We have selected the most interesting 2026 nail trends to welcome the year with the right charge. Will you be tempted by the most original colours or remain a nude loyalist?
Nail trends 2026: 10 ideas to go along with the current trends
2026 proves to be a varied year, almost impossible to capture in a single trend. Nail trends, on the other hand, speak for themselves: there will be no defined colours or styles to prevail, but a pout pourri of shades, designs and decorations that will bring each nail art to be unique. And, thus, nail trends 2026 will enshrine originality, daring to juxtapose flashy effects such as polka dots-already beloved during winter 2025-with no-frills nudes that recreate the natural nail shade. Among the most interesting aspects of nail art 2026, then, is the tendency to indulge in specific “themes.” And, thus, mismatched effects triumph on the nails, but linked by a common thread that leads nails to become robotic, floral, dedicated to the appetizer or, simply, pop. Anything goes, as long as the manicure is themed. Last but not least, dark colours next to timeless classics such as red, nude or mocha will always be trending. In fact, the new nail fashion trends favour shades such as grey or blue, lightened by particular and glittery finishes, metallic or in semi-transparency, as if the nails were made of glass.
#1 Charcoal grey nail polish
It’s not black, it’s not nude, yet it fits to embody the positive effects of both manicures. Grey, especially in its anthracite variant, is perfect for giving personality to nails (as long as they stay short) and, at the same time, keeping them neutral by depriving them of overly garish shades.
#2 Milky nails
It may be that Cloud Dancer is the Pantone colour of the year, but among the 2026 nail trends, milky white nails are back. Their advantage? They blend easily with all complexions and look great in all seasons, even as a base for adding glitter or pearl top coats.
#3 Aura nails
Aura nails are back (or, perhaps, they never went out of style). The inspiration remains intact: by “aura” we refer to the light emanation that envelops all living things and that, according to parapsychology, changes colour according to the sensations experienced. The result is nail art that combines a tie-dye effect with ombré shades to restore a shaded effect that radiates from the centre of the nail. There is no such thing as the perfect shade: aura nails tint all colours.
#4 Themed nails
Original? Yes, but with meaning. The nails of 2026 do not conform and, rather, play with a multitude of designs and colours, creating mismatched combinations that surprise. The only rule is to stay true to the chosen theme whether it’s aperitifs, a flower meadow or spaceships, the manicure should tell a story.
#5 Brown is the new black
In the wardrobe it is one of the absolute protagonists and, now, brown nail polish also tints the nails. With perfect elegance and infinite shades, it comes in chocolate, coffee, mocha and hazelnut to add a gluttonous, yet refined touch to nail art.
#6 The manicure of 2026 is pop.
If it is true that the clean girl aesthetic era has come to an end, there is no better time than 2026 to experiment with nails. Make way, then, for loud and fun effects, featuring a pop mood that will be perfect for the warm weather (and a little tan). No one colour seems to match the other, and yet, the harmony is undeniable.
#7 The return of dark colours
Slightly surprising is the return of dark colours among the nail art trends of 2026. Among the absolute protagonists are earth colours mud green, forest green, wood brown or cedar dye the fingertips and impose a return to nature.
#8 N#de nails
Over the past year, there have been a succession of trends that had pinkish nude nail polish as the sole protagonist, to trace the natural colour of the nail without distorting it. The year 2026 is no exception: invisible and glossy shades will be among the main trends again this year. Some glimmer for creativity, however, remains such a clear and perfect canvas, in fact, lends itself wonderfully to making minimal, yet colourful decorations.
#9 Blue nails
Nostalgic blue nail polish is fascinating, mysterious, highly original. The shades to try are midnight blue, Prussian blue or navy blue, but with the arrival of spring and summer they can lighten and approach light blue.
#10 Polka dot nail art
They debuted during 2025, but this is certainly not an ephemeral trend: polka dots on nails are fun and playful, a game to add to any nail polish colour. With slightly retro vibes, they are perfect for enlivening almond and medium-length nails to create a pattern that is actually visible and witty, perfect for welcoming spring.
