Sage It For Later

With the popularity of matcha tea, it’s no surprise that this pretty shade of elevated light green has translated into a popular nail color that reads almost like a neutral. Manicurist Tee Hundley predicts this color will remain popular through 2026, noting that the shade is bright but not too loud, reflecting subtle happiness.

“Green is also the color of good health and relaxation, and it visually makes you happy and calm, especially because we look at our hands all day.” However, when choosing the right shade of green, Hundley recommends considering your skin’s undertone. “Sometimes, I like the brightness of a more yellow green on a cooler-toned individual.”

Cauliflower Power

Manicurist Adelayda Ramirez says that white nails will remain in demand simply because they create a blank-canvas look. “In 2026, we won’t see stark or opaque white nail polish anymore. Instead, the color will read softer, dimensional, and almost atmospheric,” she shares. “The whites of 2026 will be more milky whites, translucent layers, pearlescent finishes, or whites paired with texture, soft chrome veils, micro-glitter suspended inside, or sculptural nail art,” Ramirez says.

Tempted to Lick-orice

Over the past few years, we’ve seen iterations of glitter in several forms, ranging from barely-there micro glitters to full-on chunky glitter. Nail artist Valeriia Telemaniuk calls this next wave of glitter polish a little more grown-up. “It’s no longer about piling on sparkle, but more about creating light and a mood,” she says. In fact, Telemaniuk is seeing more of her clients gravitate towards sheer bases with refined shine or glitter that’s blended directly into the color.

EMOtional

Gone are the days when black polish was seen as purely gothic. Today, a high-gloss black manicure reads as strong, confident, and even warm—but for a 2026 update, Hundley recommends opting for a black glitter nail polish instead. “It’s the choice for someone who means business yet still wants to portray a confident and sexy look,” she says.

Lollypoppin’ Bubblegum

Pink is back, yet again, but this new era of pink polish isn’t as sweet as in years past. Telemaniuk says the pinks we’ll see in 2026 are without the innocence typically associated with the color. “It’s a color of energy and confidence,” she says. “We’re going to see a lot of bright roses, cool pinks, and fuchsia that feel bold yet surprisingly wearable.”

Can’t Hardly Wait

Pale taupes—like OPI’s Can’t Hardly Wait—are one of the grounding neutral shades expected to be a mainstay for next year. “These colors are great to wear on the hands and toes and are the perfect solid manicure colors, too,” Hundley says.

Although grounding neutrals are often described as “skin tone” shades, Telemaniuk notes that these colors respond to light and complement the skin tone, creating a natural-looking manicure. “This is the kind of manicure people choose when they want to look put-together without making a statement,” she says.

O Suzi Mio

For the past few seasons, light purple has taken center stage, but now it’s time for deeper, multi-dimensional purples to get their 15 minutes of fame. Ramirez describes purple nail polish as emotional, spiritual, and sensual, noting that “it spans softness and power effortlessly.”

From deep eggplant to shimmery, burgundy-tinged purples, every range of the color feels just as wearable as it is expressive. “These moody, deep shades of purple are especially popular now because they bridge creativity and elegance,” she adds. “A vampy plum feels intimate and mysterious while letting you express depth without being overpowering.”

Do You Sea What I Sea?

Hundley says shimmery shades of blue were once considered “uncool” but are now popular for nail art. When incorporating shades of turquoise or ocean blue into your manicure, Ramirez recommends choosing a soft-shimmer finish over high-gloss, which tends to look more elevated than polishes with heavy sparkle. “When done right, blues and greens feel expansive and modern and look more like art than they do a trend,” she says.