The facts. A gel mani lasts around two weeks. Book yours now and it’ll be ready for a refresh right before the big day. The hard bit? Picking a colour. Like the toss up between tea and coffee, red or white, Ant and Dec – it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite. That’s when expert advice comes in handy. We’re sharing the expert intel, because it’s Christmas – a time for giving. To help you choose your next nail colour, here they are, the most-booked colours of right now.
Spoiler: according to Nail Club at Skinnydip London – “with the winter months setting in, we’re seeing a return to the classics, from navy blues, to nudes, and pillar box reds”.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Navy tones
Darker tones will forever swing around once the cold weather – and pumpkin spice – arrives. No doubt inspired by the Treatwell Festive Mani (ahem), navy is 2018’s darker shade of choice. A slight lift from black, it’s versatile, and looks great with 99% of your festive wardrobe. Blue Eyeshadow – a CND shellac shade – “has been surprisingly popular, as well as other dark blue shades like Blue Moon and Winter Nights” says Nail Club at Skinnydip London. ColourRiotNails, the mani spot in Shoreditch, back it up too, calling out CND’s Burgundy Mist, Dark Scarlet, and Midnight Blue as November’s sought-after shades.
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2 Bright reds
Like a homage to Christmas, red nails are always good news. But, which shade to go for? (This stuff matters). Pillarbox, tomato, or good old ‘deep red’, the colour looks 10/10 on nails of any length. CND’s Wildfire is a popular choice right now, according to Nail Club, while H’onu Nail Bar (top nail spot in Farringdon), highlighted Malaga Wine, Big Apple Red and Russian Navy as most popular. To keep your red looking extra glossy through it’s 2-3 week life span, make sure to apply cuticle oil daily. Red nails will garner attention – keep ‘em looking fresh.
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3 Usual nudes
Of course, what would be a ‘popular nail’ breakdown without the nail colour – nude. Varied across skin types, keeping things minimal atop our fingertips is a ‘trend’ that prevails all year round. According to Skinnydip, it’s Nailberry’s Almond at most-chosen spot, a “whitish nude” on paler skin tones, that’d be sure to stand out on deeper skin too. Consider the brand a healthy burst for your nails – the oxygenated formula allows air and water to strengthen natural nails even beneath polish. Looks good, does good. Winner.
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4 The nail art
If one colour just isn’t enough (I get it, ‘tis the season for more is more), then you should dabble in nail art. Ours, to be precise. The Festive Mani launched last week: a navy base, and topped with stars, it’s a little extra something on a one colour situation. The #TreatwellFestiveMani is available at select salons across London and Manchester, and if you take a look on Instagram, you’ll see it in all its sparkly glory.
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
FAQs
How long does a gel manicure typically last?
A gel manicure usually lasts around two weeks. You can book your appointment so your nails are ready for a refresh before a special occasion. Gel polish stays glossy and chip-free for most of its lifespan.
Which nail colours are most popular for winter?
The most popular winter nail colours are navy blues, nudes, and pillar box reds. These classic shades suit festive wardrobes and are trending in salons right now, with specific navy and dark red tones mentioned as top choices.
What are the top navy nail shades this season?
Popular navy shades include CND Blue Eyeshadow, Blue Moon, and Winter Nights. These darker tones are a favourite during colder months and look great with almost any festive outfit. Other top picks are CND’s Burgundy Mist, Dark Scarlet, and Midnight Blue.
How do you keep red nails looking glossy for longer?
To maintain extra gloss on red nails during their 2-3 week life, apply cuticle oil daily. This simple step helps nails stay fresh and vibrant, ensuring your manicure gets attention throughout the festive season.
What is special about Nailberry’s Almond nude polish?
Nailberry Almond is a “whitish nude” shade that stands out on both paler and deeper skin tones. The oxygenated formula allows air and water to strengthen your natural nails, so it not only looks good but also promotes nail health.
Can you get festive nail art with a gel manicure?
Yes, you can choose festive nail art options like The Festive Mani, which features a navy base topped with stars. This design is available at select salons in London and Manchester and offers a little extra sparkle for the season.