A new year is almost here, and with it comes a fresh wave of nail trends. But before diving into what 2026 will bring, a fresh manicure is in order—and as expected, January’s nail colors don’t disappoint.
“January always brings a return to clarity and calm, to fresh beginnings, and we’re seeing that reflected in nail color,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse. Soft shades are a given for the season, with sheer and milky polishes taking on a subtle update through glistening, shimmery finishes.
While these shades feel perfect for January, they’re not the only options. Rich berries and near-black hues, like midnight and forest green, are just as appealing. To help guide you, we spoke with three nail brand founders about the best colors to wear in January. Ahead, the nail colors to know for the new year.
Featured Experts
- Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director of Townhouse
- Thea Green is the founder of Nails.INC
- Amy Ling Lin is the founder and CEO of sundays studio
The 10 Best Nail Colors for Your First Manicure of 2026
1 / 10
Blackberry
This deep berry shade is one of my favorites for winter. Unlike fall's dark burgundy polishes, it has a rich, plummy undertone that feels fresh and crisp for January. Think winter berries, kissed by frost. The color is highly saturated with a sophisticated finish.
2 / 10
Frosted Pink
The sheer pink manicure you've enjoyed all year is getting a winter update this month. "Softly frosted pastels give nails a healthy glow, especially when topped with a glossy topcoat," says Thea Green, founder of Nails.INC.
3 / 10
Espresso
The great thing about an espresso manicure is that it checks all the boxes. "It has earthy grounding tones that offer a sense of warmth and have beautiful depth. It's also incredibly wearable for any skin tone and looks amazing with a glossy finish," says Huber-Millet.
4 / 10
Milky White
According to Green, the clean-mani movement doesn’t stop in January—it just gets milkier. Huber-Millet agrees, adding that subtle milky tones, such as coconut and sheer almond, will be trending for a month of new beginnings.
5 / 10
Midnight Blue
If you typically stick to dark, near-black shades, a midnight manicure should be on your January moodboard. While navy is the underlying hue, the inky tones transform it into a sleek shade, while the finish seals the deal. "A high-shine topcoat exudes sophistication and an editorial aesthetic," says Green.
6 / 10
Olive Green
"Soft, earthy tones are comforting and effortlessly elegant. A creamy olive green is the perfect shade to bring nature-inspired calm to winter days," says Lin.
7 / 10
Deep Wine
This shade of wine falls between autumn's dark burgundy and December's holiday red. "It's more refined than festive and pairs effortlessly with everything from denim to sharp tailoring," says Green, who adds that it looks especially luxe on short nails.
8 / 10
Muted Mauve
If you tend to gravitate toward light colors but are looking for a hue with edgy appeal, consider a plush mauve. "It's soft and has a velvet texture like your favorite winter knit. Plus, it's feminine and timeless," says Lin.
9 / 10
Pearly White
White manicures are common in winter, but this year's take feels incredibly fresh thanks to an iridescent finish. "Think of it like snow catching the morning light," says Lin. While creamy opaque shades can feel too harsh, a glazed white pearl brightens the look and can even have a similar effect on your skin.
10 / 10
Subtle Chrome
"January chrome is at a whisper-level, and works even better as an accent rather than a full metallic nail," says Green. Instead of going for an all-over look, she suggests trying chrome French tips or a soft half-moon detail at the cuticle. The small touch of chrome catches the light and feels modern compared to previous chrome trends.
