When it comes to winter nail trends, I like to think of myself as a bit of an expert. I only really wear black or beige shades (but will make an exception for a milky mani, of course). However, there’s one neutral colour that nail artists can’t get enough of this season, and in my opinion, it looks so expensive for winter and beyond. The colour in question? Brown, of course.
If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably stumbled across a range of chic brown nail designs. This deep, chocolately hue is so on trend, and it can easily elevate any manicure. I love the fact that it feels a little softer than black, but is a nice wintery take on those lighter beige shades that we tend to see in spring and summer.
The great thing about this colour? Just how versatile it is. While I prefer a simple, chocolate brown hue, there are so many different looks on offer, from lighter shades to brown nail art and more. Below, I’ve rounded up this season’s most stylish brown nail designs, courtesy of my favourite nail artists. If you want your manicure to look super expensive this winter, I highly suggest that you keep on scrolling…
11 Brown Nail Ideas for 2025
1. Mocha Manicure
How chic is this soft mocha shade? Extra points for the matching handbag.
2. Chestnut
Chestnut brown nails are big news this season, so get ahead of the trend with this cosy manicure.
3. Brown Cat-Eye Nails
Cat-eye nails are so cute for the festive season, and this chocolate brown design makes everything feel more luxe.
4. Brown French Tips
Brown French tips are a personal fave.
5. Blue and Brown
If you’ve been keeping up with our nail trend reports, you’ll know that blue and brown manicures will be everywhere.
6. Brown Stripes
Brown striped nails? Sign me up.
7. Brown Ombré
So, so cool.
8. Brown and Pink
I don’t normally gravitate towards bright colours, but I love this subtle pop of pink.
9. Brown Marble
Wear this mani and prepare for compliments.
10. Chocolate Fudge
Another shade I can’t get enough of is this “chocolate fudge” hue by Julia Diogo.
11. Cow Print Nails
Animal print is in, and this cow print design is a fun way to add a touch of brown to your nails.
The Best Products for Brown Nails
Essie
Nail Lacquer in Odd Squad
I’ve seen top nail artist, Iram Shelton, use this exact polish for her brown nail designs.
Manucurist
Mocha Nail Polish
Mateja Novakovic used this shade to create her “mocha manicure”.
Hermès
Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in 95 Brun Bistre
For a luxury option, you can’t go wrong with Hermès.
OPI
Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer in Not Afraid of the Dark
This polish has a gorgeous chocolatey hue.
Manucurist
Nail Art Brush
A nail brush is essential to help create the designs above.
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