With our winter wardrobes typically taking a darker, more neutral turn, it only makes more sense for nail trends to follow in suit and reflect that. In the summer, I'm personally all about intricate nail designs and over indulging in color, embellishments, and art—I don't mind sitting and chatting with my nail tech for hours on end if it means that I'll emerge from the chair with nails that are conversation starters. In the winter, however, my patience runs thin—I just want to get my experience walking out into the bitter cold over with, and to get back to my cozy sanctuary of an apartment as soon as physically possible.
While we’re technically not at the very beginning of winter, we still have a bit of a way and a few more nail appointments to go. So, I asked three nail experts for their trusted opinions and feedback: what are the winter 2026 nail trends that they see over and over again? What are the styles that celebrity and non-celebrity clients alike keep returning for?
Ahead, the only 5 nail trends that you really need to know for the remainder of winter 2026.
Cozy Neutrals & "Cashmere" Nails
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"For winter 2026, neutrals are becoming warmer and more comforting, what I call ‘cashmere nails,'" Townhouse nail alson founder and creative director Juanita Huber-Millet says. "Think creamy, cozy tones that look chic with winter knitwear and tailored coats." This winter, people are relying on neutrals to accomplish elevated looks that appear chic and expensive. At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with timeless nails that match everything.
Cat Eye Nails
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Celebrity nail artist Alicia Torello has faith in the cat eye nail's staying power. "They give a little extra something without being over the top," she notes. "And the way they catch the light feels perfect for winter when everything else is kind of muted."
Cat eye nails are characterized by a shimmering, shifting light effect obtained by using a magnetic polish and holding a strong magnet overtop before it's dried. The end result is a strip of light the emulates a cat's eye.
Juanita Huber-Millet seconds the appeal of cat eye nails in the winter. "Cate eye gives you instant depth and light-play, and it looks incredible in winter lighting - indoors, outdoors, candlelight, you name it," she says.
Deep Winter Shades
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This winter, we're really playing into the season and the shades typically associated with it: think deep red, spice tones, and nearly but not quite black. "In winter, darker shades feel sophisticated and instantly put-together," Huber-Millet says. Darker shades with a glossy finish feel instantly elevated while still feeling cozy and effortless.
Minimal Nail Art
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"It's all about the tiny details," Alicia Torello says. "Simple swirls, a few dots, or maybe one accent nail that pulls everything together." In winter 2026, we have officially entered our minimal nail era. Instead of elaborate nail art, people are leaning on styles that look good without trying to hard. It's less about doing the most and more about doing what makes the most sense, what will best complement winter outfits, and mimic the slow pace of winter and dreariness of winter.
Huber-Millet also recommends one minimal and perfectly executed detail over ten elaborately designed nails. "Think a tonal micro-line, a subtle half-moon, or a single accent nail that complements the base color," she says. "Clients want something intentional but still timeless. Minimal details feel elevated, and they’re easier to maintain, which matters when longevity is the priority."
According to Zola Ganzorigt, this desire for minimal designs will result in us seeing a lot of different types of french nails, whether that be the tip encircling the entire nail or less obvious color choices.
A Subtle Chrome & Major Glaze
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"Chrome nails are never gonna leave us," celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt says. But not necessarily in the bold silver, mirror chrome type of way that might come to mind—we're talking about more of a glaze. For clients like Hailey Bieber, Sydney Sweeney, and Ariana Greenblatt, Ganzorigt has given them a chrome-inspired shine while maintaining subtlety.
The glazed nail is a product of evolution, an iteration of the chrome that we all know and will always love. "It's less about mirror chrome and more about soft, milky glow: a finish that looks plush and luminous rather than metallic," Huber-Millet says. "It’s flattering, it photographs beautifully, and it gives that ‘your nails but better’ radiance. Clients love it because it feels modern without being overly trend-driven."
