In case you're still swept up with the hype and excitement that comes with the start of January, we'll be the ones to remind you that Lunar New Yearis rapidly approaching. A new moon will emerge on January 25, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. Though up to interpretation, this zodiac sign in the Lunar Calendar often represents wisdom and transformation, which makes it a perfect sign for transforming your nails. With intricate, sheeny scales, snakes provide plenty of inspiration when it comes to the manicure department. From cool chrome designs to dressed-up French tips, there's something for everyone. Need proof?
Ahead, find 16 snake nail ideas celebrating the star zodiac sign of the 2025 Lunar New Year.
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3D Jelly Snakes
Elevate your nail art to the next level with 3D nail art snakes. Whether it's a teeny-tiny serpent perched at the tip or a bold display of several snakes like this gummy worm-inspired set, this is the ultimate way to add texture and drama to your manicure.
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Neutral Nocturnals
Reminiscent of the ancient Chinese philosophical concept of Yinyang, this manicure highlights the light in the darkness and vice versa with a milky nude base that shines through dark outline snake art.
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Lunar-Inspired
For a look that celebrates both the celestial and zodiac aspects of Lunar New Year, try a split nail look. One hand features lunar phases and the sun, while the other showcases a geometric snake with celebratory glitter particles.
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Sapphire Serpentine
Though not the first snake species most think of (hi, boas, pythons, and rattlesnakes), blue racers, Texas indigo snakes, and blue vipers have some of the prettiest prints to emulate thanks to their sapphire and sky blue scales.
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Tattoo-Style
If you lack patience, time, or a steady hand, nail stickers are the way to go. Here, this snake decal is done in a classic black-and-white tattoo style.
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Fang-Tastic French
Darker and arguably more fearsome than the other snakes we've featured in this gallery, this manicure gets it gothic factor from the gunmetal French tips and glowing red eye gems.
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Rainbow Chrome
Spotted on the fingertips of Erykah Badu, this manicure features a range of rainbow-hued 3D snakes. In particular, we're obsessed with the sleek, ombré two-toned ones.
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Slithery Squiggles
Who says that snakes have to represent doom and gloom? This abstract squiggle design gives all of the "friendly garden snake" vibes with a cheery neon lime and sparkling green color palette.
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Make it Matte
If you like the idea of snakes but want something subtler, snake print accent nails are the way to go. A single nail with chrome detailing set on a matte black background nods to the reptile without highlighting the whole zoo exhibit.
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Prism Snake Print
To create this scale-like texture at home, start by painting on a base coat of your choice. Once you've reached your desired coverage, top with holographic nail foil. Next, paint a coat or two of the base polish over the foil before topping it with hard gel. Before curing the hard gel, use a nail tool or toothpick to create texture and lines. Finish with a top coat, and you're good to go.
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Mixed Metals
Rock 'n roll chic meets snakes in this mixed metals manicure. If you want this look to read more serpent rather than abstract, add diamond-shaped ends to each squiggle to represent snake heads.
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Rich Reptile
All bow down to the serpent queen, who owns every priceless object imaginable in this fantasy world. To emulate this beautiful set, don't be afraid to pile on the glitter polishes, gold flakes, and multi-colored gems.
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Simply Charmed
Heavy on the "sss," we are simply infatuated with this jewelry-like charm as an accent to glossy bare nails.
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Black-and-White Contrast
No need to choose—black and white nail art snakes go together just as well as you'd expect. Separate them onto different hands, as seen above, or integrate them onto one for a more visually saturated appearance.
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Neon Psychedelics
Dare to go bright? Pair a stark black snake drawing with swirls, roses, and stars in preppy neon pinks, oranges, and blues for a look that stands out.
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Python Printed
For a realistic textured look, try nail artist Betina Goldstein's hack of placing mesh on the nail while the base coat is still tacky. Paint your accent color (in this case, black) on top of the mesh, lifting carefully when you've achieved your desired look. Finish with a subtly sheeny top coat to mimic the "wet look" of a snake.