Beauty
The 16 Trendiest Nail Polish Colors For Winter 2024 Manicures
From deep and dark, to sheer and icy.
by Olivia Rose Rushing
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Originally Published:
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When it comes to on-trend seasonal manicures, the crisp fall months are very much associated with nail polish colors that are warm, cozy, and spiced — like the chocolate brown tips most recently worn by Hailey Bieber or the “pumpkin spiced aura nails” spotted on Halle Bailey.
As the transition to the bone-chill of winter starts to creep in, the most popular manicure color palettes typically get a refresh to embrace the change of seasons. In short? The vibe is very icy, moody, cool-toned, and dramatic.
Classic Winter Nail Colors
Of course, a few tried and true classic colors are always a green flag throughout the snow-filled winter months — namely, black nail polish with diamond-like shine and sultry red manis that are deep, dark, and truly holiday-ready.
That being said, a few unexpected nail polish shades are set to take over throughout the coming months (like shades of baby blue that look like ice on your tips).
16 Nail Colors For Winter
Whether you’re a loyal salongoer or an at-home painter, here are 16 on-trend winter 2024 nail polish colors that will define the season, as shared by industry experts Betina R. Goldstein, Jin Soon Choi, Rachel Joseph, Julie Kandalec, Sarah Chue, Sonya Meesh, and Elsbeth Schuetz.
Pretty Pink Chrome
Shades of pink polish dominated the summer months, and the color is getting a chromatic upgrade for winter 2024. “Barbie Pink was definitely a go-to this summer, but as a pink lover myself, I love it year round,” says Joseph, a Nailing Hollywood nail artist. “As the holidays come around, I’m sure we will be seeing a lot of reflective glitter pinks and velvet pink nails.”
Glossy Black
The buzzy “black nail theory” is for the independent girlies who want to promote feelings of increased confidence and mystique.
For the winter months, Jin Soon Choi, manicurist and founder of JINsoon, predicts it will continue to lead the trends. “Black nails are a favorite due to their effortless coolness [and have] gained exceptional popularity as of late, making them highly appealing to both women and men who want to make a stylish statement.”
Pearly Winter White
For a frosty wintertime look on your nails, swipe on a timeless white shade with a pearlescent finish. “A pearl white like Lights Lacquer Polish in Frostbite, worn solo or as a topper over deep colors, is sure to please,” says celebrity manicurist Kandalec.
Classic Red
No matter the season, red nail polish serves up enviable “quiet luxury” vibes. Come winter, however, the beloved color is likely to go a bit deeper.
“The enduring allure of deep red nails remains popular because it exudes a sense of confidence, sophistication, and timelessness,” Choi notes. “JINsoon Audacity is a versatile color that complements all skin tones and never goes out of style.”
Beyoncé is the most recent celebrity to rock a classic red mani-pedi moment.
Creamy Milk Chocolate
The autumn months were filled with dark chocolate manicure moments. Come winter, Lee believes that the shades of brown polish will go a bit lighter instead. “I’ve been seeing a lot of lighter browns,” she notes. “I think these will definitely stick around for winter.”
Halle Bailey has already tapped the milk chocolate vibes with her recent velvet manicure.
Juicy Berry Tones
Alongside shades of classic red, deep berry nail polish colors with a slightly more pinkish undertone are forever a wintertime favorite.
Meesh, a celebrity nail artist, agrees that the color will be major — but with a sheer, almost jelly-like finish that leaves your nails looking juicy with serious high-shine.
Fairy-Tale Silver Sparkles
Throughout the winter months, glam sparkles seem to truly take over the nail trends. Kandalec agrees, saying that her “clients are feeling shimmery, sparkly, and starry-eyed,” and naming a soft glittering silver look as one to watch.
Dark Academia Gray
Across fashion, beauty, and even home decor, dark academia is a buzzy aesthetic that taps those dark and moody vibes of ivy-covered, book-filled university campuses. And when it comes the world of manicures, that often translates to muted grey colors that complement that same vibe.
“I think grays are totally underrated,” Chue, an LA-based nail artist, explains to Bustle. “Next time when you want to go dark, try a charcoal gray instead of dark red or purple.”
Matte Black “Leather” Nails
While glossy black nails are forever a go-to for winter, Schuetz, a manicurist and ORLY Brand Educator, tells Bustle that a trendy matte finish can completely elevate the traditional look to new heights. “I’m starting to see a black leather trend [with a leather-like] matte finish.”
As for created the coveted look at-home? Schuetz points to the ORLY Matte Topcoat to create that leather-like finish.
“Milk Bath” Nails
Stark white polish is a summertime staple, but you can expect the same white shades to be more sheer this winter.
“My go-to nail color is Chanel Le Vernis in White Silk,” says Goldstein, a Chanel nail artist with an impressive clientele that includes Margot Robbie. “It’s a beautiful alternative to the pink-hued, sheer nudes we apply in the summer. It has a hint of an ivory undertone, which adds depth and sophistication. I also love this as the base for a micro French manicure.”
Kourtney Kardashian Barker, for one, is a long-time fan of the minimalist trend, while Selena Gomez, too, has recently rocked the steamy hue.
Every Shade Of Green
From soft sage to deep emerald, manicurists agree that shades of green nail polish will be a wintertime staple for 2024. “I personally am loving the greens,” says Joseph.
In particular, Chue notes that she’s been seeing muted sage greens more frequently, while Meesh is partial to ultra-dark greens.
Schuetz adds: “I find [green] to be a color that symbolizes personal growth and helps one focus towards meaningful goals.”
Smooth Silver Metallics
The early 2000s influence is hard to avoid — and even when it comes to must-have manicures, Y2K-inspired silvers are still in. “Silver metallic and chrome nails are on-trend due to their ability to add a contemporary and chic touch to one’s style,” Choi notes.
Beyoncé most recently rocked the nostalgic shade of polish during her Renaissance Tour.
Sheer Neutrals
When in doubt, neutral shades of polish that complement your unique skin tone is an effortless way to tap those “model off-duty” vibes. Chue agrees, stating that she’s personally loving natural shades this winter.
Navy Night Sky
Fans of dark nails should consider adding inky blue shades to polish collection. “I am excited for a deep navy blue,” Goldstein says. “It’s an exciting alternative from the usual deep burgundy that we all tend to gravitate towards in the winter.”
Glittering Plum
Sultry shades of “cherry mocha” were major for fall 2023 — and this winter, the beloved polish shade is getting a glamorous makeover. Kandalec says to opt for “an ultra-deep plum with subtle glitter for a deep, luxurious feel at your fingertips.”
Icy Blue
Aside from dark shades of navy blue, baby blue nails are yet another pastel manicure trend that is set to take winter 2024 by storm. “Light blue stands out beautifully,” Schuetz muses.
Joseph chimes in to say: “I'm sure blue pastel with chrome will be around all winter as well to give a frosty, snowy look.”
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