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6 expert-approved nail trends we're warming up to this winter

Put down the gloves

By Briar Clark

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / June 10 2025

If you're just as horrified as we are by the fact that autumn is over, and winter is here, know you are in safe company.

We've spent the past few weeks turning over a new leaf as far as our beauty routines are concerned. With our skin care, haircare, and even oft forgotten body care routines getting updated lately, just like the seasons, we're in the midst of big changes.

So, naturally, with all the serious stuff taken care of, we're now turning our attention to the wanton domains of our beauty regimens. We're indulging in nostalgic scented candles on cold nights, bold perfumes on blustery days, and fresh manicures to match our (equally refreshed) winter wardrobes. But we're doing it all with the help of experts of course.

Ahead, celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, editorial nail artist Victoria Houllis, and Pax Polish founder Emma Paxton, share their trend predictions for the cooler months and manicures to come.

1/ Increase the depth of your manicure

"For winter, dark colours such as deep red — like an OPI Malaga Wine ($18.99 from Chemist Warehouse) — deep blue or deep greens are classics that get requested a lot," Zola Ganzorigt tells BEAUTYcrew.

Victoria Houllis and Emma Paxton agree, with both Aussie nail experts predicting that nail polish shades like deep blood red and dark navy blue will both be big this winter.

Try: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in 'Rouge Noir' ($49 from David Jones) or 'Fugueuse' ($49 from David Jones).

Image via: @shuga.studio

2/ Try nail colours inspired by your coffee order

Paxton thinks mocha nail polish will play a part in people's manicures in the cooler months, while Houllis predicts that everyone's obsessions with matcha will spill over into their beauty routines.

"These colours are not only rich and warm, but also versatile enough to complement any winter wardrobe," Paxton explains.

Try: Pax Polish Nail Colour + Treatment in 'Serena' ($31 from Pax Polish) or 'Susan' ($31 from Pax Polish).

Image via: @paolaturani

3/ Chrome manicures are here to stay

The easiest way to spruce up your digits this season? "Chromes, I don’t think it’ll ever leave the rotation," says Houllis.

"I love taking a simple nude look and adding chrome to create a pretty glazed manicure," says Gonzorigt. "Anything with cat eye and chromes are so popular. These effects add dimension and sparkle — almost like jewellery for your hands."

Adding a chrome dust powder on to your in-salon manicure usually only costs an additional $10 to $20, but Pax Polish's Nail Colour + Treatment in 'Hailey' ($31 from Pax Polish) is perfect for the time poor and at-home DIYers.

Image via: @nailsbyzola

4/ Simple sets are best

"As for trends that might fall out of vogue, I think overly bright and neon colours are going to take a backseat this winter," states Paxton. "The focus will probably shift towards more subdued and muted tones that exude a cosy and refined vibe."

Ganzorigt also claims that bold, mismatched nail designs are going to be less popular, while simple manicures using bare nude nail polish shades, and soft French manicures, are still very much on trend. Which is why the celebrity nail artist always has OPI's 'Bubble Bath' ($18.99 from Chemist Warehouse) and 'Put It In Neutral' ($18.99 from Chemist Warehouse) in her nail kit.

Image via: @nailsbyzola

5/ Max out your aura points with aura nails

"I think when the summer glow fades, a little something special on the fingertips helps ease the winter blues," says Houllis, predicting that aura nails in deeper tones will start to creep into our social feeds this winter.

If your nail artist has an airbrush pen like Houllis' Mannequin Hands studio then you'll be right as rain. But alternatively, if you prefer a jelly finish, you can also use blooming gel ($22 from Gelous) and a dotting tool ($23 from MECCA) for a similar effect.

Image via: @sansungnails

6/ Nail care is a non-negotiable

"It’s really important to moisturise your nails in winter, so using cuticle oil and hand creams is a must," advises Ganzorigt. And according to Houllis, you should be applying cuticle oil as often as you apply your lip balm.

Additionally, regular use of a strengthening base coat can help protect your nails from the harsh elements, says Paxton.

Try: Angel City 001 Cuticle & Fragrance Oil ($75 from Angel City), OPI ProSpa Protective Hand, Nail & Cuticle Cream ($24.95 from Adore Beauty), or Essie Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener Pink Tint ($14.99 from Chemist Warehouse).

Image via: @overglowedit

Main image credit: @nailsbyzola

In the mood for a complete seasonal overhaul? These are the top winter haircut and colour trends to try in 2025.

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).