2026 is already shaping up to be a year of diverse themes, making it nearly impossible to foresee one overarching trend. The best manicure colors and nail trends to try in 2026 are no different: There’s a range of ideas, designs, and decorations to suit every aesthetic. Still, it seems that this year, the coolest manicures will be all about expressing your personal style, taste, and originality. Think: polka dots, no-frills neutrals, shades of blue, and unexpected earthy hues like forest green.
Of course, there are also some timeless classics in the mix, as well as glittery, metallic, or semi-transparent finishes for nails that look as though they’re made of glass. Read on to find out more about the nail trends and manicure colors that are sure to be popping up on everyone’s hands in 2026. One thing is for certain: The year in nail trends won’t be boring.
#1 Charcoal gray nails
It’s not black, it’s not nude, yet it offers the style of either. Gray, especially in anthracite and charcoal, is ideal for lending drama to nails while keeping them relatively neutral. Just keep your mani short to avoid looking too “Halloween.”
#2 Milky nails
Pantone says it’s a Cloud Dancer year, and among the 2026 nail trends, milky white nails are certainly back. Their advantage? They blend easily with all complexions, look chic in all seasons, and can serve as the ideal base for glitter or pearl top coats.
#3 Aura nails
Aura nails are back—or, maybe, they simply never went out of style. The inspiration? The age-old concept of the light that radiates from all living things. The result is nail art that combines a tie-dye effect with ombré shades to create a color range that emanates from the center of the nail bed. Best of all, the shade you choose is up to you.
#4 Themed nails
The best nail art trends of 2026 do not conform. Instead, they play with a multitude of designs and colors, creating mismatched and surprising combinations that follow a theme. The only rule is to stay true to your chosen concept; whether it’s cocktails, a flower meadow, or spaceships, the manicure should tell a story.
#5 Brown is the new black
Brown has been a wardrobe hero for the last little while, and now the earthy hue has come for your hands. Choose from an infinity of shades, including chocolate, coffee, mocha, hazelnut, and more.
#6 Pop art graphics
If it is true that the Clean Girl era has come to an end, there is no better time than 2026 to experiment with vibrant hues and graphic lines. Come summer, these eye-popping effects will be perfect for the warm weather and maybe a suntan.
#7 Moody earth nails
2026 will see the return of dark colors on nails. Among the absolute protagonists are earth tones like mud green, forest green, wood brown, or cedar, nodding to natural views. These hues look especially fresh in the form of high-shine glass nails.
#8 Pinky nude nails
Over the past year, there have been a succession of trends centered on pinkish nude nail polish, highlighting the natural color of the nail without disguising it. The trend for invisible and glossy shades continues for 2026. They’re the perfect canvas for a minimalist touch of nail art or decals.
#10 Polka dot nail art
Polka dot nails debuted during 2025, and it looks like playful spots are sticking around. With a slightly retro bent, they add liveliness to almond-shaped and medium-length nails, creating a pattern that feels perfect for spring.
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Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.