Bored of red? Green is the versatile and stylish nail colour to try this winter

Green nails were a huge trend for 2024, and have been the perfect partner to this winter’s key shades of burgundy and brown.

It might not be the first colour you think of when heading to the salon, but green was undoubtedly one of the stand-out shades of the 2024 nail trends. The beauty of green is that, much like classic red or neutrals, there are so many hues to choose from, spanning deep emerald greens to earthy forest greens, all the way through to mint and matcha.

The good news for the green converts is that this trend is here to stay for 2025 too. Expect to see green used in a myriad of different nail designs including short French tip nail designs and feature nails, which can work for all nail shapes and lengths. Ready to get green-fingered? We’ve rounded up our top eleven green manicures for inspiration…

 11 of the chicest green nail designs to wear  

We’re now counting green amongst our favourite expensive-looking nail colours, as it is the colour of emeralds after all. And that’s even without taking into consideration how great it looks on your fingertips.

While we’re on that subject - boy do green nails look good. No matter the tone or vibrancy, there’s just something about a hint of green that looks so sophisticated, especially when paired with squared or squoval nails.

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We'd recommend investing in a cuticule oil and one of the best nail strengtheners, to boost the longevity of your green nail designs - and speaking of which, let's dive straight into the trendiest ways to wear the popular hue this winter...

1. Forest green

Rich, opulent and just a little bit moody, this is the perfect deep forest green to see you through to spring. If you're not sure about green, it doesn't feel like too much of a leap from brown or black cherry nails either.

The block shade works very well for more adventurous nail shapes and longer lengths, like these extra-lengthy almond beauties.

2. Green French tips

For a fresh twist on classic French tip nails, why not plump for a pop of green instead of the traditional white? This luxe hue offers such a contemporary and modern feel to an otherwise simple look and is surprisingly easy to recreate yourself.

We'd recommend investing in some detailing nail art brushes, or a French nail stamper (both available at Amazon) to help you master the look.

3. Emerald green nails

With the first instalment of the Wicked film franchise smashing all possible box office records at the end of 2024, now's the perfect time to be holding space for a statement set of emerald green nails.

There's no obligation to go full-on Elphaba with extra long nails here, as these will look just as good on a neater, shorter nail. The sparklier the better, though.

4. Teal green nails

If you're already a fan of blue nails, this stylish teal shade is a must-try. It's bold but still very wearable and will complement your autumn/winter wardrobe perfectly.

For a long-lasting, sleek finish, be sure to top this shade with a high-shine top coat and of course, a cuticle oil.

5. Chrome green french

Combining two nail trends in one, this update on a classic French manicure teams a pop of green with shimmering chrome. Ask for exactly this in the salon, or at home fake the illusion of a chrome finish with a subtly sparkly sheer polish.

For a flawless finish, we'd recommend prepping the nail with a nude polish first over a base coat before moving on to the tip and the topper.

6. Dark green shimmer nails

Another for those not quite converted to green nails just yet, these are such a deep green they're verging on black. The flecks of shimmer mean that the khaki tones are only really visible when your hands catch the light – gorgeous.

You'll need a few coats for a streak-free finish with a shade this dark, so be patient when painting. And base coat is non-negotiable to avoid staining.

7. Green marble nails

Want to try something a bit different? This marble-effect green is a real step up from a block colour mani.

Mastering the technique isn't easy, and can be messy even once you've got it down – but it's worth it for the finish. It can be done by swirling green and a lighter polish in a small amount of water and dipping your nail into the solution. Maybe just go for one feature nail to begin with – you can always do more next time.

8. Green graphic nails

A super chic way to try nail art without looking too kiddy or try-hard, we love this graphic green design. To achieve a similar look, you can either cover all your nails in an abstract pattern or just a couple. A thin nail brush or two will come in handy for more precise lines.

This is easier to recreate than the marble manicure, as long as you've got a steady hand.

9. Pistachio green nails

Pistachio is everywhere at the moment – in our cakes, in our coffees, so why not let it have a moment in your mani too?

It's not too far removed from a deep beige or brown, so doesn't feel like a huge leap outside of your comfort zone for the bright colour-adverse. Top with a glossy top coat for extra shine.

10. Subtle olive green nails

A colour that's perfect for both winter and the chilly start of spring, allow us to present olive green. The shade is perfect for minimalistic manicure lovers as it's still fairly muted and looks so flattering on squoval and squared nail lengths.

When topped with a clear, glossy top coat, this nail look easily elevates an outfit, without stealing focus and can be worn all year round, though it's an especially popular January nail design.

11. Leaf-green nails

One to consider as we start to look ahead to spring, this light, leaf-green shade is perfect for freshening up your mani with a bright (but not too bright) pop of colour.

For a more understated manicure, opt for short and square shapes. For something a tad louder, go for a longer, almond style.