When it comes to my nails, I have two modes. First, the nail trend that you’ll find me wearing most of the year is a soft, milky pink usually achieved with two coats of The Gel Bottle’s Dolly BIAB. It’s a look that’s timeless, seasonless, and, in my opinion, always looks elegant, hence why it’s become my go-to nail look in recent years.
My second mode only comes into play during the winter months; however, having recently made the switchover and receiving a wave of compliments in response, even I have to admit, it may surpass nude nails as the chicest choice of all. Trust me, now is the time to turn to the dark side and embrace a dark winter nail colour and prepare to watch the compliments roll in.
To prove just how chic dark winter nail colours can be, I’ve pulled together 21 of my favourite shades created by some of the biggest and best nail artists. From rich red wine shades perfect for the festive season to more unexpected tones like navy and forest green, there’s a dark shade to suit all styles. If you can’t choose, however, just follow my lead as I’ll be working my way through each of them for the foreseeable and who knows, maybe dark tones will become my new signature nail look, year round…
Dark Winter Nail Colour Inspiration
1. Cherry Black
It doesn’t get more luxe than this glossy, dark-red tone.
2. Glossy Merlot
Red wine tones are a foolproof choice at this time of year.
3. Nude Reimagined
Manicurist Julia Diogo dubbed this rich black shade ‘winter nude” and I couldn’t agree more.
4. Forest Green
Dark green tones offer a less conventional, but no less chic, choice.
5. Hot Chocolate
Brown polsihes look great on all skin tones.
6. Pinot Noir
Bio Sculpture’s Pinotage takes inspiration from the red wine of the same name.
7. Blackest Burgundy
This is actually a dark-red tone which flits to almost black in certain lights.
8. Croc Details
Introduce nail art to add interest to dark brown tones.
9. Night Sky
Check out the shine on this navy manicure.
10. Near Darkness
Is it black? Is it brown? We don’t care because Gel Bottle’s Mocha looks incredible.
11. Moody Red
Another incredible jammy red set.
12. Dark and Stormy
Metal details give these dark brown nails a futuristic feel.
13. Festive Red
This red tone is perfect for the Christmas period.
14. Plum Jam
This purple tone looks good enough to eat.
15. Cat Eye Copper
Opt for a cat eye finish to add dimension to dark copper nails.
16. Tort and Black
Tortoiseshell nail art and dark nail colours go hand in hand.
17. Cocoa Tips
If complete darkness feels too heavy, try a French tip for a softer look.
18. Glossy Brown
I love the slightly sheer finish on these glossy brown nails.
19. Black Out
Nail artist Harriet Westmoreland may be known for her milky nude manicures, but even she can't resist darker tones at times.
20. Maroon Tones
There are so many ways to get creative with dark nail colours.
21. Starry Night
Dark tones make the perfect base coat for sparkle finishes.
The Best Dark Winter Nail Colours
The ultimate red wine shade.
A glossy black meets brown tone.
For when only black nail polish will do.
This dark green colour looks so expensive.
Dior’s plum shade has specs of glitter running through it for a little added sparkle.
A luxe brown nail polish.
Navy tones are a unique but elegant choice.