Royal purple and ruby red continue to be natural favorites for True Winter color lovers, but this season brings far more variety than expected—even for fans of neutral manicures. Cool-toned whites appear in multiple shades, much like snow reflecting light before it melts. Grays show similar depth, while burgundy tones ranging from cranberry to deep berry and merlot offer striking versatility. World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk shared with Byrdie that winter always signals a return to timeless nail looks. Expect French manicures, layered gray tones, cool blues, and deep reds both bold and subtle to define the season.
Chocolate Ganache Nails
Brownie-inspired hues are giving way to a richer winter favorite ganache nails. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this shade as a deep, velvety brown reminiscent of melted dark chocolate. Colors similar to Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe perfectly capture this look. The tone feels indulgent and refined, ideal for colder months or anyone drawn to understated luxury. Ganache nails exude quiet confidence and pair effortlessly with gold jewelry, neutral wardrobes, and classic black outfits.
Soft Muted Berry Shades
Deeper, grounded colors are gaining popularity this winter. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, notes an increasing preference for espresso browns, soft mauves, and muted berry shades. These tones strike a balance between warmth and elegance while remaining suitable for everyday wear. Muted berries, in particular, offer a sophisticated alternative to brighter reds, adding depth without overpowering the manicure.
Light Ocean Blue
Light ocean blue with a pearlescent finish is emerging as a winter standout. Nail expert Amy Ling Lin describes these shades as calming, luminous, and quietly uplifting. Colors like Sundays Studio’s L09 introduce a refreshing contrast to the season’s darker palette. The subtle pearl sheen reflects light beautifully, adding softness and dimension. This shade feels airy, modern, and polished—perfect for winter minimalists.
Cool Gray Neutrals
Cool gray is quickly establishing itself as a winter neutral essential. OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle highlights its chic, refined finish and its ability to complement winter wardrobes effortlessly. It also enhances jewelry, especially when mixing metals. Standout shades include OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands, all offering sleek, versatile gray tones.
Deep Navy Blue
Deep navy is being hailed as the perfect post-holiday reset shade. Calm and balanced, it transitions seamlessly from winter into the New Year. This adaptable color suits both special occasions and everyday office wear. Recommended options include OPI Nail Lacquer shades Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox, each delivering a rich yet wearable navy finish.
The Rise of Barely-There Nails
Winter often brings a desire for simplicity and calm, reflected in the growing popularity of barely-there nail shades. Huber-Millet notes a rise in soft milky tones, cool neutrals, and gentle pastels. Shades like Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean, fresh, and restorative—offering a reset after autumn’s deeper hues. For pink-leaning neutrals, adding French tips—classic or modern—creates an effortlessly timeless look.
Warm Deep Red
A warm, deep red remains a winter classic. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as cozy, elegant, and quietly powerful. It brings instant warmth during colder months while maintaining a polished, festive feel. This versatile color transitions seamlessly from everyday wear to special winter moments, delivering sophistication without heaviness.
Earthy Metallic Finishes
Earth-inspired metallics are making a strong appearance this season. Sofiia Mazur points to shades like bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome, often paired with matte or stone-like textures. These finishes reflect light softly, creating a refined glow rather than high shine. Inspired by fashion runways such as Balmain’s fall collection, earthy metallics work beautifully as full-coverage shades or subtle accent details.
Black Cherry Nails
Black cherry nails offer understated drama by blending deep darkness with a hint of red warmth. Mazur explains that this balance keeps the shade elegant and wearable. Long favored by fashion icons and celebrities, black cherry pairs seamlessly with evening looks as well as everyday staples like oversized blazers and vintage denim. It remains a reliable cold-weather favorite that returns each winter.
Crisp White Polish
Crisp white is experiencing a strong winter revival. Following Pantone’s Cloud Dancer announcement, clean white shades such as Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are in high demand. This fresh, modern color evokes snowy landscapes, cozy knits, and frosty mornings. Once considered strictly seasonal, white has now become a core element of winter minimalism.
Gray-Lavender Tones
Gray-lavender blends cool gray with a soft hint of purple, making it especially suited to winter. Telemaniuk notes that shorter days and cooler atmospheres naturally draw clients toward muted shades like this. Gray-lavender feels contemporary, elegant, and versatile—minimal yet refined—making it an ideal nail color for the colder months.
