Red manicures have nine lives. From runway models and celebrity hands (Selena Gomez and Zendaya wore subdued red and maroon manicures this month) to the style of the average person on TikTok, the dynamic, stereotypically sexy hue is gracing fingertips everywhere, subtly changing with each scene They are.

Cherry cola nails remain one of the biggest nail trends of 2024, regardless of location. The deep, rosy hue inspired manicures on the runways of Fall/Winter 2024 New York Fashion Week and graced the hands of models at Retrofête and Prabal Gurung, among others. The cheerful hue went viral on TikTok, the "red nail theory" that red nails exude power and attract the male gaze. True or false, the hashtag received 102 million TikTok posts dedicated to determining the correctness of the theory.

But with summer in full swing, I frankly expected a return to the glossy apple hues of early August farmers' markets. Alas, my instincts were wrong. This summer's nail polish trend of red is very, well, not summery.

Instead, a moody red nail trend has emerged, rooted in the winter landscape of the 1990s, incorporating maroon and brick red. Celebrity nail artist Miss Pop tells me, "The red you see everywhere now is reality-bites red, like Winona Ryder and Jeanine Garofalo wore in 1994."

It's a bold and rather unexpected choice for the season, but the deep, warm, cozy red has sex appeal and staying power. Celebrity nail artist Jin Sun Choi explains, "There's a chic and unexpected coolness to this red, perhaps influenced by the runway trends and early fall previews, that undeniably caught our attention."

The key to transforming winter tones into summer shades is to reach for more pigmented undertones. Celebrity artist Tom Bacik, the mastermind behind Selena Gomez's embrace of this shade, says, "I like polishes that are deep, but not just dark, with a shade of red visible. Rather than Essie's Wicked or OPI's In the Cable Car, he recommends Chanel's Rouge Niall or Impress's Cherry Up.

If you're not already on board with the moody red nail trend, we're happy to report that getting that look is easy. Proceed for a full breakdown of summer's most notable anti-summer manicure trends, then shop the best moody red nail polish shades. Unlike other warm weather polishes, these are shades you can easily wear into fall.

There is a wide range of red nail polish trends this off-season. The actual shades range from maroon and scarlet to deep red and brick red. The key is to choose a color that complements your complexion. Here Choy explains what to look for.

Warm Colors

If you are a warm-toned person, chances are your veins look a little green and you are drawn to the gold jewelry trend. Choose classic reds, brick reds, and orange-tinged reds to accentuate your undertones. These shades resonate with the warmth of your skin, creating a harmonious look."

Cool Undertones

Those with blue veins and an irrepressible preference for silver jewelry fall into the cool category. According to Choy, "These cool shades can accentuate the coolness of your complexion and add a vibrant contrast."

Neutral Undertones

If you don't fit into either of the above categories, the world of red nail polish is at your disposal." Most reds look good on you," says Choi." But you might especially enjoy deep or muted tones like burgundy."

Trying the moody red nail trend is not as complicated as trying Zendaya's floral French manicure or J.Lo's Bridgerton nails. Store for a shade that matches your undertone or just get a shade that resonates. Miss Pop says, "When wearing red, it's more about matching it to your personality than the season." 'Red is about getting what you want and getting noticed. That said, go and see.