Nails

7 Unique Takes on The Chocolate Nails Trend

December 18, 2025

During the holiday season, we’re always craving something sweet—and apparently, that applies to our beauty routine, too. Searches for “chocolate nails” are up 600%, with celebrities like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Lily Collins all giving it their stamp of approval—and their own personal twists.

So what makes chocolate nails? No, they aren’t just brown (a color that oscillates around a spectrum of intensities, from beige to teak, mocha mousse, and acorn). Instead, chocolate shades range from medium to strong, with an undertone of red or gold. The rich shade could come milky to dark—just like the bean itself—and can be employed as a statement-making shade or neutral finishing touch on long, midi, and short nails. It’s that versatile! Much like brunette hair and ’90s-inspired brown lips, there’s a shade of chocolate nails for everybody.

Essie

Expressie Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Take The Espresso

$10

AMAZON

Hermès

Les Mains Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre

$62

NORDSTROM

Many of this winter’s nail trends have leaned into the more maximalist vibes of holiday season, with detailed decals and fun prints. There’s been an uptick in plaid and argyle knit-inspired manicures that take cues from your fave sweaters, as well as foliage nails, abstract lines, and foodie decals. Chocolate nails seem to hit everything we’re looking for from our next nail appointment—easy to combine with other mani trends for the ultimate beauty decadence, or scale back and keep understated and chic.

So what’s your style du jour when it comes to chocolate nails? Maybe you want some elegant cocoa French tip nails, a chocolate and gold nail art combo, or some glazed donut confectionary hybrid. Maybe you just want to know what your color options are for when you’re squinting at the gel nail color wheel in the salon. Whatever the case, here’s our total chocolate nails trend breakdown. Enjoy with a tea!