Apologies, Nude—These 21 Dark Nail Designs Show That Nothing Is More Stylish for Winter.
When it comes to my nails, I have two styles. The first, which I sport for most of the year, is a soft, milky pink typically created with two coats of The Gel Bottle’s Dolly BIAB. This look is timeless, works in any season, and, in my view, always appears elegant, which is why it has become my preferred nail style in recent years. My second style only emerges during the winter months; however, after recently making the switch and receiving a flood of compliments, I must admit that it could even surpass nude nails as the most stylish option. Believe me, now is the moment to embrace a darker winter nail color and watch the compliments come pouring in.
To showcase how chic dark winter nail colors can be, I’ve gathered 21 of my favorite shades crafted by some of the leading nail artists. From deep red wine hues ideal for the festive season to more unexpected shades like navy and forest green, there’s a dark color to match every style. If you find it hard to choose, just follow my lead as I plan to try them all out, and who knows, perhaps dark tones will become my new year-round signature nail style.
**Dark Winter Nail Colour Inspiration**
1. **Cherry Black**
A luxurious, glossy dark-red shade.
2. **Glossy Merlot**
Red wine tones are a reliable choice for this time of year.
3. **Nude Reimagined**
Manicurist Julia Diogo described this rich black color as ‘winter nude’, and I completely agree.
4. **Forest Green**
Dark green shades provide a less traditional yet equally stylish option.
5. **Hot Chocolate**
Brown polishes complement all skin tones beautifully.
6. **Pinot Noir**
Bio Sculpture’s Pinotage is inspired by the red wine of the same name.
7. **Blackest Burgundy**
This shade is a dark red that appears almost black in certain lighting.
8. **Croc Details**
Add nail art to dark brown shades for added interest.
9. **Night Sky**
Just look at the shine on this navy manicure.
10. **Near Darkness**
Is it black? Is it brown? We’re not sure, but Gel Bottle’s Mocha looks amazing.
11. **Moody Red**
Another fantastic jammy red option.
12. **Dark and Stormy**
Metallic accents give these dark brown nails a futuristic vibe.
13. **Festive Red**
This red color is ideal for the Christmas season.
14. **Plum Jam**
This purple hue looks deliciously tempting.
15. **Cat Eye Copper**
Choose a cat eye finish to add depth to dark copper nails.
16. **Tort and Black**
Tortoiseshell nail art pairs beautifully with dark colors.
17. **Cocoa Tips**
If total darkness feels too intense, a French tip offers a softer appearance.
18. **Glossy Brown**
I adore the slightly sheer finish of these glossy brown nails.
19. **Black Out**
Nail artist Harriet Westmoreland is known for her milky nude manicures, but even she can't resist darker shades sometimes.
20. **Maroon Tones**
There are countless ways to be creative with dark nail colors.
21. **Starry Night**
Dark shades provide the perfect base for sparkling finishes.
**The Best Dark Winter Nail Colours**
**Essie**
Nail Polish in Bordeaux
The ultimate red wine hue.
**Manucurist**
Nail Polish in Mocha
A glossy black-brown combination.
**CHANEL**
Le Vernis in Le Diable En Chanel
For when only black polish will satisfy.
**Barry M**
Gelly Nail Paint in Forest Green
This dark green looks exceptionally luxurious.
**Dior**
Vernis in Plum Parade
Dior’s plum shade features glitter for an extra touch of sparkle.
**Hermès**
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre
A high-end brown nail polish.
**Nailberry**
Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Orage
Navy tones are a distinct yet refined choice.
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