Looking for the perfect Chinese New Year nail inspo to welcome the Year of the Horse? From auspicious reds and gold accents to horse motifs and subtle festive details, our round-up of designs offers a stylish way to ring in the season.
Whether you prefer minimal manicures or bold statement nails, a fresh set of nails is just as essential as new outfits and festive eats. Explore our curated festive nail inspo below for manicure ideas worth saving.
Lucky jing li (锦鲤)
Ring in the season with a Jing Li fish (锦鲤鱼) manicure, which symbolises luck, wealth, and good fortune. (Photo: @be20.nailss / Instagram)
Kitty of fortune
This Chinese New Year nail inspo features Hello Kitty adorned with gold, horse, and ribbon motifs for playful luck and charm.
Imperial palace glam
Give this regal nail art a go, featuring intricate black and gold designs with hints of red and green. (Photo: @janetznails / Instagram)
New year doodles
Try this playful manicure with festive sketches and lucky motifs, subtly celebrating the Year of the Horse.
Blossom season
Celebrate the new year and the arrival of spring with this soft blossom-inspired manicure. (Photo: @friskynails / Instagram)
Hearts and hooves
Ring in the season with this playful manicure, featuring cute horse motifs and heart shapes – perfect as Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day draws near.
Gilded garden
This look features gold accents, which like red, symbolise prosperity and good fortune.
Lion dance luxe
This Chinese New Year nail inspo features the lion dance’s iconic lion head, sparkling fireworks, and a feminine take on festive nails.
Prosperous pony
Lucky red nails featuring a horse, blossoming details, and festive motifs for the perfect CNY manicure. (Photo: @22percent_art / Instagram)
The queen’s phoenix
Give your manicure a regal twist with turquoise tones and oriental detailing inspired by royal accessories. (Photo: @galleria5.art / Instagram)
Red radiance
If you’re looking for something classy yet festive, try this brick red manicure with sparkly tips.
Festive fortune
This Chinese New Year nail inspo features lanterns, fireworks, and a cute ‘tanghulu’ for a playful festive touch.
Oriental jade glow
Step into the season with rich jade nails, blending modern style with traditional oriental charm. (Photo: @janetznails / Instagram)
Discover more Chinese New Year 2026 stories here and explore our latest beauty and grooming stories here.
