If there’s one nail colour trend that is constantly reinventing itself, it’s the red manicure. In the summer months, it’s chilli-red tones that take precedent, while red wine hues stood their ground last autumn, winter and right through the festive period. For a year-round red, postbox-inspired shades are an ever-popular choice, while jammy cherries look so expensive paired with a glossy top coat and clean cuticle work. What I’m trying to say is, you really can’t go wrong with a red manicure in whichever variation you opt for; however, if you’re someone who likes to stay at the forefront of nail trends, allow me to put another red nail look on your radar: brick red.
Sitting between a warm-toned red and a terracotta, brick-red nails take inspiration from, you guessed it, the warm ruddy shade of bricks commonly used to build houses. As a result, it sits between many of the nail colours we’ve been loving in recent months, like chestnut browns, cosy copper tones and, of course, classic reds. Unlike the latter, however, brick red feels much more unexpected. It’s a red for people who like to shuck tradition and instead put their own twist on a trend.
Take Selena Gomez, for example, who was spotted on Instagram swapping traditional festive red tones for Apres Nail’s Brickhouse, or nail artist Iram Shelton, who recently dubbed Dior’s brick-red nail polish "the prettiest shade". And, these are only two of the many nail lovers who’ve been going brick red in recent months. To prove it, I’ve rounded up my favourite brick red nail inspiration. Just keep scrolling to shop the best brick red nail polishes to recreate their trending looks yourself…
The Best Brick Red Nails Inspiration
Celeb Approval
Selena Gomez confirmed brick red nails are definitely in.
Warm Up
This set really shows off the warmth of a brick red polish.
Red Hot
A slightly fierier set with a warming orange undertone.
Short and Sweet
Iram’s brick red mani looks great on her short, squoval nails.
Go Dotty
Brick red French tips and polka dots? A dreamy combo.
Bold Brick
Proof that this shade looks great on longer nail lengths, too.
Ruddy Red
Opt for brown undertones for a slightly darker look.
The Best Brick Red Nail Polishes
Manucurist’s polish is formulated without any nasty ingredients.
Sephora’s aptly named Brick Red nail polish is the perfect red meets orange tone.
Apply two coats for a flawless finish.
Hermès' offering is slightly brighter for a high-impact look.
This Dior polish has an earthy richness to it.