Overview

• After spring’s butter yellows and ballet pinks, salons report a shift to richer, shinier and more experimental finishes for autumn.
• The season’s signature look is organza nails—subtle, semi-translucent metallic overlays evolving from 2024’s glazed-donut chrome—with Hailey Bieber’s influence noted by nail artist Daria Botsiuk.
• Toasted tortoiseshell and layered brown tones linked to Pantone’s mocha mousse are highlighted as luxe choices, especially with a high-gloss finish.
• Short, square nails lead the shapes, paired with negative-space French tips and minimalist polka dots in earthy palettes.
• Editors spotlight dark shades as especially polished—think glossy black, deep burgundy and chic navy—while a Who What Wear roundup recommends nine dark designs, including reverse French tips, matte looks, metallic animal print and chocolate-brown cat-eye.