pruduct review

While, as a beauty editor, staying up to date with the latest nail trends is a big part of my job, I’ll be honest, my obsession with all things nails is actually much more personal. As someone who likes to sport a manicure year-round, tracking each season’s most popular nail colours, nail art designs and trending finishes is less about work and more about ensuring my own nails always look their best. Yet, while my motives may be self-serving, I’m more than happy to pass my findings on. After all, great manicures are for everyone, and, if the 2026 nail colour trends are anything to go by, I foresee a lot of great manicures in all our futures.

How do I know this? Well, I recently spoke to two nail experts, The Gel Bottle Founder Daisy Kalnina and Margaret Dabbs OBE, Founder of Margaret Dabbs London, to get their expert opinions on the nail colour trends they predict we’re going to be seeing a lot of in 2026. It turns out, we’re in for a treat. From more elevated takes on many of 2025’s most popular shades, like brown and burgundy tones, to colours that feel fresh and interesting, our 2026 nail appointments are set to be anything but boring. Here’s proof…

Firstly, allow me to introduce the nail colour trend that I can’t get enough of right now and which I predict we’ll see much more of in 2026. Leading on from the milky manicure trend, sheer grey nails are on the rise, offering a hint of colour with a slightly fresher feel than traditional milky white tones. The key with this look is to not go too heavy and ensure your natural nail shows through for a barely-there, smoke-like effect that’s so alluring.

“A major trend carrying into 2026 is the shift toward wellness-led, natural-looking nails,” explained Dabbs. As a result, in 2026, we’ll see many opting for soft, natural-looking shades that enhance the look and feel of the natural nail. “Our best-selling Nail Strengthening Treatment, The Marylebone, delivers this soft, clean look with a sheer ballet-pink,” Dabbs continued, “supporting [nail] strength while achieving that effortless, minimal finish for your nails but better.”

While soft nail shades are continuing into 2026, for those who prefer shades with a little more punch, Kalnina has the answer. “Our Ibiza Blues Magnetic Gel from our autumn drop proved wildly popular and I suspect teal will continue to be a standout hero for 2026,” she told me. “It’s a beautiful fluid, sophisticated fusion of aquatic green and deep blue and it’s so universally flattering across all skin tones.”