Royal purple and ruby red are just a few of the standout nail shades adored by True Winter color lovers. Even those who gravitate toward neutrals will find no shortage of options this season. Cool-toned enthusiasts, in particular, can explore a surprisingly wide range of whites—from icy and luminous to soft and milky. Anyone who has watched snow shimmer in sunlight before melting knows how varied white can be. The same depth exists within gray tones, while burgundy shades—including cranberry, deep berry, and merlot—offer equally rich variety.
World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk shared with Byrdie that winter inspires a renewed appreciation for classic nail styles. Expect French manicures to resurface alongside elegant grays, cool blues, and both bold and understated deep reds. Below, discover the top nail color trends for winter as predicted by professional nail artists, along with guidance on how these shades are being worn.
11 Trending Nail Polish Colors This Winter
Chocolate Ganache
Brownie-inspired shades are evolving into a deeper winter favorite: ganache nails. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this color as a rich, indulgent brown reminiscent of melted dark chocolate. Shades similar to Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe capture this look perfectly. Warm and luxurious, ganache feels refined yet inviting, pairing seamlessly with gold jewelry, neutral wardrobes, and minimalist black outfits.
Muted Berry
Grounded, deeper tones are gaining traction this season. According to Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, clients are increasingly drawn to espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry shades. These colors balance warmth with sophistication and remain subtle enough for everyday wear. Muted berry, in particular, offers depth without the intensity of brighter reds.
Light Ocean Blue
Soft ocean-inspired blues with a pearlescent finish are another key winter trend. Nail professional Amy Ling Lin describes these hues as calm, luminous, and uplifting. Shades like Sundays Studio’s L09 stand out against winter’s darker palette, while the gentle pearl sheen reflects light beautifully, adding dimension and a serene glow.
Cool Gray
Cool gray is emerging as a go-to winter neutral. Coca Michelle, OPI Global Ambassador, notes that this shade feels chic and effortlessly complements winter wardrobes. It also enhances jewelry, especially when mixing metals. Polishes such as OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands offer refined, versatile finishes.
Deep Navy
Deep navy is being called the ideal post-holiday reset shade. Calm and timeless, it transitions smoothly from winter into the New Year. Easy to wear, this classic color works for both special occasions and everyday office settings. Recommended options include OPI Nail Lacquer shades like Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox.
The “Barely Theres”
Winter often brings a craving for simplicity, reflected in the rise of barely-there nail shades. Huber-Millet notes growing interest in soft milky hues, cool neutrals, and gentle pastels. Colors like Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean and restorative—an ideal reset after autumn’s richer tones. For pink-leaning neutrals, classic or modern French tips add a timeless finish.
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Warm, Deep Red
A warm, deep red remains a winter staple. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as chic, cozy, and quietly powerful. It brings warmth to colder days while still feeling polished and celebratory, transitioning effortlessly from everyday elegance to festive moments.
Earthy Metallics
Earth-inspired metallics are set to shine this winter. Sofiia Mazur highlights bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome tones, often paired with matte or stone-like textures. These shades reflect light softly, creating a refined glow that feels luxurious without being flashy. Inspired by runway collections like Balmain’s fall show, earthy metallics work beautifully as full looks or subtle accents.
Black Cherry
Black cherry nails deliver understated drama by blending deep darkness with a hint of red warmth. Mazur explains that this balance keeps the shade elegant and wearable. Long favored by fashion icons, black cherry pairs just as well with eveningwear as with casual pieces like oversized blazers or vintage denim.
Crisp White
Crisp white polish is enjoying a strong winter resurgence. Following Pantone’s introduction of Cloud Dancer, pure whites such as Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are in high demand. Clean and modern, this shade evokes snowy landscapes, cozy knits, and frosty mornings—proving that white is no longer limited to summer.
Gray-Lavender
Gray-lavender blends cool gray with a soft touch of purple, making it especially fitting for winter. Telemaniuk notes that shorter days and cooler atmospheres naturally draw clients toward muted, calming shades like this. Elegant and modern, gray-lavender offers a minimal yet chic option for the colder months.
