Go Beyond Basic Black and Vampy Red: Fall Nail Trends 2023
- The Shampoo Lounge
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 18
The Gist of Fall Nail Trends
This fall, take your manicure palette a few shades darker. Experiment with unexpected shades that are sophisticated, moody, and creamy.
As the weather cools down and wardrobes shift from breezy linens to structured layers, our nail polish preferences follow suit. This seasonal switch isn’t just about going darker; it’s about unexpected depth, texture, and finish. According to top nail artists, fall nail trends are moodier, creamier, and far more experimental than in years past. High-shine chrome and iridescent finishes aren’t going anywhere. Cool grays are making a sleek return, while moody purples and transformative teals are gaining traction as the new statement shades.
“I'm seeing a growing interest in unconventional yet sophisticated shades like dark slate blues, khaki greens, and rich browns,” says Jin Soon Choi, a celebrity nail artist, salon owner, and brand founder. “These shades bring a cool, modern edge and add character to the overall look.”
Whether you lean clean and minimalist or rich and reflective, these are the six nail colors set to define the season.
Meet the Experts
Jin Soon Choi: Celebrity nail artist and founder of an eponymous nail-care brand and salon.
Stephanie Stone: Celebrity nail artist and expert who works with Sally Hansen.
Nicole Wong: Lead designer at nail salon company MiniLuxe and a certified nail technician.
Sojin Oh: Nail artist based in Los Angeles.
Elle Gerstein: Celebrity nail artist.
01 of 05: Opaque Neutrals
This fall, sheer nudes are taking a backseat to creamy, full-coverage neutrals that feel both modern and elevated. “For the last few years, sheer neutrals have been the go-to nude colors,” says celebrity nail artist Stephanie Stone. “This season we’re going to see more opaque colors enter the scene.”
Think fleshy taupes, sepia-toned pinks, and pale putties that bring subtle richness to a minimal manicure. Plus, brown tones are coming back strong, suggests Nicole Wong, lead designer at MiniLuxe. Whether you opt for a soft mocha or a glossy espresso, these warm neutrals are cozy, chic, and endlessly wearable.
JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Earth Clay
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Polish in Brun Bistre
Chanel Le Vernis in Particuliere
02 of 05: Gray Tones
Gray is the sleeper hit of the season. From stormy charcoal to soft dove, it’s emerging as a sleek, slightly unexpected alternative to beige and taupe. “It’s like a palette cleanse after the brightness of summer,” says nail artist Sojin Oh.
Whether you wear it matte, glossy, or topped with a chrome sheen, gray nails instantly elevate any outfit—and they work across skin tones, too.
Cote Beauty Nail Polish in Elephanté
Manicurist Green Nail Polish in Anthracite
Londontown Lakur in Put the Kettle On
Tips for Gray Tones
The fall palette may be muted, but the finishes are anything but flat. Iridescent toppers, chrome, and micro-sparkles are still trending—just in more refined, layered ways. These luminous touches are being used to elevate neutrals, deepen darks, and add movement to solid colors.
03 of 05: Midnight Plum
Not quite black, not quite berry—dark purples strike the perfect in-between. “It’s still deep and cozy, but you can actually see the color come through,” says celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein, who loves midnight plum tones.
“It strikes the perfect balance between statement and subtlety—bold yet neutral, universally flattering, and effortlessly chic,” says Choi. “It’s the kind of shade that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.”
Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Night After Night
Zoya Nail Lacquer in Leighton
JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Risque
04 of 05: Dark Teal
Navy and black may be fall staples, but this year, a new moody shade is taking the lead: deep, transformative teal. Described by Gerstein as “heavy, yet dimensional,” this jewel-toned blue-green feels like a fresh twist on classic darks.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Perfect Storm
OPI Nail Lacquer in Baby Tee
Holo Taco Crème Nail Polish in Bring Me The Teal
05 of 05: Khaki Green
Earthy, grounded, and effortlessly cool—khaki green is emerging as one of Fall 2023’s most wearable statement shades. It’s bolder than a nude but more versatile than a jewel tone, making it the perfect middle ground for anyone looking to switch things up.
The shade mirrors the utilitarian, cargo-inspired tones showing up in fall fashion, offering a subtle nod to the trend without being overly bold.
OPI Nail Lacquer in Cargo All Out
JINsoon Nail Lacquer in Green Clay
Miniluxe Pure Polish in Moss
We've got you ready for your nails! The Shampoo Lounge has been attending to an international and Indonesian clientele since 2012, so check out our website and our TripAdvisor reviews! We can’t wait to have you in.
Article and pic taken from InStyle.
Article written by Kat Suico.
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