Bows are a cute and festive addition to a holiday manicure.

• Bows are a stunning and thematic addition to a Christmas manicure.
• Keep things simple with dainty accent bows or make large-scale bows the star of the look.

The Christmas season is a great reminder that everything is better when wrapped up in a bow—even your nails! From dazzling metallic ribbons to gentle cream-colored ties, a dainty bow is the perfect way to top off an accent nail (or every nail, for that matter).

When it comes to creating the perfect bow, Paintbox Creative Director Mabelyn Alva recommends a specific technique. “Starting with the two rounded triangles and wispy ribbons using a striping brush,” she says. “Then, adding the center with a dotting tool.”

When paired with festive colors, bows can be the perfect holiday design. “For holiday bows, I suggest using nude or neutrals for the base color, then deep reds or greens,” says Alva. “So you can get better color payoff on one coat for the bows.”

Check out some insp-bow-ration for your next manicure below!

Meet the expert

Mabelyn Alva is a nail artist and the former creative director at Paintbox, a nail salon in NYC and a press-on line.

Dainty

@ pinkbunnynailz

This stunning look features a dainty silver chrome ribbon atop a crisp French tip. The red gem in the center is the perfect cherry on top.

3D Drama

@klawsbysonia

When it comes to bows, appliqués can be everything you need and more. Make your French manicure stand out with tiny, bedazzled bows at the tip.

Blue Bows

@gossipandgloss

Navy blue and milky white are the perfect wintery combination in this trend-forward manicure, which combines bows, plaid, and polka dots.

Un Cadeau

@disseynails

Un cadeau means a present in French, which is exactly what this sweet manicure is. The extra touch here? The bows have a metallic shine to them, creating the illusion of a real ribbon wrapped around each nail.

Silver and Pearls

@rachelsuenails

These shiny metallic bows are dainty but stand out against a freshly manicured nail. Place little pearls at the center of each ribbon to add an extra dash of sophistication.

Pink Christmas

@gossipandgloss

There’s nothing sweeter than a baby pink French manicure. That is, of course, other than a baby pink French manicure topped with mini pearls and a tiny bow.

Strawberry Shortcake

@nailsby_bridgett

The simple red bows on a light-pink base are the perfect, cute, and casual look. Adding polka dot accent nails gives some variety to this sweet design.

Red Bows

@nailsby_bridgett

Adding one simple, white present bow on a shimmering red manicure turns this already festive manicure into an undeniably cheerful look.

Christmas Bows

@jessnailsit

We love this bow on these nails for its simple red base and delicate white ribbon. Look closely, and you’ll see a small gold dot at the center of each bow. It’s a simple detail that adds a lot to the overall design.

Bows and Baubles

@disseynails

Evoke the holiday spirit of ornaments and decorations with this shiny red metallic look. The bow works perfectly as an accent nail to elevate the look. Bonus points for the gem in the middle.

Velvet Woah-s

@disseynails

Velvet nails look incredible on their own—but a silver cat eye is also the perfect bright backdrop for a cute bow design.

Lavender Haze

@paintboxnails

We love a simple gold bow on a nude nail. Add a pop of color to the other nails with this gorgeous hazy purple look.

With a Cherry on Top

@oliviaannicenailartist

Cherry nails are everything right now, so why not throw a bow on it! There’s no such thing as too much design, and these cherries look perfect when topped with a small red bow on a pink-nude base.

Tiny Bows and Stars

@gels.byffi

Each nail looks a little bit different here, coming together for what is ultimately a cute and cohesive look. Placing the tiny red bows in different spots is a cute way to give each nail some variety. Plus, adding small stars gives it some extra shine.

Maroon Mystery

@ceesclaws

We love these bows in a deep red shade, turning this cute bow design into something darker and more mysterious.

Gold Is Always In Season

@gels.byffi

These gold and white French nails can be a festive look, but are honestly a delicate design to wear year-round. The way the gold bow matches one gold French tip? Chef’s kiss

Birthday Bows

@setsbyonyx

Have your cake and eat it too with this delicious 3D set. We love the way that these pink bows truly pop.

Details for Days

@disseynails

In this design, the details are everything. The French tip and red bow make for the perfect classic holiday color combo. Notice the tiny white lines along the inside of the red bow—they add an element of realism in the design that will wow your friends.

Frosty and Fancy

@nailfrantasy

Silver and pearls on a nude base are a gorgeous combination that will last you from the cold winter into a rainy spring start. The garland around each bow is a stunning final touch.

Deep Reds, Bright Golds

@nailfrantasy

The contrast between this shiny gold bow appliqué and this sultry maroon is everything to us. This look is shiny, clean, and has the perfect amount of pop.

Presents in Purple

@paulinasboutique

Dreaming of a purple Christmas is always in style. These metallic bows in a fuchsia shade stand out amongst the usual reds and greens of the season.

Don’t cut the ribbon!

@ceesclaws

When it comes to bows on a long nail, take up all the space, making use of your great real estate. More is more.