From deer print to shades of plum, these are the winter nail trends we'll be seeing everywhere
From stylish blues and greys to festive berry and plum tones, these are the trends to deck your nails with this season.
It's that time of the year again, when we bid a big farewell to sunny shades and cosy up to rich, warm and moody nail colours that mirror the wintry tones in our wardrobes and chill in the air.
As for this season's array of 2026 nail trends, there are a few of the usual chic suspects, like burgundy nails and chocolate brown looks, but also a few new arrivals. Think deer print, grey and hints of deep olive-green; these are the sort of designs and colours experts (and our team of nail trend enthusiasts) are predicting and already seeing on stylish hands as winter fast approaches.
So, if you're already planning what look will follow your current autumn nails, here are the nine colours and designs to watch, as well as the one in-demand nail shape to pair them with.
The 2026 winter nail trend we'll be seeing everywhere
Discussing the nail themes for the season ahead, Bio Sculpture Technician Kelly Ahenkorah says, "We will start to see rich, moody and luxurious for sure. Deep burgundies and reds are stealing the show, while soft earthy shades keep things cosy.
"Bambi print is very popular and most definitely chocolate brown. Bio Sculpture’s Decadent Cocoa is one of my most-requested shades right now."
Ahenkorah notes that dark, indulgent colours will indeed continue to reclaim their place as winter staples, "alongside ultra-pigmented black shades."
We too have noticed an uptick in dark reds, but also in deep purples like plum, and aubergine-like tones. Then, of course, there are designs; alongside deer and tortoiseshell nails, we also think velvet-style cat eye nails will make their return in very rich and dark shades - like chocolate brown and burgundy- as well as pink and champagne-y shades to toast the New Year.
Our winter nail trend picks
This is one of Digital Beauty Writer Naomi Jamieson's all-time favourite nail colours: "I was actually wearing the gel version of Thornberry two winters ago when I got engaged, and now it's my go-to for an effortlessly stylish and versatile look. I've paired it with every nail shape, and it suits them all, but squoval is my favourite with this rich, moody tone."
Navy nails are already proving very popular, and we can't see the demand waning anytime soon. This essie nail polish is the perfect dark-wash-denim sort of shade and boasts a gel-like shine, which will elevate this already very chic colour all the more.
For a softer look this winter, opt for a cool grey or taupe, like this one from Rimmel. It's wearable and minimalistic, and a lovely shade to pair with similarly neutral clothing, like grey or navy wool coats and camel trenches.
Alongside your favourite wintery tones, we also recommend investing in one of the best nail strengtheners to apply as your base coat, as well as a nourishing hand cream, to help ward away dry and cracked skin.
1. Winter berry nails
Winter berry and rich plum shades are set to be in high demand this chilly season, and for good reason - they're expensive-looking, moody and effortlessly chic.
2. Navy nails
For a very sleek and sophisticated cold-weather mani, a glossy navy is a very good way to go and, like your favourite pair of jeans, will easily complement any outfit. It's also a lovely choice for the in-between autumn and winter, infact when asked about the best transitional nail shades, Ahenkorah noted that "Navy or dark red always work well."
3. Deer print nails
Ahenkorah says that deer/ Bambi print nails are and will continue to be in high demand this season. We're already seeing it dominate the winter fashion trends (M&S' sell-out deer-print coat being a prime example), so it only makes sense that winter's nails will follow suit. And while it might look complex, it's actually a very simple design to recreate; all you need is a warm brown shade for your base, a white polish for the spots and a thin nail art detailing brush to apply them.
4. Cool grey nails
While dark reds and burgundies tend to steal the show, a grey also makes for a very chic, wintry nail look, and we have actually been seeing a few monochromatic manicures emerging across our social media feeds.
5. Aubergine nails
As mentioned, dark purple shades like plum and aubergine are also on the rise, for those who want a slight variation on classic but perhaps a tad overdone burgundy.
6. Dark, olive green
"I’ve been seeing a lot of deep olive green like Bio Sculpture’s Thornbird," says Ahenkorah. "It’s chic but fun and pairs beautifully with the season’s browns and reds."
7. Dark red nails
Red, be it a bright pillar box shade or more of a dark burgundy, will always be a winter classic, especially as the festive period draws near. If you're doing your nails at home, we recommend investing in a really good top coat, like Manucurist's Sunshine top coat, to really boost the intensity of the colour with a glassy, gel-like shine.
8. Frosted nails
Something about the season's frosty chill makes pearlescent polishes and icy tones feel very apt. We can see this sort of glazed, tinsel-y look garnering a lot of requests as we approach the December countdown.
9. Chocolate brown nails
Snuggling up with a hot cocoa in hand is one of our favourite wintery pastimes, and having an equally rich and chocolatey manicure to accompany our grip on the warm mug would truly complete the cosy moment. Chocolate brown nails are also just a very versatile and chic choice for the colder months, as they will complement all of your favourite knits and coats, plus the manicure is proving especially popular this autumn/winter season - so win, win.
