The must-try nail color trends in 2026 will let you be fashionable while still having fun! This year is the perfect excuse to try something new and wear what actually feels like you. There are barely-there sheers to shades that make a statement so you can look polished and be confident. If your nails are your finishing touch, 2026 is looking like a defining year in fashion.
How did we discover what the top nail color trends are going to be? We checked what some of the best nail artists in the business are predicting. They include Miss Pop, Jin Soon Choi, and Valeriia Telemaniuk, to name a few.
Must-Try Nail Color Trends That Will Define 2026
Sheer and Simple
Let’s begin with a holdover from 2025. Nude nails are still hot because they don’t distract from the rest of your ensemble. Moreover, the spring and summer 2026 fashion shows featured many models with sheer shades. However, the look may be evolving from soap and lip gloss to a fresher feeling. If you enjoy colors like Bare My Soul and Skinny Dip, but you also want a shortcut for longer, more elegant nails, we have the solution. Browse our collection of builder gels and pick up dual forms for the easiest extensions you’ve ever done.
Besides our builder gel in a jar, our BIAB builder gel in the bottle comes in three dozen sheer shades that last up to three weeks without peeling or breaking. They cure under LED or UV light to a glossy finish. And yes, they are beginner friendly.
LAVIS Builder Gel in the Bottle B2 Collection
Never Boring Neutrals
Mocha Mousse was Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025. The new color for 2026 is also neutral. The soft white Cloud Dancer shade goes with everything, too. But how do you keep brown and white from being boring?
Polka dot nails are one answer to the dilemma. They are still very much in demand. Or you could follow WhoWhatWear’s advice and combine brown or white with any of your favorite shades for a high contrast manicure with negative space or stripes.
Take things up a notch by using cat eye gel in frosty white or sizzling brown instead of a plain, opaque shade. Or go the extra mile with 3D flowers – it’s not hard with Satin Carving Gel. This non-sticky product is surprisingly easy to sculpt, just as seen in the manicure below.
While you’re exploring neutrals, remember pink fits right into the lineup. It’s flattering and feminine, sweetening up the cream and chocolate.
LAVIS 9D Cat Eyes CE10 - 04 (Ver2) - Gel Polish 0.5 oz - Beauty Bureau Collection
Monochrome Manis with Metallics
While we’re on the topic of neutral colors, multiple fashion sites mentioned black and white manicures, especially with metallic accents. The manicure below softens the stark contrast with a floral pattern and gold flecks. It feels luxurious, and it’s quite simple to re-create.
What are the basics? The artist used LAVIS Super Black Gel because there’s nothing like it for intense color in one coat. Next, LDS Liner Art Gel and LAVIS Special Carving Gel in white created the delicate petals that were highlighted with A’DOR Beauty Marble Ink in gold. The final step was LAVIS Diamond Top Coat to ensure a long-lasting finish.
As a nail professional, nothing beats products that offer beautiful results with less effort. Tools like carving gel and marble ink are quick and easy to use and add value that everyone can appreciate.
LAVIS Gel Polish Super Black
Lavis Satin Carving Gel - 0.5oz White
Black is Back
Stock up on black polish because people want quiet luxury manicures with refined, elegant looks. Just like the little black dress never goes out of style, neither do black nails. Goths are no longer the only ones who appreciate this versatile hue.
Moreover, black is ideal for making cat eye effects more dramatic. Here’s a set created with a luscious shade from the Scarlet Bloom Collection on LAVIS Super Black Gel. It’s enhanced with LDS Universal Cat Eye Gel in the RB02 color.
What is Universal Cat Eye polish? The transparent formula comes in a few different colors and effects like gold, rainbow, silver, and crystal. A coat of Universal Cat Eye gives any ordinary polish shade a cat eye shimmer so you can dress up any color instantly.
LDS Mirror - RB02 - Universal Cat Eye Collection
Confidence and Energy with Reds
Red, pink, burgundy, and orange-red are all going to be trendy nail colors this year. Jin Soon Choi explained that wine reds are gorgeous for matching a romantic and confident mood and a tailored outfit. A matte finish on burgundy can feel vintage and opulent like velvet.
In contrast to smooth, dark red is spicy orange-red like Cajun Shrimp. This variant is overtaking candy apple red with more warmth and energy. However, since it’s challenging for cool tones to wear, buffer it with a flattering sheer shade near the skin with the fiery tones on the tips.
OPI Intelli Gel - L64 Cajun Shrimp
Burst of Blue
While cobalt blue was chic in years past, muted blues have moved in now. Salons are starting to see requests for foggy blue and denim hues. What’s interesting is that both tones are neutral alternatives for when the wearer wants to match a wide range of outfits with a personalized look. The most popular muted blues feel reflective and calming, but not sad.
If you’re not ready to tone down your azure looks yet, remember that metallics and shimmers are still valid choices for 2026. They can accompany all the new nail color trends and jazz up blue nails. For example, here’s a blue shade from a Pat Pat Gel Palette with cat eye colors. It’s all textured with waves of clear LAVIS Emboss Gel, a simple sculpting product.
LAVIS Pat Pat Gel (Ver 2) - P05
LAVIS Emboss Gel - Clear
Honorable Mention
It’s fair to say that 2026 looks to be the year that neutral nail color trends blossom. Besides the shades mentioned above, we’ve also heard that mauve, champagne, gray, and deep tones of brown and teal deserve honorable mention. All of those versatile colors can bring out the best in other hues.
Conclusion
Stock up now and be ready for the nail color trends taking over in 2026. Shop our store for sales that will keep you on budget so you can achieve all your nail goals this year.