Royal purple & ruby red are just some of the many nail polish shades that True Winter color lovers enjoy. Even those who prefer neutral tones have plenty of variety to choose from. For those who love cool tones there are actually more shades of white available than you might think. Anyone who has watched snow fall & sparkle in sunlight before melting understands this truth. The same goes for gray tones. And the range of burgundy shades including cranberry and deep berry & merlot is equally impressive. World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk shared with Byrdie that the winter season inspires a return to classic nail looks. This means French manicures will be popular along with various shades of gray and blue tones. Deep red shades in both bold & subtle versions will also dominate the next few months. Continue reading to learn about the trending nail colors for this winter as predicted by professional nail artists and find out where to buy these shades.
Chocolate Ganache
Brownie pudding nails are making way for a richer winter favorite: ganache nails. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this shade as a deep, indulgent brown that resembles melted dark chocolate. Think tones similar to Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe. The color feels warm and luxurious, making it ideal for colder months or anyone who prefers understated elegance. On nails, ganache delivers quiet confidence—refined yet inviting. It pairs effortlessly with gold jewelry, soft neutral outfits, or minimalist black looks, giving it a timeless and versatile appeal.
Muted Berry
Deeper, grounding shades are gaining popularity this season. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, notes that clients are leaning toward espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry tones. These colors strike a balance between warmth and sophistication while remaining subtle enough for everyday wear. Muted berries, in particular, offer a refined alternative to brighter reds, adding depth without overpowering the overall look.
Light Ocean Blue
Light ocean blue with a pearlescent finish is another shade to watch. Nail professional Amy Ling Lin describes these soft blues as calm, luminous, and uplifting. Shades like Sundays Studio’s L09 provide a refreshing contrast to winter’s typically darker palette. The delicate pearl finish reflects light beautifully, adding dimension and a subtle glow. This color carries a soothing, positive energy—calming, airy, and quietly joyful—while still feeling polished and modern.
Cool Gray
Cool gray is emerging as a favorite winter neutral. According to OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle, it’s a chic and sophisticated shade that complements winter wardrobes effortlessly. Cool gray also enhances jewelry, especially for those who enjoy mixing metals. Some standout options include OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands, all of which offer versatile, refined finishes.
Deep Navy
Deep navy is described as the perfect post-holiday reset color. It feels calming and transitions seamlessly from winter into the New Year. Easy to wear, this classic shade works equally well for special occasions and everyday office looks. Recommended polishes include OPI Nail Lacquer in Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox, all offering rich, wearable navy tones.
The “Barely Theres”
Winter often brings a desire for clarity and calm, reflected in the rise of barely-there nail shades. Soft milky tones, cool neutrals, and subtle pastels are trending, according to Huber-Millet. Shades like Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean and restorative—a perfect reset after autumn’s richer colors. For pinky neutrals, experts recommend adding French tips, whether traditional crisp white or softer modern variations, for a timeless finish.
Warm, Deep Red
A warm, deep red remains a winter essential. Amy Ling Lin describes this tone as warm, chic, and quietly powerful. It instantly adds coziness during colder months while still feeling polished and festive. This shade transitions effortlessly from everyday elegance to holiday moments, offering sophistication without heaviness.
Earthy Metallics
Earthy and organic metallics are also set to trend this winter. Sofiia Mazur highlights bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome tones—often paired with matte or stone-textured finishes. These shades reflect light softly, creating a refined, lived-in glow that feels expensive without being flashy. Inspired by fashion runways like Balmain’s fall collection, earthy metallics can be worn as a full nail look or as subtle accent shades.
Black Cherry
Black cherry nails offer understated drama, blending deep darkness with a hint of red warmth. Mazur notes that this balance keeps the shade elegant and wearable. Long favored by fashion icons and celebrities, black cherry pairs just as well with evening wear as with casual outfits like oversized blazers or vintage denim. It has become a cold-season staple that consistently returns each winter.
Crisp White
Crisp white polish is having a strong winter moment. With Pantone’s announcement of Cloud Dancer, pure white shades like Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are in high demand. This clean, modern color captures the essence of snowy landscapes, cozy knits, and frosty mornings. Once considered a summer staple, white is now a key player in winter minimalism.
Gray-Lavender
Gray-lavender combines cool gray tones with a soft hint of purple, making it especially relevant for winter. According to Telemaniuk, shorter daylight hours and cooler atmospheres draw clients toward muted shades like this. Gray-lavender feels elegant, versatile, and modern—minimal yet chic—making it an ideal choice for the colder months.
