Royal purple and ruby red are just a glimpse of the striking nail polish shades embraced by True Winter color enthusiasts. Even those drawn to neutral palettes will find an impressive range of options. Lovers of cool tones, in particular, may be surprised by the variety of whites available—each reflecting light differently, much like snow shimmering before it melts. The same depth applies to gray hues, as well as rich burgundy variations such as cranberry, deep berry, and merlot. World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk told Byrdie that winter typically signals a return to timeless nail styles. Expect classic French manicures, elegant grays, blue-based tones, and deep reds—both bold and understated—to dominate the season. Below, discover the winter nail colors professional artists predict will trend and where to shop them.
Chocolate Ganache Nails Take Center Stage
As brownie pudding shades fade, a more indulgent winter favorite is emerging: ganache nails. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this color as a rich, velvety brown reminiscent of melted dark chocolate. Think shades similar to Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe. The tone feels warm, luxurious, and perfectly suited to colder months or anyone drawn to understated sophistication. On nails, ganache conveys quiet confidence—polished without being flashy. It pairs seamlessly with gold jewelry, neutral outfits, and minimalist black ensembles, making it both timeless and versatile.
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Muted Berry Tones Gain Momentum
Grounded, deeper hues are increasingly popular this season. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, notes a growing interest in espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry shades. These colors offer a refined balance of warmth and elegance while remaining subtle enough for daily wear. Muted berries, in particular, provide a sophisticated alternative to brighter reds, delivering richness and depth without overwhelming the overall look.
Light Ocean Blue Adds a Soft Glow
Light ocean blue with a pearlescent finish is another shade expected to shine this winter. Nail expert Amy Ling Lin describes these blues as calm, luminous, and uplifting. Shades such as Sundays Studio’s L09 offer a refreshing contrast to winter’s darker color palette. The soft pearl finish reflects light beautifully, adding dimension and a gentle glow. This color evokes a soothing, airy mood—quietly joyful while remaining modern and refined.
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Cool Gray Emerges as a Winter Neutral
Cool gray is quickly becoming a go-to winter neutral. According to OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle, it’s a chic and sophisticated shade that blends effortlessly with winter wardrobes. Cool gray also highlights jewelry beautifully, especially for those who enjoy mixing metals. Notable options include OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands, all known for their versatile and polished finishes.
Deep Navy for a Clean Seasonal Reset
Deep navy is being hailed as the ideal post-holiday reset color. Calming and timeless, it transitions smoothly from winter into the New Year. Easy to wear, this shade works just as well for special occasions as it does for everyday office looks. Recommended polishes include OPI Nail Lacquer shades such as Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox, each offering a rich and wearable navy tone.
Soft “Barely-There” Shades Offer a Fresh Start
Winter often inspires a desire for simplicity and calm, reflected in the rise of barely-there nail colors. According to Huber-Millet, soft milky hues, cool neutrals, and subtle pastels are trending. Shades like Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean, restorative, and refreshing after autumn’s deeper tones. For pink-toned neutrals, experts suggest adding French tips—either crisp white or softer modern variations—for a timeless finish.
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Warm Deep Red Remains a Winter Classic
A warm, deep red continues to be a cold-weather essential. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as chic, cozy, and quietly powerful. It brings instant warmth during colder months while maintaining a polished, festive feel. This versatile red transitions effortlessly from everyday elegance to seasonal celebrations, offering sophistication without feeling heavy.
Earthy Metallics Bring Subtle Shine
Earthy metallic shades are also set to trend throughout winter. Sofiia Mazur highlights tones like bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome, often paired with matte or stone-inspired textures. These finishes reflect light softly, creating a refined glow that feels elevated rather than flashy. Inspired by fashion runways such as Balmain’s fall collection, earthy metallics work beautifully as full nail looks or understated accent shades.
Black Cherry Nails Deliver Understated Drama
Black cherry nails strike a balance between deep darkness and subtle red warmth. Mazur notes that this combination keeps the shade elegant and highly wearable. Long favored by fashion icons and celebrities, black cherry complements both evening attire and casual looks like oversized blazers or vintage denim. It has become a reliable cold-season staple that returns year after year.
Crisp White Makes a Winter Statement
Crisp white nail polish is enjoying a strong resurgence this winter. Following Pantone’s selection of Cloud Dancer, pure white shades such as Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are seeing increased demand. This clean, modern color reflects snowy landscapes, cozy knits, and frosty mornings. Once considered strictly a summer shade, white has firmly secured its place in winter minimalism.
Gray-Lavender Blends Cool and Soft Tones
Gray-lavender merges cool gray with a subtle hint of purple, making it especially fitting for winter. According to Telemaniuk, shorter days and cooler atmospheres naturally draw clients toward muted hues like this. Gray-lavender feels modern, elegant, and versatile—minimal yet refined—making it an ideal nail color choice for the colder months.
