15 amazing manicure ideas for Chinese New Year 2017

Chinese New Year is a little earlier this year, which means it might already be too late to book an appointment with some of the more popular nail salons in Singapore. Nevertheless, we’ve rounded up a selection of designs you can draw inspiration from, and if you’re lucky, the salon responsible for those nails might be able to fit you in!

If you want some adorable rooster-related designs:

We kick things off with the most fitting design of all. These nails say all they need to (you’ll never wonder which year they were from) with the help of some sleek calligraphy-like strokes.

A little luck, a little cuteness, and some bling for good measure. These nails just about cover all your bases.

This abstract nail art is as beautiful as a painting, though you still get your dose of cute with the accent thumb designs of the cat and rooster.

If you want to make a serious impression, these incredibly busy nails have everything there is to be had. Gradient, chrome nails with both 3D and regular nail art, and a cute little egg-shaped rooster to boot.

If you plan on gambling all night, you might want appropriate nail art that will hopefully literally get your life imitating art.

While the chick might not be as cute as some of the others above, I can’t get enough of the red and gold foil effect on a white nail base.

If you want something more feminine or subtle:

This extremely delicate nail art is stunning. It’s just festive enough to get you through CNY, though not overly so which means you can keep them on even when the dinners and visiting come to an end.

It doesn’t hurt to go back to basics from time to time, and these pretty cherry blossoms on a rich artsy red base are quite striking.

If you’ve been taking care of your nails and want to show them off, why not opt for a half-design like this one? You get the best of both worlds.

If you want something minimalist and chic:

Can you go wrong with marble nails and delicate gold rings? We think not! Switch up the colours if you like - it doesn’t always have to be red and gold.

Keep things simple with a clean red polish and gorgeous foiled accent nails. For a 3D effect like this, try doing several layers of foil with a semi-sheer coat of polish in between layers.

These have enough bling to put you in a festive mood, and are a great alternative to red and gold if you want something less traditional.

Why not go full gold? The four different ways of showing off a gold nail are all stunning in their own right, yet not overly busy when done together.

Subtle embellishments are an easy way to add a little bling to your manicure without any drama. They’re easy enough to find online if you want to include them in your DIY nails at home.

If red is too common for you, try a sexier deep burgundy shade. These nails have everything from holographic strips to striping tape and even a chunky glitter accent nail.

READ MORE: The festive pieces you'll want to wear even when Chinese New Year is over, the Singapore woman's guide to surviving CNY visiting, and watch our video on the season's latest bags perfect for CNY.