5 winter nail trends to know about this season
Winter is a popular time of year for people to experiment with their nails. From striking seasonal sparkles to rich berry tones and vampy vinyl styles, the possibilities are endless.
Whether it's a little glam, a little goth or something more graceful, nail experts break down the biggest winter nail trends they expect to dominate this season.
1. Chocolate and cherry
Rich, warm tones are a recurring trend for winter manicures, but this year chocolate brown and cherry red are reigning supreme.
"Nail colours this winter are all about deep and decadent shades," says luxury manicurist Jo Whittle. "Expect to see lots of dark cherry reds, chocolate browns, and classic reds dominating the season."
Cherry reds and espresso browns are trending this winter.
Dark, dramatic shades are always a winter favourite," adds Paint Nails London‘s lead nail tech Angie Campbell. "Deep burgundy-black nails with long stiletto tips will be popular this season, inspired by Cardi B’s iconic fall look. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a bold, daring manicure."
2. Tortoiseshell
The biggest trending pattern this winter is undoubtedly tortoiseshell. "Tortoiseshell designs are making waves, adding a sophisticated and unique twist that’s both classic and modern," reveals founder of House of Amor, Lucy Pearce. "It’s ideal for adding an eye-catching yet subtle element to any winter look."
Tortoiseshell is the leading pattern for this winter.
But animal prints don’t stop at there, as London Grace‘s founder Kirsten White notes: "Leopard and cow prints have been huge in fashion this year and are just as eye-catching on nails."
3. French with a twist
A French manicure is possibly the longest reigning nail trend that never goes out of style. But this season the look calls for a twist, "the classic French tips are proving popular but with a twist – from deep, bold colours on the tip to double French lines for extra detail," says OPI’s nail expert Jessica White.
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"Gold foils also add a luxe feel, while tortoiseshell offers a warm, earthy look with lots of depth."
4. Eye-catching chrome
One of this season’s standout trends is the return of metallic – bringing a more holographic edge than year’s previous. "Disco-inspired metallics bring a fun, nostalgic feel to your look," shares Campbell.
"Whether you go for a full chrome finish or subtle metallic accents, this trend is perfect for those who want to sparkle throughout the Christmas party season."
Warm-toned chromes are trending, overtaking silver.
When it comes to pairing colour with a shape, "nude and metallic shades pair beautifully with an oval nail shape for a soft, elongated appearance," says White, "while rich, darker shades are particularly striking on short, square nails, adding depth and boldness."
5. Syrup nails
For those more inclined to test barely-there styles, the latest nail trend that transcends the seasons is the 'syrup nail'.
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"I look toward Korean and Japanese brands such as énoi and KKookie as they are at the very forefront of this," says celebrity manicurist Robbie Tomkins. "Unlike jelly colours which are clear, syrups are semi-sheer and as the name suggests, are glossy sticky-looking perfection."
However, for winter, these nails don’t take the typical peachy approach, as Tomkins notes, "We’re moving away from delicate peaches and pinks toward sheer smoky grey and coffee syrup shades, perfect for winter fashion."
