Deer print, velvet shimmers and shades of deep teal: the 2026 winter nail trends are in, and they're so chic

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 and teal; these are the sort of colours and designs experts (and our team of nail trend enthusiasts) are predicting - and already spotting on stylish hands as winter fast approaches.

So, if you're planning what look will follow your current autumn nails, here are the 14 shades and styles 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, per the experts

Discussing what array of shades and designs winter will bring to our talons, 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," note Ahenkorah before also adding that dark, indulgent colours will indeed continue to reclaim their place as winter staples, "alongside ultra-pigmented black shades."

As for the overall themes, Mylee Brand Mentor, Jack Harper, says they can be summed up in three words: "Cosy, glossy and daring. There's a real appetite for nails that feel like an accessory, whether that's a deep espresso manicure paired with a chunky knit jumper or a sheer, milky base with delicate metallic details."

We've definitely already noticed an uptick in darker, bolder tones this season, like plum and aubergine. Then, of course, there's the nail art. Alongside deer and tortoiseshell nails, we also think velvet-style cat eye nails will make their return, layered over both subtle neutrals and very rich, 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

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. Deep teal nails

"Deep teal is the unexpected shade I'd have on everyone's radar this winter," says Harper. "We've become so accustomed to burgundy, black and chocolate browns that dominate the colder months that a rich blue-green feels like a refreshing change. It's moody enough to work beautifully with winter wardrobes, but it has that trendy pop of colour."

5. Chocolate cherry nails

For a transitional autumn-to-winter nail look, Harper recommends chocolate cherry nails as "the perfect in-between manicure when you're not quite ready to say goodbye to autumn but want something that feels more winter-ready.

"I'm thinking of a rich, warm brown with subtle red undertones, giving you the cosiness of autumnal neutrals with the depth of a winter burgundy. Try Mylee's Gel Polish in Chocolate Delight - it's wearable, flattering and works with everything in your wardrobe as the manicure equivalent of your favourite transitional coat."

6. Velvet cat-eye nails

For something a little more festive as we inch closer to December, consider a metallic or shimmery effect, as, according to Founder and Creative Director of Townhouse, Juanita Huber-Millet, they're set to be very popular this season: "We’re also seeing an evolution of chrome and cat-eye finishes, particularly when paired with muted shades for a subtle, modern twist."

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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."

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Wintery-themed French manicures

"French manicures are continuing to evolve, with tonal tips," says Huber-Millet. "Unexpected colour combinations and delicate accents give the classic design a fresh perspective. I particularly love the idea of a chocolate-toned French using Townhouse Flawless Mocha, or a subtle Black Cherry accent for something a little more directional."

14. Fashion prints

Harper also predicts that alongside shimmers and subtle accents, "velvet finishes, tortoiseshell and heritage-inspired patterns like tartan will appeal to anyone wanting something more nail-arty," adding that this season, "it's all about balancing that expensive-looking finish with a design that feels personal."