Royal purple and ruby red are just a few of the shades that True Winter color enthusiasts naturally gravitate toward. Even those drawn to neutral nail tones have a wide range of options this season. Cool-toned lovers will be surprised by how many variations of white polish exist, much like snow that glistens before melting away. The same depth appears in gray shades, while rich burgundy tones—from cranberry to deep berry and merlot—offer impressive variety. World champion nail artist and beauty educator Valeriia Telemaniuk shared with Byrdie that winter sparks a return to classic nail styles. Expect to see French manicures, layered grays, cool blues, and deep red shades—both bold and understated—dominating the season.
Chocolate Ganache Nails
Brownie-inspired shades are stepping aside for a more indulgent winter favorite: ganache nails. Nail artist and educator Sofiia Mazur describes this tone as a deep, velvety brown that mirrors melted dark chocolate. Shades similar to Red Iguana’s Ganache gel or Dazzle Dry’s Fringe capture this look perfectly. The color feels warm and luxurious, making it ideal for cold weather or anyone drawn to subtle elegance. On the nails, ganache conveys quiet confidence, pairing beautifully with gold jewelry, neutral outfits, or classic black ensembles.
Soft Muted Berry Shades
Grounded, deeper hues are gaining traction this season. Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse Salons, notes a growing preference for espresso browns, gentle mauves, and muted berry tones. These shades balance warmth with sophistication while remaining wearable for everyday looks. Muted berries, in particular, offer a polished alternative to brighter reds, adding richness without overwhelming the manicure.
Light Ocean Blue
Light ocean blue with a pearlescent finish is another standout this winter. Nail professional Amy Ling Lin describes these hues as calm, luminous, and uplifting. Shades like Sundays Studio’s L09 introduce a refreshing contrast to winter’s darker palette. The soft pearl sheen catches light gently, adding dimension and glow. This color carries a soothing energy that feels airy and modern while remaining polished.
Cool Gray Neutrals
Cool gray is quickly becoming a go-to winter neutral. According to OPI Global Ambassador Coca Michelle, this shade offers a chic and sophisticated finish that complements winter wardrobes effortlessly. It also highlights jewelry beautifully, especially for those who enjoy mixing metals. Standout options include OPI’s Peace of Mined, Case of Glamnesia, and Suzi Talks with Her Hands, each delivering a refined, versatile look.
Deep Navy Blue
Deep navy is being called the ideal post-holiday reset color. It feels calming and transitions smoothly from winter into the New Year. Easy to wear and endlessly adaptable, this shade works for special occasions and everyday office wear alike. Recommended picks include OPI Nail Lacquer in Less is Norse, Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time, and Suzi & the Arctic Fox, all offering rich yet wearable navy tones.
The Rise of Barely-There Nails
Winter often inspires a craving for clarity and calm, reflected in the popularity of barely-there nail shades. According to Huber-Millet, soft milky hues, cool neutrals, and gentle pastels are on the rise. Shades such as Coconut Milk, Glazed Marshmallow, and Milkshake from Townhouse’s Flawless Collection feel clean and restorative, offering a fresh reset after autumn’s deeper colors. For pink-toned neutrals, adding French tips—classic or modern—creates a timeless finish.
Warm Deep Red
A warm, deep red remains a winter staple. Amy Ling Lin describes this shade as warm, chic, and quietly powerful. It brings instant coziness during colder months while still feeling polished and festive. This color moves effortlessly from everyday elegance to holiday moments, delivering sophistication without feeling heavy.
Earthy Metallic Finishes
Earth-inspired metallics are also trending this winter. Sofiia Mazur highlights shades like bronze, clay gold, and olive chrome, often paired with matte or stone-textured finishes. These tones reflect light softly, creating a refined, lived-in glow that feels luxurious without excess shine. Inspired by fashion runways such as Balmain’s fall collection, earthy metallics work beautifully as full coverage or subtle accents.
Black Cherry Nails
Black cherry nails deliver understated drama by 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 effortlessly with evening wear or casual staples like oversized blazers and vintage denim. It remains a cold-season favorite that reliably returns each winter.
Crisp White Polish
Crisp white is enjoying a strong winter revival. Following Pantone’s Cloud Dancer announcement, pure white shades like Mineral Fusion Ice Breaker are in high demand. This clean, modern color captures the feel of snowy landscapes, cozy knits, and frosty mornings. Once considered strictly seasonal, white is now a key element of winter minimalism.
Gray-Lavender Tones
Gray-lavender blends 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 shades like this. Gray-lavender feels modern, elegant, and versatile—minimal yet chic—making it an ideal polish choice for the colder months.
