It’s officially the new year, and a shiny new manicure seems like the best way to celebrate. January is a time for new beginnings, and this year’s nail trends follow suit with colours that feel fresh, sometimes fearless, and sometimes grounding. We asked professional manicurists what nail polish colours they think will be popular in January. Here are the colours they think will be popular all month.
1 of 08 Snowy White
Not only did Pantone choose Cloud Dancer as its colour of the year, but a soft, creamy white is also a great choice for January 2026 nails. The colour is a classic winter shade that makes you think of snowflakes and icy skies. Pattie Yankee, a famous nail artist, says her favourite style is a soft white with chrome on top. You could also try white with a subtle pearlescent or frosty sheen. “I love how it makes things look more elegant with a soft glow that catches the light and makes me feel like it’s January,” she says.
2 of 08 Red Cat-Eye Nails
If pink is too shy for you, red is the colour for you. Valeriia Telemaniuk, a nail artist and teacher, says this colour is really getting a lot of attention in January. “It’s like a little black dress for nails: it’s always in style, looks good on everyone, and can’t be replaced,” she says. With the cat eye effect, red becomes something that draws you in with a soft, glowing light.
3 of 08 Mauve with a Smoky Tone
Smoky mauve is a mix of classic soft mauve and cool smokiness that makes an edgy, earthy colour that is very popular this month. Sofiia Mazur, a nail artist and teacher, says, “I love that it can change from a more muted plum tone to a chic taupe depending on the light.” “Smoky mauve fits in with the earthy-tone trend that everyone loves, and the color’s versatility keeps you from getting bored.”
4 of 08 Champagne
It’s time to pop the bubbly and celebrate the new year. You can do this with your nails. This is a light beige with tiny glitter particles in it that “gives a twinkling, effervescent finish,” according to Yankee.
5 of 08 Cool Grey
This earth tone nail colour for January has a grey base and an icy blue tone. It can be used in a lot of different ways. “This colour looks like the grey skies and cold mornings of January.” Yankee says, “It goes great with cosy sweaters and gives your basic manicure a modern twist.”
6 of 08: Molten Silver Chrome
Use a chrome topper to make your grey look like it’s melting. The goal is to have a mirror-like shine with softer edges. Frank says, “Silver instantly makes your hands look polished (no pun intended), and it goes with everything from puffer jackets to gym sets to denim.” “It also catches even the smallest bit of winter sunlight, which makes it feel good.”
7 of 08 Ganache
Brown has been popular for a while, and it is still a popular colour for manicures this January. Mazur says, “Ganache is a deep, warm chocolate brown, and the popularity is rising fast because they bring warmth and richness to a cold January.” “This colour is cosy, which is why brown is so popular in fashion, beauty, and even home design.”
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8 of 08 Midnight Teal
This deep, oceanic teal with a dimensional finish is a definite yes. Depending on the angle, it looks like a mix of blue, green, and black, which makes it feel both bold and mysterious. January is the right time for that kind of deep, life-changing mood. Frank says, “The colour gives moody-mermaid energy.” “The depth makes short nails look planned and long nails look dramatic.”
