Nails to wear based on your January full moon horoscope

By Jess Watts | 03 January 2026 | Feature, Nail Art

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/coatednail

3 January 2026 will see the rise of the final supermoon in a series of four. The powerful full moon, named the Wolf Moon, falls in the sign of Cancer, elevating sensitivity and a need for emotional balance.

While Capricorn season continues in the background, urging us to work hard for long-term success, January’s full moon focuses our energy on what truly enhances our happiness, and what we need to let go in order to achieve calm. You may feel the need to reassess your priorities by recognising where you over-worked yourself last year.

Here are some specific pointers to note for each star sign, and nail designs to suit…

Aries

The Wolf Moon illuminates your foundation, Aries, encouraging you to look inward and figure out the roots of your desires. After months of hard work, it’s time to find your inner peace by prioritising stability and security. Strengthen your base, and build from there.

Nail-wise, micro French tips are your go-to: minimal, precise and effortless, they reflect balance, control and quiet confidence. View our gallery of micro French manis here.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/kkdnails — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/kkdnails*

Taurus

Your keyword for this full moon, Taurus? Communication. As your communication sector is illuminated by the Wolf Moon, other celestial events enhance your audience and add weight to your words. Take the time to consider the things you say; the right words can have more of an effect than you think.

Intentional nail designs such as Art Deco–inspired digits, where every line is deliberate, embody the power of thoughtful communication and purposeful expression. View our roundup of Art-Deco designs here.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/ar_beautybox — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/ar_beautybox*

Gemini

Future-proofing is on your mind, Gemini. Commitment and planning ahead are priorities for you right now, as Capricorn season encourages you to strive for long-term success. Conversations around ambition and direction may surface, helping you clarify where you’re headed and who truly aligns with your vision.

Glass and jelly nails reflect the clarity of your path, while blue hues signify long-term loyalty and dependability. Click here for jelly nail inspo, and here for a gallery of blue nail designs.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com:nailswithjennym — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/nailswithjennym*

Cancer

Did somebody say main character energy? The Wolf Moon is in your sign, Cancer, and boy do you know it. You may feel a resurgence of energy, empathy and confidence. However, even though you’ve got a new lease on life, make sure you don’t overdo it. Take care of yourself, and watch your inner star shine.

Let celestial nail designs amplify your connection with the cosmos. Take a look at our roundup of starry sets here.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/beautytrixx_ — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/beautytrixx_*

Leo

If you are feeling particularly laid bare, Leo, it’s probably because the Wolf Moon is highlighting your privacy sector. This illumination will encourage you to do the inner work you may have been putting off. Remember: before you can step fully into the spotlight, you need to feel secure behind-the-scenes.

Opt for deep, luxurious nail shades like gold, bronze or jewel tones to help encourage inner strength and self-assuredness. Heighten your self-esteem with our gallery of gilded golden nail art.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/nailsbyamyf — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/nailsbyamyf*

Virgo

It is no secret that you like to take control, Virgo, favouring an ‘if I want it done right, I may as well do it myself’ approach. However, the Cancer moon highlights collaboration, and it’s something you need to get used to. Loosen your grip slightly, and give others a chance to help – they might just surprise you.

Opt for soft, nurturing nails, featuring pastel blues, butter yellow or muted greens for an approachable, open and harmonious look. Browse butter yellow nail ideas here.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/beauty.at.rubys — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/beauty.at.rubys*

Libra

Your professional life is in focus, Libra, as the Wolf Moon illuminates your efforts. Take the chance to assess where your energy is focused, and appreciate your hard work. Capricorn season encourages structure, urging you to stay on track and redirect any wasted energy.

Lean into refined, professional styles that mirror your focus. Delicate line art, such as tartan patterns, showcase elegance and balance. Use our gallery of tartan looks to spark inspo.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com:themanicutie — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/themanicutie*

Scorpio

Your focus and intensity have reached their peak, Scorpio. Now is the time to use that energy as the Wolf Moon shines its light on your perspective. As your conviction clears, don’t just hold your beliefs – show the foundation behind them. Lean into the clarity and showcase what you truly believe in.

Dark, mysterious shades like black cherry, onyx or midnight blue reflect your powerful, magnetic and electric energy. Click here for black cherry nail inspo.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com:polished and designed — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/polished_and_designed*

Sagittarius

The Wolf Moon shines on your sector of adventure, Sagittarius, inspiring you to explore new ideas and broaden your horizons. Capricorn season also urges you to consider where you can take bold steps and where patience will serve you better. Balance your enthusiasm with mindful planning, and you’ll pave a path of success.

Opt for warm, vibrant shades like sunlit oranges and fiery corals. Playful patterns reflect your adventurous, optimistic energy. Channel your inner adventurer with these sunset-toned tips.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/sambeauty_academie — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/sambeauty_academie*

Capricorn

It’s your season, Capricorn, but that doesn’t mean you need to bare the load. Be sure to check in with yourself: are you truly fulfilled? The Wolf Moon illuminates your relationship sector, encouraging an audit that should reveal where you are being uplifted, and what is draining you.

Embrace your birth month with party-perfect polish, incorporating a hint of cat eye to help you reflect. Click for our roundup of cat eye claws to celebrate your season in style.

Aquarius

It’s been full on lately, Aquarius, and you need some time to rest. Before your birth season starts at the end of January, take a moment to relax and reset. The Wolf Moon urges you to prioritise wellness, while Capricorn season encourages stability through the daily routines that serve you.

Soothing, restorative hues like lilac or pale green reflect your need for calm, balance and intentional self-care. Check out our gallery of lilac looks to help inspire relaxation.

Image courtesy of Instagram.com:ljc nails — Image courtesy of *Instagram.com/ljc_nails*

Pisces

Creativity is your keyword this full moon, Pisces. As the lunation illuminates your imaginative side, and Capricorn season enhances your focus, now is the perfect moment to start something new. Whether it’s a personal project, a hobby you’ve been putting off or a professional idea, your vision has the clarity and structure to take shape.

Let your creativity shine in every detail with playful, artistic designs. Why not try watercolour or marble swirls? The stunning styles mirror the flow of your passion projects. Check out our roundup of wonderful watercolour nail designs.