TRENDWATCH

AW26 TREND Triumphs

Image courtesy of Gelish, showcasing the Boujie by Nature collection, available via www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk

Trend: Heritage hands

Impact ★★★★★

Wearability ★★★

Sophistication: ★★★★

Category: Design

Seasonal style guide: Heritage patterns are timeless textile and design motifs rooted in traditional craftsmanship and regional culture. AW26 will see the likes of plaid, argyle, tweed and knitted effects make an impact on nails. Best paired with: Neutral palettes and clean nail shapes that allow the intricate patterns to shine. Why it wins: Reinterpreting heritage prints on nails reflects a wider industry shift towards textural and tactile designs. The trend taps into a growing desire for nostalgia, while offering a fresh and modern interpretation of traditional patterns.

New York-based nail artist, Ayumu Takasawa (@ayumutksw), uses clear L&P acrylic powder to add texture to this cable knit design.

Instagram.com/ayumutksw

Autumnal argyle print is elevated with a touch of silver chrome by London nail pro, Saskia Ivy of Suki Nails.

Instagram.com/suki_nailz

Professional provenance

The prevalence of heritage patterns for autumn/winter 2026 was predicted at global Fashion Weeks, where designers showcased houndstooth, tweed and checkered prints reinvented for the season.

Scratch Stars Nail Stylist of the Year finalist 2026, Dee McIntosh, states: “While social media heavily influences trends, fashion has the biggest impact.” Fellow category finalist, Kellie Sanfiz, agrees. “Fashion is a massive influence, and clients are becoming more confident about making these trends their own,” she shares. “They bring inspiration pictures and say, ‘I love this, but can we make it more me?’.”

Dee McIntosh

Alice Nali, Scratch Stars Mixed Media Artist of the Year 2025 and 2026, notes: “Textile-inspired effects, like tweed and knitted textures, will have a strong seasonal appeal. Fine liner nail brushes and art gels are invaluable for this detailed work.”

Alice Nali

The ultimate showdown is here, as the biggest nail trends for autumn/winter 2026 go head to head. With each contender judged on wow factor, widespread appeal and wearability, find out which nail colours, finishes and designs deserve a place in your trend toolkit.

1 HARA Professional Gel Polish in Cherish Jelly £7.40 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk

2 MelodySusie All-In-One Acrylic & Dip Powder in Clear £13 inc VAT www.melodysusie.com

3 Allure Beauty Supplies Black Liner Nail Art Brush £12 inc VAT www.allurenails.co.uk

Scratch Stars Nail Stylist of the Year 2025 and 2026, Kirsty McDonough, modernises a traditional plaid pattern with reverse French styling. Head to page 80 for more plaid nail inspo.

Trend: Classy cat eye

Impact ★★★★

Wearability ★★★★

Sophistication: ★★★★★

Category: Finish

Seasonal style guide: A softer spin is being put on magnetic manicures. Instead of bold, defined cat eye, we'll see diffused velvet finishes that create depth and movement. Best paired with: Jelly gel polishes in rich autumnal hues. Layered over a velvet cat eye base, they create a look that’s equal parts sophisticated and shimmering. Why it wins: Completely customisable – from the colour palette to the way the magnetic particles are manipulated, cat eye finishes have become a staple in the nail world. Their versatility and mesmerising effects are perfect for unique, eye-catching designs.

Professional provenance

“Velvet nails are set to evolve this autumn/winter, with softer cat eye effects replacing bold magnetic stripes,” comments Alice Nali.

Scratch Stars Nail Stylist of the Year finalist 2026, Kellie Sanfiz, adds: “Magnetic gel polishes are more versatile than many people realise. This season, they are going to be especially popular under nail art and jelly gel polishes.”

Kellie Sanfiz

Texas-based nail artist, @drilledbylo, combines soft pink cat eye with an edgy nail shape for a subtle yet modern style.

Instagram.com/drilledbylo

Nottingham nail tech, Learnah Starbuck, layers a red jelly gel polish over The GelBottle Inc Magnetic Gel Polish in Obsession to create a mesmerising manicure.

1 The GelBottle Inc Magnetic Gel Polish in Obsession £17.95 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

2 Andreia Professional Meowgic Cat Eye Effect Gel Polish in MC5 £5.99 + VAT www.salon-services.comwww.andreiaprofessional.com

3 The Manicure Company 5-in-1Magnet Tool £10.45 inc VAT www.themanicurecompany.com

Turn to page 48 to find out how to achieve a velvet finish, as well as other ways to use cat eye nail products.

Olive green and mauve cat eye hues complement each other perfectly in this tonal look by Arizona-based nail pro, Kate of @radikatnailco.

4 Glitterbels Cowgirl Collection £53.94 inc VAT (£8.99 inc VAT individually) www.glitterbels.com Available from 12 October 2026.

Instagram.com/radikatnailco

Softly shimmering magnetic particles characterise this design by Alice Nali.

Trend: Transformative teal

Impact ★★★★

Wearability ★★★★

Sophistication: ★★★★

Category: Colour

Seasonal style guide: Though the shade grew in popularity throughout spring/summer, the AW26 iteration will take on a richer tone. Instead of bright turquoise, think deep sea green: ideal for the colder months.

Best paired with: Itself. Layer and combine multiple teal tones to create effortlessly elegant designs. Why it wins: Rich and versatile with a playful edge, teal offers a fresh alternative to traditional autumn/winter colour palettes. Sitting between blue and green, its broad spectrum of tones makes it universally flattering and highly wearable.

Professional provenance

According to Coloro and WGSN’s Global Colour Forecast, ‘Transformative Teal’ will dominate during AW26. The report states: “A fluid fusion of classic dark blue and aqua green, this is the perfect colour for a time of change and redirection. Invest in Transformative Teal as an alternative dark for the season.”

Meanwhile, Pinterest Trends has reported a meteoric 1,200% rise in searches for teal nail inspiration since last year, and indicates that the taste for teal is only set to increase.

Nail and cosmetics tool brand, STALEKS, notes the reasoning behind teal’s autumn/winter popularity, describing the hue as ‘a complex, refined, deep shade that combines oceanic blue and dense forest green’. “This combination takes away the naive brightness of the colour, transforming it from a childish cyan into a noble and mature tone,” the brand shares in a blog on its website.

4 Gelish Mini Soak-off Gel Polish in Garden Teal Party £5.99 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk

Instagram.com/notorioushandjobz

San Antonio-based nail pro, Jasmine of @notorioushandjobz, describes this marbled mani as ‘teal tortoiseshell’ on Instagram.

1 HD Professional Nail Systems Colour It! Gel Polish in Ocean Between Us £10.49 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com

Instagram.com/thatglosssauce

Sierra of @thatglosssauce uses multiple teal tones to create this abstract seasonal style.

Instagram.com/lolo.nailedit

2 Glitterbels Pre-Mixed Glitter Acrylic Powder in Teal Twinkle £7.99 inc VAT www.glitterbels.com

Sometimes, simplicity makes the biggest impact. California nail artist, Lauren of @lolo.nailedit, demonstrates how a single, striking shade can transform nails.

3 OPI Nail Lacquer in Baby Tee-l £8 + VAT uk.wella.professionalstore.com

NYC nail stylist, Marta Efremova (@nailustration), takes teal talons to the next level with a matte top coat and glossy ‘water droplet’ details.

Instagram.com/nailustration

5 Halo Gel Polish in Stained Glass Teal £5.95 + VAT www.purenails.co.uk

Scan to view our gallery of teal talons.

Trend: Funky French

Impact ★★★★★

Wearability ★★★

Sophistication: ★★★★

Category: Design

Seasonal style guide: This autumn/winter, French tips are getting a playful update with tortoiseshell patterns, bold stripes, polka dots and textured finishes, proving that a timeless design can still make a statement.

Best paired with: Absolutely anything. French-style tips are one of the most versatile nail designs, complementing every pattern, colour palette and aesthetic.

Why it wins: Effortlessly chic, the French manicure has earned its place as a classic look. Its customisable foundation provides the perfect canvas for creativity, making it a versatile design choice that never feels outdated.

Professional provenance

“The French manicure will always be popular,” says Dee McIntosh. “Updating it with tortoiseshell print, colourful tips, cat eye effects or a touch of gold keeps it fresh.”

Alice Nali adds: “This year’s trends have been characterised by simple and elegant finishes rather than intricate nail art, and autumn/winter will follow suit, with simple ‘clean girl’ looks such as micro-French tips reigning supreme.”

Modern interpretations of the French manicure set to dominate this season include:

• Vanilla vibes: Popularised by celebrity nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, the ‘vanilla French manicure’ offers a softer take on the classic style. Instead of stark white tips and contrasting pink bases, it combines sheer, milky shades for an understated finish.

• Metallic French manis: “Expect chrome designs in deep colours like olive green, pumpkin and rich brown to be popular,” says Dee McIntosh.

• Polka dot details: According to Pinterest Trends, searches for ‘polka dot French tips’ have increased by 100% since last year, signalling a growing appetite for classic manicures with a playful touch.

• Earth-toned tips: High-impact shades are not being left behind this autumn/winter. “Clients still seek styles that stand out, but they’re moving away from bright colours, and towards earth tones with more depth and texture,” says Kellie Sanfiz.

This reflective twist on the classic French tip by LA-based nail artist, Kat of @glossyleny, is enough to banish the winter blues.

Instagram.com/glossyleny

1 Andreia Professional Chrome Illusion Nail Powder Pen in 01 Aurora £7.04 + VAT www.salon-services.comwww.andreiaprofessional.com

2 Katie Barnes Etch & Dot Tool £29.99 inc VAT www.katiebarnesacademy.com

2 A myriad of earth tones elevate these striped autumn Frenchies by Florida nail tech, @nailzkatkat.

Instagram.com/nailzkatkat

Nail artist & content creator, Bella Lovell of @theglossbar.au, recreates the viral vanilla French manicure, producing a sweet, subtle and sophisticated style.

Instagram.com/theglossbar.au

This client of Enfield beauty salon, Sweet Salon & Spa, went dotty for a French mani with a spotty spin.

3 OPI GelColor in Funny Bunny £19.90 + VAT uk.wella.professionalstore.com

4 Light Elegance ButterCream Colour Gel in Wanna Bet? £17.95 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk

Scan here for a roundup of seasonal French manicure inspiration.

Instagram.com/_sweetsalonspa_

Trend: Chrome chic

Impact ★★★★★

Wearability ★★★★

Sophistication: ★★★★

Category: Finish

Seasonal style guide: A trend that transcends seasons, chrome will continue to make its mark in the final months of 2026. We’ll see chrome glazes topping classic autumnal shades and isolated iterations adding shine to the season.

Best paired with: Solid colours. For AW26, chrome will make the biggest impact when layered over one nail shade. Whether you opt for isolated accents or an all-over glazed finish, a single base hue provides the perfect starting point.

Why it wins: High impact and ideal for brightening up dark, cold days, chrome adds magic to the mundane – and who doesn’t want reflective nails during autumn/winter?

Professional provenance

Google Trends has reported a breakout number of searches for ‘quiet luxury soft chrome nails’, reflecting a growing shift towards understated nail aesthetics. The data suggests that beauty consumers are moving away from ultra-reflective, high-impact finishes in favour of soft metallics, pearlescent sheens and barely-there luminosity.

Alice Nali says that the numbers don’t lie: “Chrome isn’t going anywhere, but it will become more refined with pearl and champagne finishes replacing high-shine mirror effects.”

Kirsty McDonough notes that isolated chrome will remain a popular design pick. “It has an expensive, elegant feel without being over the top, making it incredibly wearable,” she reveals. “Isolated chrome styles complement almost any outfit.”

Artistic, autumnal-coded chrome enhances thisnatire-inspired manicure by Newtown-based nail tech, Jaz Titcombe of @jazzynails.x.

Instagram.com/jazzynails.x

6 CND Shellac™ Pearl Top Coat £14.95 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

1 Artistic Chrome Pen in Holographic Gold £5.45 + VAT www.sweetsquared.com

2 The GelBottle Inc Chrome Pigment in Sage £10 + VAT www.thegelbottle.com

“A high-quality matte top coat is essential for creating isolated chrome designs,” says Kirsty McDonough. “I recommend HD Professional Nail Systems' Matt It! X Top Coat.”

3 HD Professional Nail Systems Matt It! X No Wipe Matt Top Coat £13.99 + VAT www.hazeldixonnails.com

4 HARA Professional Chrome Nail Powder in Glazed £6 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk

Jewel tones are the perfect complement to the autumn/winter months. Lauren of @baylaurelnails adds gold chrome accents to finish the look.

Instagram.com/heapsgoodnails

Hackney-based nail pro, Rani of @heapsgoodnails, pairs silver chrome with blue aura nails for a design that is equal parts refined and creative.

Instagram.com/baylaurelnails

5 MelodySusie Chrome Nail Powder in Champagne £8 inc VAT www.melodysusie.com

7 EL Nail Systems Gel Liner Paint in Silver £8.99 inc VAT www.elnailsystems.com

Instagram.com/elrose.beauty

Ellie Rose of @elrose.beauty adds a stunning sheen to raspberry pink nails using clear chrome powder.

Trend: Chocolate charm

Impact ★★★

Wearability ★★★★★

Sophistication: ★★★★

Category: Colour

Seasonal style guide: Rich, warm brown is a defining colour of the cooler months. This year, espresso shades are winning over lighter latté tones.

Best paired with: Warm neutrals and glazed chrome overlays (bonus points if worn with teal).

Why it wins: Brown tones are timeless for autumn/winter, capturing the cosy charm of falling leaves, steaming mugs of hot chocolate and freshly baked brownies. As a versatile neutral, brown complements almost every style.

Professional provenance

Scratch Stars Nail Stylist of the Year 2025 and 2026, Kirsty McDonough, comments: “Warm, creamy browns will dominate this season.

Kirsty McDonough

We’ll see the return of dark, moody nail art with a luxury twist: nails that feel sophisticated, modern and wearable, while making a statement.”

“Mocha, chocolate brown, caramel, taupe and warm nudes will be popular on nails,” agrees Kellie Sanfiz.

“I love updating classic seasonal shades through finish, rather than colour alone,” Alice Nali states. “Instead of replacing traditional autumn/winter hues, I think nail technicians will reinvent them. For example, chocolate brown becomes completely different with a cat eye effect or chrome overlay.”

5 Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish in Cedar You Later £14.95 + VAT www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk

Instagram.com/gossipandgloss

A soft chrome glaze elevates this beautiful brown look, showcased by the team at Gossip and Gloss, Ohio.

1 Halo Gel Polish in Sunday £8.34 inc VAT www.purenails.co.uk

2 Kirsty Meakin Cat Eye Magnetic Gel Polish in Butterfly £14.99 inc VAT www.kirstymeakin.com

3 The Manicure Company Gel Polish in Evening Embers £7.55 inc VAT www.themanicurecompany.com

4 Light Elegance Glitter Gel in Winner Winner £14.95 + VAT www.lightelegance.co.uk

Instagram.com/charlotte.lumia_beauty

Retro florals are back in brown, and @charlotte.lumia_beauty has jumped on the trend by creating a bouquet of beautifully blended tones.

Instagram.com/amberjhnails

Three trends converge in this simple yet striking nail design by Amber Herbert of @amberjhnails: teal talons, velvet cat eye and a twist on French tips.

Instagram.com/gels.by.maria

Manchester nail tech, Maria Hitchen of @gels.by.maria, combines AW26’s two top tones: brown and teal, to produce a show-stopping spotty nail style.

Instagram.com/nailartbyqueenie

Why not combine velvet nails with plaid patterns for a truly autumnal aesthetic? Celebrity nail artist, Queenie Nguyen of @nailartbyqueenie, demonstrates how tartan styles can be enhanced with cat eye magic.

Instagram.com/brushedbyb_

Brown jelly gel polish provides the perfect base for this geometric set by Brittney Ellen of @brushedbyb_.

Instagram.com/manicures.nyc

Brooklyn-based nail tech, Alexandra Smith of @manicures.nyc, embraces Bambi-inspired beauty with these deer print digits.

Instagram.com/nailsbyheather.errington

Heather Errington (@nailsbyheather.errington) proves that French tips and tartan make for a fun, seasonal pairing. The addition of gold chrome turns up the stun factor.