What are the winter nail trends for 2020?

We have a long winter ahead of us. Fluffy down coats, woolen sweaters, cozy gloves ...... And believe it or not, a new dressing for your nails. To incorporate trends into your nails, it's not just about changing your go-to shades (opens in new tab), but also about finish, shape, and art. Finish, shape, and art matter, too. With the possibility of another chain of custody, we can pass the time at home. So I asked editorial manicurist and Essie Global Lead Educator Rita Remark (opens in new tab) to share a manicure worth posting. So let's get to it.

"The two biggest color trends I see are very classic and very 90s: vampy red and black. These are bold, but versatile and go with absolutely anything," Remark says. If you're in the mood for more vibrant or contemporary colors, she says, reach for colors like mint green or dark chocolate.

As for shape, both sides of the spectrum are making a comeback. According to Remark, two opposite shapes are trending: elongated ovals and clean squares.

Remarque endorses the use of fancy fingers. Glitter, foil, and shimmer are all the rage." Polish effects are the easiest way to add art without nail art skills or tools. Also, in recent years, the rules of what is considered "mature" have been bent a bit. Glittery baby pink nails read "birthday princess," but these days you can do so much more and still look professional," she says. If you're dipping your toe into the nail art pool, she recommends adding a little shimmer to mint green or trying metallic black.

"Checkerboard nail art (i.e., alternating between two colors) is trendy, super easy, and perfect for the at-home polisher," Remarque says.

"Both of these finishes are perfect for this winter. I like to pair short black nails with a puffed, shiny topcoat for a wet patent leather effect, or a metallic polish with a matte topcoat for a satin effect."

"I usually recommend nail maintenance ( Open in new tab) to a professional, you may want to change up your routine this season." Nail enhancements definitely require a salon commitment to apply, maintain, and safely remove them. Yes, gel and acrylics have become less prominent as salons have become less accessible and more difficult to maintain," says Remark. But don't worry. It will eventually come back in full force, and for now, there are options that can be done at home."

"By no means am I saying that these services or the demand for them are dead or gone. On the contrary, long nails are trending this winter, and DIY press-on nails and custom nail art sets designed by top manicurists have become immensely popular with this trend. Demand for salon-quality nails (opens in new tab) is strong and will come back more than ever once everything is universally safe."

"The trend for long nails has been on the rise for years.