NAIL snaps
Discover nail styles & shades to note, with JESS WATTS’ edit of what’s trending in the nail world
Fawn fingertips
Move over tortoiseshell – deer print is autumn 2026’s popular animal pattern, indicating a shift to soft, nature-themed nail art.
As Pinterest Trends reports a 60% rise in searches for deer nails, nail lovers everywhere are embracing ‘fawncore’. The platform’s annual trend forecast, Pinterest Predicts™ , dubbed ‘Wilderkind’ as a style to
HD Professional Nail Systems watch this year, stating: “In 2026, Art Gel in Casper £9.50 + VAT Gen Z and Boomers will go all in on www.hazeldixonnails.com
animal aesthetics – but with a delicate touch.
Think soft fawn freckles, butterfly wing nail art and fox-inspired outfits that hint at forest magic.”
EL Nail Systems Gel Polish in Jelly Amber
£9.99 inc VAT www.elnailsystems.com
Deer nail looks can be created by layering jelly gel polishes in warm shades of amber and brown, before adding scattered deer print markings using cream or white gel paint.
Scan to fawn over deer print digits.
Plum power
Autumnal nail shade favourites, burgundy and deep red, are giving way to a growing desire for cool-toned purple hues.
Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in Plum and Done £14.99 + VAT
www.gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk
Instagram.com/blackbox_nailcraft
Plum – a rich, moody blend of deep violet and dark berry, has emerged as a statement shade for autumn/winter 2026, with its mystical energy making it perfectly suited to Halloween. Reflecting this, Fresh Purple was highlighted by trend forecasting company, WGSN, and colour system, Coloro, in the Key Colours A/W 26/27 report.
Glitterbels Acrylic Powder in Purple Rain £7.99 inc VAT
www.glitterbels.com “Inspired by a craving for immersive experiences, Fresh Purple is a culturally emotive colour with links to royalty, love, mystery and spirituality,” the report reads. “This energetic and youthful colour will work either as an accent or statement solid colour.”
Discover more plum designs and product picks by scanning here.
Monthly mood board
With an overarching Mother Earth-inspired aesthetic, October’s nail trends are grounded in classic beauty – with a modern twist. This mood board reveals the colours, textures and cultural influences shaping salon requests.
Seasonal spots
A trend that transcends seasons, polka dot patterns remain popular across the fashion and beauty sectors.
Instagram.com/meloo_nails
This month, dotty digits are getting an autumnal upgrade. Pinterest Trends has reported a rise in searches for earth-toned interpretations of the pattern – and while glossy finishes continue to dominate, matte textures are gaining momentum. This aligns with the colder months ushering in a preference for softer finishes.
Applying matte dots over a glossy nail base, or finishing the look with a blurred top coat, gives the classic polka dot manicure an understated feel, while channelling the earthy aesthetic.
The Manicure Company Suede Matte Effect Gel Polish Top Coat £8.96 inc VAT
www.themanicurecompany.com
Go dotty for spots with
Scratch
readers’ autumnal designs. Scan to view.
Halo Create Dotting Tool Double Ended Combo £9.85 + VAT
www.purenails.co.uk Mocha manis
CND Vinylux
™ in Leather Goods £5.95 + VAT
www.sweetsquared.com Brown nails continue to be a leading trend, with clients embracing the timeless elegance of earth tones.
From rich espresso and creamy milk chocolate to indulgent mocha manicures, a wide spectrum of brown tones is making its mark. Nail techs are taking the autumnal hue even further with a variety of finishes, adding shine, sparkle and sophistication to brown designs.
Clear chrome glazes offer a seasonal sheen, while cat eye effects catch and reflect the autumn sunlight. Marbled finishes are also emerging as standout styles, with coffee-inspired swirls reigning supreme.
Scan for more brew-tifully brown nail inspo.
HARA Professional Gel Polish in Ember £7.40 + VAT www.astonandfincher.co.uk