold finish on some of the fingers? I think this would work just as well with a deeper red shade as well.All I want for Christmas is… more nail polish! Speaking of adding gold, how about metallic gold and some fantastic detail on that middle finger.A short almond nail press on set. I like the two different uses of glitter.A metallic green take on the style.Or ditch the metallic part, it works really well with a deep green and white.
If you are looking for a way to spice up your nails, try these easy-to-do designs. They are perfect if you don’t want to spend the time or money on professional manicures and they are just as cute! You can do them yourself in under 10 minutes with little experience required.
I do hope this has given you some ideas for candy cane nails If you give this a go – I want to see it! Send me a photo of your candy cane nails designs and we’ll feature them here.
Our inspiration photos come from user submissions and open sources and we’ll always give credit. All of the fantastic styles belong to their respective owners. If we’ve got a credit wrong or you’d rather we don’t feature you – just drop us an email.
