Want to know which January nail colors will be trending in 2027? The January nails below showcase the top colors to try this winter!
January 2027 Nail Colors On Everyones Radar
January is one of my favorite months for fashion. It’s the middle of winter, so all those dark, vampy, and dramatic tones are welcome. But it’s also the start of a new year, meaning it’s the perfect time to try new, trending colors or even give yourself a fashion refresh with something clean, classic, and simple.
This January, there’s a perfect combination of bold colors and classy neutrals to try, as retro hues make their way back to the top of the trend list and classic nude, moody neutrals, and cream tones remain a winter mainstay. Regardless of which aesthetic you lean toward, the trending 2027 January nail colors have something chic and fun for everyone to try!
Want more inspo? Don’t miss: The Hottest Nail Trends for 2027, According To Top Beauty Editors
1. Royal Purple
If you’ve already been paying attention to what’s happening in the fashion world, then seeing royal purple on this list should come as no surprise.
After appearing across multiple collections during the26/27 fall and winter shows, this color has been weaving its way from designers’ pieces into everyday wear, accessories, and onto the fingers of it-girls everywhere. Bustle also noted that the purple craze will continue into spring and summer, so this shade isn’t going anywhere in 2027, and you can get ahead of the trend by starting your new year with a gorgeous, vibrant purple mani.
Chrome, subtle shimmer, and velvet detailing are an easy way to dress up a simple purple manicure, as seen on the manicures featured in the center and to the left. However, if you want a more royal finish on your royal purple nails, pair them with luxurious gold embellishments and subtle 3D detailing, as the experts at Milano Nail Spa did.
2. In The Nude
Nude nails also made their way onto the catwalk for spring and summer shows, with “natural manicures that look glossy, healthy, and freshly groomed” becoming a notable theme throughout (according to Bustle).
This color, or lack thereof, is perfect for the beginning of 2027. Offering a fresh-start feel and giving your nails a refresh while keeping everything polished and chic, nude nails are definitely a hue to try.
For this trend, opt for an ultra-sheer coat of a nude polish (like the nails by @gelcare.official) or lean into a milky finish as Eszter did. If you want to give this color a simple upgrade and a wintry finish, add a soft, subtle pearly white chrome coat (take inspo from Natasha here) for nude nails that still grab attention.
3. Cafe Noir
Noted as black or near-black brown nails, this color is bold yet sophisticated and an excellent choice for winter. And with a color as rich and dramatic as this one, you can keep the design simple with classic solid nails or French tips.
Both @thenaileditions and @lesonglesdesabrina paired this hue with a traditional manicure design on long, elegant almond nails. I love these for a polished, feminine, and versatile look this winter. If you prefer to don a more complex and modern manicure, recreate the look by @sonis_salon and pair this café noir color with a creamy, warm brown center for an effortless aura design. Other designs to consider include velvet, cat-eye, plaid prints, and sheer coats of color.
4. Midnight Blue
The next January nail color to watch is another ultra-dark and dramatic tone. But for this one, we’re stepping away from neutrals towards a gorgeous, deep midnight blue.
Grazia magazine says that “Midnight blue – a shade darker than classic navy – is emerging as one of the most compelling alternatives to black,” adding that “this deep hue adds sophistication and an extra layer of visual depth to any outfit.“ Editors at Who What Wear also weighed in on the trend, noting that this color will “go with anything whilst looking expensive and effortlessly cool.“
While this color pairs well with plenty of other hues, as a neutral would, it still adds a subtle splash of color and a moody winter feel. I love how @annytsevtkova_nails paired this shade with a soft ivory shimmer for a cool and crisp winter look. Alternatively, Paulina and Ariana both chose a solid design, ultra-glossy and cat-eye coated, for dramatic yet wearable January nails.
5. Retro Red
Teen Vogue gave us all the details about our next nail color trend. After being seen on the hands of none other than Zendaya (dare I say, one of everyone’s favorite fashion icons), Vogue is calling this a color to try in 2027. They say, “While red nails are a forever minimalist staple, they’re trendier than ever this season.“
The key to this trend is choosing the right shade of red. While burgundy and maroon typically take center stage as traditional winter reds, in January of 2027, a bright, retro-inspired shade of red is the way to go.
I love the glassy red manicure from @overglowedit. It’s bright and playful with a contemporary touch that elevates the whole look. Red Frenchies (like the ones by @nails.miastudio) are an excellent way to add a splash of color without going all in. On the other hand, retro red chrome (see Kennedy’s mani above) perfectly combines this nostalgic hue with modern elements.
6. Dusky Blue
If there’s anything winter is known for, it’s muted, dusky blue skies. And this January, we’re taking that color and adding it to our nails for something chic and quintessentially wintry.
Dusky blue was named one of the top fall colors to try by experts at Refinery29, but it will stay a trend through winter 2027. Editors note that this color looks especially chic on short nails, and Megan’s manicure above and to the left shows how true that is. Paulina chose short nails for this look too, but added allure with a velvety blue base coat and classic opaque polish along the tips. Of course, if you can’t resist a long almond mani, you can still look chic and on-trend with a design similar to @sisnailsco_’s.
7. Camo Colors
If the retro red nail trend above didn’t feel nostalgic enough for you, then you’ll definitely want to consider this next color. Or should I say colors?
Camo tones are back in a major way, as this print and palette appeared in both clothing and nails during Paris Fashion Week (per the editors at Scratch magazine). This trend is all about the classic color combination we see in this print, so think army and olive green, stark black, soft tan tones, and shades of brown.
Above, @sophround_nails and @nunew_nailstudio pair this palette with actual camo print for nails that combine this rugged pattern with sleek, modern, feminine elements. I love how they’ve coupled camo with solid nails, creamy French tips, and silver embellishments for an earthy yet playful appeal. However, you don’t have to wear camo-printed nails to partake in this trend, since it’s really about the color palette. The nails on the right (by @bb.claws) mix camo colors into a modern pattern for a trendy, fun look.
8. Cream
Soft, dreamy cream tones will be a chic alternative to traditional white nails in 2027. Experts at Grazia magazine noticed this color in multiple winter collections, saying cream “has emerged as one of the most effortlessly elegant and wearable shades of the season.“
This color has the bright appeal of classic ivory nails but feels softer, with a subtle whimsy that’s perfect for the middle of winter. Ideal for a warm, neutral manicure, you can pair this color with darker hues for a bold, contrasting nail design or wear it as-is for a simple, clean girl look.
I am obsessed with Cassie’s manicure above. I love the frosted aesthetic that chrome adds to a cream-colored mani. Of course, you can’t go wrong with short, solid nails or creamy Frenchies to start the new year with a soft, airy, and sophisticated design.
Whether you lean into moody winter colors or try something bright and refreshing to start 2027, the January nail colors above are perfect for a fashion-forward look in the new year!
