Midnight blue nails are one of the first major nail polish trends fresh for 2026. Building upon 2025’s color scheme of easy, back-to-basic shades, 2026 is about elevating that, and a sumptuous shade of late-night sky blue fits the bill.
In need of some nail color for your next nail salon appointment? When I’m totally stuck, I open Instagram, and check out what Hailey Bieber’s manicure is saying. Yes, she’s got that signature look of understated glazed nails in all possible variations—but sometimes, she’s good for a surprise set. Lemontini nails and fruit decals in the summer, chrome for fall, and what for winter? Bieber is backing the midnight blue mani.
Posting on her IG stories to promote her friend and fellow beauty mogul Kylie Jenner’s new fragrance, Cosmic Intense Parfum, the Rhode founder showed off her extra-dark midnight blue polish on short, almond-shaped nails. It’s a shade with seasonally appropriate depth and intensity, and a fresh switch-up from the usual burgundy and browns. And, it works on any nail length or shape. Bieber isn’t the only one sporting this sumptuous shade of blue on her nails either, some of our favorite nail artists have hopped on it too—plus, blue in all its shades is all over the runways.
Below, some inspo for your next midnight blue manicure.
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Dark nail polish colors can be unforgiving—you have to watch out for streaks and uneven layers. Below, a few tricks on how to do midnight blue nails that are sleek, neat, and chic:
- Never go without a base coat: Dark pigments can stain, especially on very porous nails. Therefore, you should always apply a base coat beforehand.
- Apply two to three ultra-thin coats instead of one thick one. It’s also important to let each coat dry completely before applying the next. If the polish looks streaky after the first coat, don’t try to correct it immediately; let it dry first–otherwise, you’ll get unsightly streaks. Any imperfections will smooth out automatically with the next coat.
- Wipe the brush thoroughly, then place it in the center. First, draw downwards towards the cuticle, then upwards. Paint the sides last and with minimal pressure—this will prevent dark edges on the skin. If this does happen: Dip a narrow brush (like an eyeliner brush) in nail polish remover and use it to clean the nail beds.
- Chipping is especially noticeable with dark colors. Apply each coat of color and topcoat right up to the tip of the nail to seal the edge.
- For best results, use a gel-effect top coat. Reapply it after 24 hours to further extend its durability.
- Because dents are easily visible in dark paint, quick-dry drops or a drying spray are recommended.
