Espresso nails emerge as a key autumn manicure trend

The ‘espresso nails’ trend is emerging as a prominent manicure style for autumn 2026. Inspired by model Hailey Bieber, who debuted dark, glossy brown nails at a Saint-Laurent show in Paris, the look focuses on rich shades ranging from deep espresso to dark chocolate and creamy mocha.

One variation of this trend is the ‘French espresso’ manicure. This style applies a sophisticated twist to the classic French manicure by replacing traditional white tips with opaque, ultra-dark espresso brown. Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle Inc, notes that the color reads ‘softer than black but more grown-up than nude’ and complements various skin tones and autumn fashion palettes such as camel and burgundy.

The trend is characterized by a high-shine, glass-like finish achieved through a glossy topcoat. It is noted for being versatile and low-maintenance, as the French tip style is forgiving regarding nail regrowth.