Maple Syrup Nails, Teddy Bear Manis and 8 Other Nail Trends for Fall

We’re welcoming fall with open arms and a fresh manicure. Whether we’re simply adding a few new fall shades to our polish collection or decking our nails out in holiday designs, the forecast is predicting fun and exciting trends this season. To bring some inspo into your next appointment, we tapped five experts to give us the top nail trends for fall.

• Deborah Lippmann is a celebrity manicurist and founder of Deborah Lippman. She has more than 20 years of experience, working with the top fashion magazines (Vogue, InStyle and Vanity Fair) and fashion houses (Donna Karan, Versace and Narciso Rodriguez). Her clients include Reese Witherspoon, Penelope Cruz and Lupita N’yongo.   
• Queenie Nguyen is a celebrity and editorial manicurist based in Los Angeles. She has worked in the nail industry for more than 13 years, specializing in nail art and bold polish shades. Her clients include Ashley Tisdale, Carey Mulligan and Stephanie Hsu. 
• Sigourney Nuñez is a celebrity manicurist and Sally Hansen global ambassador based in Los Angeles. She specializes in nail art, trends and nail care tips. Her previous clients include Harry Styles, Madison Pettis and Jodie Smith.
• Juli Russell is a manicurist and DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty. She specializes in trendy nail looks, intricate nail art and educating others on nail care. 
• Nadine Abramcyk is co-founder of Tenoverten, a nail polish brand dedicated to 8-free ingredients and nourishing formulas. She has more than ten years of experience in the industry, including running a salon in New York City.  

We appreciate bold shapes and intricate designs, but we’re hopping on the “Quiet Luxury” train with our manis this year. “This trend focuses on highlighting your natural nails and eliminating any imperfections with some neutral polish,” says Lippmann. It’s one of the easiest manicures to master at home because all you’ll need is a base coat, nude polish and top coat. Lippmann also suggests keeping up with cuticle care for a longer lasting manicure. 

Yup, Barbiecore isn’t going away anytime soon (and we’re not mad about it). “Due to the exciting Barbie movie that came out this summer, pink tones will continue to trend into fall. Also given that magenta is the color of 2023, shades like fuchsia and mauve will definitely play a big part [this season],” says Nguyen. Whether you want to deck out your nail in one shade of pink or play around with some nail art in multiple hues, it’s prime time to live out your inner Barbie.

If there’s one shade you should add to your collection this season, let it be hunter green. “It’s a color that will be very popular for fall. When it comes to wearing green, it can inspire feelings of hope, growth and prosperity,” says Nuñez. To get a precise application, Nuñez suggests stabilizing your elbow on the table while you’re painting your nails as it’s “going to encourage a smooth and even application since you have more control of the brush.” 

Although glazed donut nails were super popular in 2022, we’re looking to a sweeter alternative this year. “We’ll be seeing lots of brown hues trending this fall, more specifically rich, red-toned browns. ‘Maple Syrup Nails’ fully encompass a rich, glossy and syrup-like finish that’s totally DIY-able at home,” says Russell. To show off your sweet tooth, grab a brown shade and a glossy top coat. Russell suggests mixing two parts gloss and one part brown polish before applying a few thin coats to your nails. She adds, “Don’t forget to seal in the color with one more layer of top coat so you get the most gorgeous manicure that’s almost good enough to eat.” 

This light brown shade is just what you need to pay homage to your go-to Starbucks drink. Not only is it timeless and chic, but it’s also a great transitional shade to head into the colder months. “Nothing is more emblematic of fall than a warm cup of coffee. “Latte nails” are also a continuation of the makeup aesthetic overtaking the beauty scene right now, as they offer a cozy segue into the season,” says Abramcyk. 

This manicure was a big hit last year and it’s coming back in full swing this fall. “This trend works best for people who want to do something fun with their nails while still keeping them subtle. It’s a good option for those who are looking for an easy manicure that can be worn with anything from day to night,” says Lippmann. Go traditional with white polish or spice things up with your favorite fall shades. To achieve the micro-French trend, Lippmann recommends adding tape to the tips of your nails and painting over the area with your polish. She notes, “A French manicure requires some skill and precision to do on your own, but it’s achievable with some practice!”

We’re calling it: Chrome nails are going to be the trendiest mani of the year. “This is a fun trend for fall because it takes the classic chrome trend to the next level. From subtle line work to more intricate 3D sculpting art, chrome is a fun element to play with for the season,” says Nguyen. Use a chrome top coat or a chrome powder that’s designed to add a shimmery effect to your base polish. 

Another winning shade to try this season? Teddy Bear Brown. “We’re still riding a ‘90s minimalist aesthetic and a shade of brown (like this one) is representative of the decade,” says Russell. The cool tones complement your cozy sweaters and pair especially well with your favorite latte.

Next to coffee, we’re always down for a nice glass of red wine for the season. And what better way to show your appreciation of vino than on your nails? “A deep cabernet is a classic fall shade that offers the perfect greeting to the changing seasons,” says Abramcyk. To make your wine nails truly pop, the founder suggests layering at least two coats of polish. 

“It’s the idea that taking care of your nails and hands isn’t something that’s limited to women.,” says Nuñez. “Nail care is such an important element of self-care, regardless of gender. In my own personal life, I have more men asking for cuticle care advice than ever before.” Whether they prefer a clear gloss or some snazzy nail art, the manicurist suggests adding a cuticle oil to keep nails moisturized and keeping a nail file on hand to prevent any fraying of the tips. 

OK, who’s ready to fall into a new manicure?