True Winter color lovers naturally gravitate toward colors like royal purple and ruby red. This season, even people who like neutral nail colors have a lot of choices. People who like cool tones will be surprised by how many different kinds of white polish there are, like snow that sparkles before it melts. Gray shades have the same depth, but rich burgundy tones, from cranberry to deep berry and merlot, offer a lot of variety. Valeriia Telemaniuk, a world champion nail artist and beauty teacher, told Byrdie that winter brings back classic nail styles. French manicures, layered grays, cool blues, and deep reds—both bold and subtle—will be the most popular colors this season.
Nails with Chocolate Ganache
Brownie-inspired colors are giving way to a more decadent winter favorite: ganache nails. Sofiia Mazur, a nail artist and teacher, says this color is a deep, velvety brown that looks like melted dark chocolate. Colors like Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe are perfect for this look. This color is warm and rich, making it perfect for cold weather or anyone who likes understated elegance. Ganache on the nails gives off a quiet confidence and looks great with gold jewelry, neutral outfits, or classic black outfits.
Soft, muted berry colors
This season, deeper, more grounded colors are becoming more popular. Juanita Huber-Millet, the founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, says that more and more people are choosing espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry tones. These colors are warm and classy at the same time, and you can wear them every day. When you want to add depth to your manicure without making it too bright, muted berries are a great choice.
Ocean Blue Light
Another great color this winter is light ocean blue with a pearlescent finish. Amy Ling Lin, a nail expert, says these colors are calm, bright, and uplifting. Shades like Sundays Studio’s L09 add a nice change to the darker colors of winter. The soft pearl sheen catches the light in a soft way, giving it depth and shine. This color has a calming energy that makes it feel light and modern while still looking polished.
Gray Neutrals That Are Cool
Cool gray is quickly becoming a winter staple. Coca Michelle, OPI’s Global Ambassador, says that this color gives a chic and elegant finish that goes with winter wardrobes without any trouble. It also makes jewelry look great, especially for people who like to mix metals. OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands are all great choices that give you a polished, flexible look.
Dark Navy Blue
People are saying that deep navy is the best color to use to reset after the holidays. It makes me feel calm and helps me move smoothly from winter to the New Year. This color is easy to wear and can be used in many ways. It looks great for special events and for everyday office wear. OPI Nail Lacquer in Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox are all good choices because they all have rich navy colors that are easy to wear.
The Rise of Almost-Nail Polish
People often want clarity and calm in the winter, which is why barely-there nail colors are so popular. Huber-Millet says that soft milky colors, cool neutrals, and light pastels are becoming more popular. The Flawless Collection from Townhouse has colors like Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake that feel clean and refreshing. They give you a fresh start after the deeper colors of fall. Adding French tips, whether they are classic or modern, gives pink-toned neutrals a timeless look.
Deep Red Warm
A deep, warm red is still a winter staple. Amy Ling Lin says this color is warm, stylish, and quietly strong. It makes you feel cozy right away in the winter, but it still looks polished and festive. This color goes from everyday elegance to holiday moments with ease, giving you a sophisticated look without being too heavy.
Finishes that look like metal and earth
Metallics that are inspired by the earth are also in style this winter. Sofiia Mazur talks about colors like bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome, which are often used with matte or stone-textured finishes. These colors softly reflect light, giving off a refined, lived-in glow that feels luxurious without being too shiny. Earthy metallics look great as full coverage or as subtle accents, just like the fall collection from Balmain and other fashion shows.
Nails in Black Cherry
Black cherry nails add a touch of drama by mixing deep black with a hint of red warmth. Mazur says that this balance makes the color look classy and easy to wear. Black cherry has long been a favorite of fashion icons and celebrities. It goes well with both casual staples like oversized blazers and vintage denim and dressy clothes. It is still a favorite in the winter and comes back every year.
Polish that is crisp and white
Crisp white is making a strong comeback this winter. After Pantone announced Cloud Dancer, there has been a lot of demand for pure white colors like Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker. This fresh, modern color makes you think of snowy landscapes, warm knits, and cold mornings. White used to be thought of as only a winter color, but now it’s a big part of winter minimalism.
Gray and lavender colors
Gray-lavender is a cool gray with a hint of purple that makes it perfect for winter. Telemaniuk says that shorter days and cooler weather naturally make clients want to wear muted colors like this. Gray-lavender is a modern, elegant, and versatile color that is simple but stylish. It’s a great choice for nail polish in the winter.
