14 fresh and elevated January-ready nail designs to start the new year in style

These fresh and minimalistic January nails offer a fresh start and at the same time, infallible elegance...

While the 2025 nail trends are in and already painting a very chic picture of the year ahead, if you're not quite ready to face all that newness, it can help to focus on what's right in front of you - aka, your January manicure. Having adorned our talons in everything from festive shimmers to chic burgundy hues, we want our next look to be something of a clean slate and reset - a fresh canvas if you will - to carry us through the first (and arguably, longest) month of the year.

So, whether your goal is to achieve length with treatments like BIAB nails, or perhaps you're seeking a versatile mani to cover every social situation, we've rounded up 14 January-ready designs and colours - to effortlessly elevate your 2025 look...

14  January nails to carry you through the month in style

Of course, the old stand-bys like classic red and milky-white nails are always welcome, no matter the month or season, but for January especially, we're after fresh and expensive-looking nails only.

And, with it being the first month of the year, it's also the perfect opportunity to boost your nail care routine, with the best nail strengtheners and perhaps a nourishing cuticle oil - to ensure your January manicures last. So, before we dive into our go-to looks, here are a few quick nail-loving essentials to invest in...

Our January nail staples

While trends come and go, nailcare is the one constant and with 2025 tipped to focus on just that, now's the time to add a cuticle oil and other nail nourishing products to your kit.

1. Sheer pink nails

After all the excitement of December, a new year is a great chance to strip things back, refresh and recharge. Thus, a super subtle, barely-there manicure is very much on our agenda. A soft, milky pink is universally flattering - no matter your nail length - and is perfect for every day.

To recreate, either opt for a pink sheer nail polish or mix your go-to rosy hue with a clear top coat, to achieve that translucent finish. We'd also suggest topping it with a glossy top coat, for a very polished look.

2. Mocha nails

With 'Mocha Mousse' having been announced as Pantone's Colour of The Year, it only makes sense to begin 2025 with a wash of chocolatey brown on your nails. The hue is warm and effortlessly chic - ideal if you're not yet ready to shed winter's rich colour palette.

We recommend pairing it with a short and practical square or squoval shape, for a neat and minimalistic finish.

3. Short squoval nails

Per the 2025 nail trends, short talons are set to dominate and are perfect for your January nails, especially if you're yearning for ease and low-maintenance after all the festive fuss.

This sort of short shape suits all nail colours but will look especially elevated when paired with neutrals, muted pastels and classic French tip nail designs.

4. Lavender milk nails

Set to be a go-to this year, a lavender milk manicure is also a very chic January pick. It's soft and minimalistic but has a tinge of pastel colour, which is ideal for springtime - perfect for those seeking an easy and transitional look.

For a really elevated finish, pair your lavender polish with a clear and glossy top coat, like essie's gel couture.

5. Cool and muted pastels

If you're looking to softly transition from the rich winter colours of 2024 to a hue that mirrors both the chilliness of January while also complimenting the pastels so often synonymous with spring, we'd recommend a muted blue or grey. They are light and subtle, but look so expensive and are perfect if you're not so keen on statement or spring/summer shades.

6. A classic French tip

You can never go wrong with French tip nails, in fact, this is one of the few nail looks you can wear all year long. It's timeless and so elegant and suits all nail lengths and shapes - especially squoval nails, which are tipped to be very trendy this year.

To recreate these crisp lines, we'd recommend investing in a nail brush or a nail stamper (both available at Amazon).

7. Business-casual navy

If you're a lover of dark nail colours, this navy oozes chic. It's bold but still fairly understated and will look so stylish when paired alongside your jewellery, go-to knee-high boots and long, wool coats.

8. Milky white nails

Milky white nails are another timeless nail look that will never let you down, especially if you're looking for a fresh start this January. We love this colour on almond-shaped nails, but it works for any and is a true staple to keep in your nail polish wheelhouse.

To recreate this milky finish, opt for two layers of OPI's Funny Bunny and if that's not sheer enough for you, mix the colour with a clear top coat before applying.

9. Signature scarlet

While we're still clinging on to our mulled wine burgundy nails (we're just not ready to let go yet), bright red continues to be the number one, timeless and chic nail look. You simply cannot go wrong with a signature red at your fingertips, especially if you're looking to radiate confidence in 2025.

10. Nude, barely-there nails

There is a very muted theme to this list and for good reason, this style of manicure complements every outfit and allows you to focus on the return to work - and everything else a new year entails - whilst being rest assured that your nails look fabulous.

A nude nail polish is akin to a white T-shirt in your capsule wardrobe and once you find your favourite shade, which compliments your skin tone best, it can always be relied upon for a quick and elegant effect.

11. Clear gloss nails

Nail health is set to be a key focus in 2025 and if you're looking to strip things back after months of long, party-ready talons, why not embrace your natural nails and opt for a simple clear coat or rosy tint. The Manucurist Active Glow polish for instance, strengthens and nourishes your nails, whilst also adding a glossy pink tint.

This is a great pick if you're stuck for nail ideas or just want to completely reset for the new year.

12. Subtle mauve

A slight departure from the rich and warm dark red nails (particularly black cherry nails) we saw dominate the 2024 nail trends, this more understated mauve is perfect for the end of winter and transition to spring. For instance, after wearing this shade all January-long, a lavender or lilac is the natural progression.

13. Soft cream nails

Like with milky white, cream nails are another option for neutral nail lovers. It's simple and clean - what more do you need from a January nail look?

To achieve a similarly buttery look, apply two to three shades of your chosen polish - and for a self and nailcare moment, finish with a nourishing cuticle oil.

14. Short square nails

While squoval shapes are already proving to be very popular as we enter 2025, short, squared nails are also a popular and very clean pick. They're neat and perfectly minimalistic they are.

If you're someone who loves clean lines and silhouettes, this nail shape should be next on your mani list.