Piggybacking on 2025’s color scheme of easy, back-to-basic shades, the biggest nail-color trends of 2026 are all about calming energy.
…
Everyone seems to be approaching the new year with optimistic trepidation, and next year’s biggest nail-color trends pair well with that sentiment. Experts all agree that we’ll be looking for colors that strike the perfect balance between muted and rich in hues come January 1. “2026 is all about soft futurism meeting wearable minimalism,” says celebrity nail artist Kim Truong.
But soft doesn’t mean boring by any means. For 2026, we’ve got classic nudes with a peach or sheer pink tint (and for those looking to go a bit bolder, try a fun jelly finish). We’re finding color inspo from healing crystals and sage. And yes, we have to talk about the Pantone color of the year, whether we like it or not. Below, experts share their predictions of the nine best nail colors you’ll be seeing everywhere in 2026.
Smoky Amethyst
As far as crystals found in nature go, smoky amethyst is one of the rarest. It is a mix of smoky quartz, which is known for its grounding properties, and amethyst, which calms the soul and brings you closer to your intuition. Color-wise, it’s a mix of deep purple shade with gray and dark undertones for an alluring color. Gina Edwards, celebrity manicurist and KISS Nails & imPRESS Mani brand ambassador, predicts this magical shade will be trending everywhere next year, and something that evokes calming energy is always welcome. Plus, even for the crystal skeptics, there’s no denying that the shade is simply stunning.
Essie
Glossy Nail Polish in For the Twill of It
Revlon
Super Lustrous Nail Polish in Amethyst Smoke
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Havin’ a Candy Ol’ Time
Londontown
Lakur Nail Polish in Brill-Ant
Peachy Neutrals
“The ‘clean girl’ [and] ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic isn’t going anywhere,” says Truong. “It’s just getting more defined. When opting for neutrals, she suggests going for ones with peachy undertones for an unexpected yet subtle twist.
Essie
Jelly Gloss Polish in Cheeky Jelly
Londontown
Lakur Nail Polish in Peach Pop
J.Hannah
Nail Polish in Himalyan Salt
Deborah Lippmann
Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Dont You Want Me
Chocolate brown
If you were deep in your chocolate brown era for 2025, we’ve got good news: Celebrity and Chanel nail artist Betina Goldstein predicts it will continue to be everywhere in the next year. There are many ways to wear this rich hue, but we’re partial to going dark and moody with it.
Hermès Beauty
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre
Dazzle Dry
Nail Lacquer in Haze
Olive & June
Long Lasting Polish in CN
Essie
Expressie Nail Polish in Take the Espresso
Muted Mauve
If you’re looking for something less bold than a smoky amethyst but still want to play within the purple color wheel, muted mauve is the way to go. Another pick from Edwards, this really pretty shade brings softness to any nail look.
Expressie Nail Polish in Get a Mauve On
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Tamise
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Sorcière
Côte
Nail Polish in Wistful
Pinky Sheers
Truong likes a sheer nail for a classic everyday nail, but recommends going for something with a pink tint. “These tones feel clean, modern, and elevated,” she says. “Never loud or overly saturated.” We especially love a translucent pink jelly finish to add some fun to a basic staple.
Manucurist
Green Nail Polish in Hortencia
Tenoverten
Natural Nail Color in Eldridge
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Ballerina
Nails Inc.
Speedy Gloss Nail Polish in Taylor
Ocean Blue
Majestic and mysterious like the ocean, there’s just something about an indigo shade. Goldstein agrees, and this deep blue is one of her picks for 2026. Pro tip for best application: Go with three strokes. “I usually apply polish in three strokes: one down the middle, then one on the left, and one on the right,” she says. “Taking my time with each layer makes the whole process smoother.”
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Fugueuse
JINsoon
Nial Polish in Abyss
Hermès Beauty
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Bleu Encre
Essie
Gel Couture Nail Polish in Caviar Bar
Oyster Gray
Edwards also likes a cool oyster gray for your 2026 nail color needs. It’s creamy and gives nails some added dimension. If you’re looking to elevate the shade, she says to look for one with a shimmer finish.
Deborah Lippmann
Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Stone Cold
Olive & June
Long Lasting Polish in AW
Butter London
Patent Shine Nail Lacquer Polish in Ta-Ta!
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Muse
Spiritual Sage
Goldstein loves a sage nail color and predicts that it will be one of the shades to break out in 2026. With its cool and muted undertones, a soft sage green brings all the good energy while serving us such a pretty look.
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Polish in Cavalier Seul
Zoya
Nail Polish in Sage
Essie
Nail Polish in Caught in the Rain
Manucurist
Green Nail Polish in Sage
Cloud Dancer
Even with its controversial debut as the Pantone color of 2026, the divisive shade has already been trending everywhere. Described as a “billowy white,” it is supposed to symbolize a serene blank space for creativity. And whether you buy into that or not, experts predict that shade of creamy white with cool undertones will be one of the biggest nail colors of next year. “We will continue to see variations of white,” says Edwards. “Warm winter whites, gray tones, French vanilla, and creamy light colors.”
Nail Polish in Adel
Gel Couture Nail Polish in Pre-Show Jitters
Tenoverten
Natural Nail Color in Washington
Jelly Studio Nail Polish in Coconut Cream
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
