It’s safe to say that we love nothing more than getting our nails done. I know this because, every week, the stories we write about nail art and trends are consistently our most popular. This piqued my interest—what do people want when it comes to their nails? Are we more inclined to ask for short nails over long? Oval over square? Art over solid hues? When I visited my salon last week, I was curious to find out which colours were proving popular right now 1) to inform my choice and 2) to report my findings back to you. My manicurist responded, “Everyone wants timeless shades.”
It’s perhaps unsurprising that we’re turning to more classic colours. I’m no exception, either, for the colour I chose was a rich, deep shade of burgundy, which I thought would help bridge the gap between my more colourful and neutral outfits.
Nail colours are less of a commitment than a new piece of clothing, shoes or a bag but have the same ability to give your look a new-season refresh. So I’ve charted the latest ones that prove insanely popular season after season. And for good trend-led measure, I’ve thrown in a couple of of-the-moment shades that’ll give your style a swift update. Scroll on to see all 13 of them.
Vampy, not gothic, black nails have become chicer and chicer with each passing season.
OPI is often stocked in many salons, so you can guarantee a professional manicure at home.
Essie’s formula’s are glossy and apply seamlessly.
Although typically popular in summer, white nails are fast becoming a year-round manicure must.
This has a crackle finish for something a little different.
This off-white shade looks chic on all skin tones.
Pink always looks pretty and taps into the clean-girl nails we’ve been seeing everywhere. It’s all about those clean, almost translucent shades.
This is a favourite of many.
Look for polishes that have a semi-sheer finish to give nails just a hint of colour.
The breakout colour trend of 2022, this shade of green is sticking around.
The perfect pistachio green.
This hue leans on the more sage side of green.
Not quite as glamorous as pillar-box red but more fanciful than standard beige, this is the nail colour minimalists will zero in on.
This pretty terracotta shade works across all seasons.
Dip a toe in the trend by opting for pink-brown hues.
The colour I chose for my own nails, burgundy is timeless and will go with any and every outfit.
Look for rich, wine-inspired shades for a timeless manicure.
A gorgeous burgundy hue.
It might sound unexpected, but deeper, mustard tones will act as the perfect lift to more tonal clothing.
The whole WWW team loves this mustard shade.
Ochre is the perfect compromise between brights and neutrals.
Not as drastic-looking as black, grey provides the ideal alternative to those who want a softer monochromatic nail look.
A dove-grey tone is always a winner.
Grey goes with all colours in your wardrobe.
Rich and delicious, chocolate-brown tones are trending in a big way, even more so than usual.
This milk chocolate hue is a winner.
Meanwhile, this dark-chocolate colour is also taking our fancy.
If the more vivid shades of green don’t do it for you, rest assured dark, forest green is still on our nail colour radar.
This deep green looks so sophisticated on fingertips.
Emerald hues like this one work year-round.
A perennial nail colour, red is always a good idea if you’re unsure which shade to opt for. Although statement, it’s so classic it’ll work seamlessly with every outfit you wear while it’s painted on your nails.
A poppy red is so chic.
This long-lasting formula stays chip-free for days.
Not just for party season, metallic nails are making a comeback. Why not try a shade of solid gold?
This antique gold colour adds a gleam to the nails.
The perfect true gold shade.
Elegant and striking, navy nails never fail to make an impact. I’m particularly taken with this French-tip situation.
We’re mesmerised by this inky blue.
Price shown is member’s price. A shimmery formula adds dimensions to your nails.
Next Up: My Nails Have Never Been So Healthy, and It’s Down to This Product
This story was previously published and has since been updated.
