Nail designs – there’s always something new and exciting to suit each and every nail shape. Take TikTok trends for example – this year we’ve seen an increase in the search for ombre designs as well as neon hues and Barbie pinks. While these bright nail designs make for the perfect summer manicure, there’s still something to be said for a darker, moodier hue. It’s no wonder then, that we’ve seen creators make a play for something a little different of late. When celebrity manicurists like Iram Shelton and Harriet Westmoreland do switch up their signature milky pink polishes, they’re making moves towards berry red, dramatic black and burnt orange shades.
The latest trend to hit 2024? Brown nail designs. And, we can confirm, they look seriously chic. In fact, searches for brown nails are up 150% on Google trends suggesting this is a mani to pay attention to. Consider it a softer, warmer shade than the cool-toned black we’ll more commonly reach for.
‘Brown nail designs have been gaining traction in recent years as people embrace more earthy and neutral tones,’ explains Yana Galiyeva and Maria Sharova, nail experts and owners of So.Shell, a top London salon. ‘Our salon has seen an increase in requests for brown nail designs as they offer a sophisticated and versatile alternative to more traditional nail colours. Additionally, brown is often associated with earthiness and natural beauty, contributing to its popularity as a go-to nail colour for both casual and formal occasions.’
The first of the A-Listers to lend their seal of approval to the mani of the moment? Sofia Richie – and celeb manicurist Betina Goldstein cosigns this message – she wrote ‘love the nail colour,’ under the a picture carousel Richie shared to Instagram.
How to choose the right brown nail polish for your skin tone
‘Choosing the best brown polish for your skin tone involves considering both your skin’s undertone and depth,’ explains Galiyeva and Sharova. ‘If you have warm undertones, opt for brown shades with warm undertones like caramel or chocolate. For cooler undertones, choose browns with cooler undertones like taupe or espresso.’
It’s also important to consider the depth of your skin tone.
‘Deeper skin tones can pull off richer, darker browns,’ they explain, ‘while lighter skin tones may look better with lighter or more neutral browns. Testing shades against your skin can help find the most flattering match.’
From rich coffee nail art to creamy sweeps of latte, here’s our edit of Grazia approved brown nail art to inspire you ahead of your upcoming salon appointment or your next DIY job. Whether you’re partial to gel nails, BIAB nails or acrylic nail inspiration, consider this comprehensive edit all you could ever need.
Scroll on for the best brown designs for 2024…
Best Brown Nail Ideas
1. Brown French Tip Nails
French nail designs are always classic. These brown micro-tips make for a contemporary twist that still remains timeless and chic with relatively minimal effort. Team with long, almond shaped extensions and you’ve got yourself a look that’s sure to reel in the compliments.
2. Brown Acrylic Nails
This graphic look is perfectly suited to acrylic nails. If you’re unsure you can mimic the Valentine’s Day worthy nail art? Give nail stickers a go if you don’t have a steady hand – it’s a great way to tap into the trend with minimal effort.
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For nail art its is essential that you have thin brush at hand. And once this is in the bag, all you need is a steady hand.
3. Brown Autumn Nails
Short, square, glossy and simple, this chocolate manicure is the perfect choice. Unsure what to ask for? Ask for a warmer-toned brown – anything with a hint of red should do the trick here. And of course, a glossy top coat to finish the look.
4. Mocha Brown Acrylic Nails
Flattering on all skin tones, this rich dark brown manicure ticks all our boxes. The almond shape is ideal for elongating the fingers, too. Finish with a hefty dose of cuticle oil to keep the surrounding skin looking healthy and glossy.
5. Brown and Gold Nails
A deep brown tip teamed with a touch of shimmering gold polish is an undeniably fashion forward mani – plus there’s no denying that flatters square shaped nails beautifully. If you’re after a unique birthday manicure? Then this could well be it.
6. Brown Marble Nails
Marble nails are having a moment – this swirly set taps into just about every brown nail trend going. Long extensions? Tick. A touch of sparkle? Tick. And a nude base coat? Tick again. This is a look we’re adding to our Pinterest boards, pronto.
7. Chocolate Brown Nails
Milk chocolate is always a good idea – even in the nail department. If you’re using normal polish consider applying a layer of creamy white over your chosen brown varnish – it’ll mimic that milky chocolate look that Julia Diogo nails so perfectly.
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This colour is super close to the ‘perfect brown’ Sofia sported on her Instagram feed, it is deep and super rich.
8. Short Brown Nails
Elegant and classic, short brown nails are the perfect alternative to a black manicure – the finish is slightly softer and makes for a more muted, everyday ready finish. Plus, it’s so chic on all skin tones. Sold.
9. Square Brown Nails
We think these beautiful nail beds were achieved via a Russian manicure. But what exactly is this? Often called a ‘dry manicure,’ the Russian technique focuses heavily on cuticle work and can really improve the appearance of the nail bed.
10. Brown Marble Nails
Browns, creams, and glints of gold make this marble nail look a seriously cute nail design. Creating the look at home? Have a toothpick to hand to create the delicate design. However, we’d recommend a salon appointment to achieve the best finish. We can’t all be pros.
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Add a little twist to your mani by sprinkling a little bronze magic.
11. Brown Daisy Nails
Fun and fancy, these pretty daisy nails are not meant for wallflowers, plus it’s refreshing to see such intricate nail art on shorter nails. Our top tip? Patience is key and practice makes perfect for such a complex look.
12. Ombré Brown Nails
The ombre nail trend shows no sign of waining – it was big in 2023 and looks set to continue that way. Achieve this look by asking your manicurist for long, square shaped extensions.
13. Deep Brown Nails
For an almost black take on brown nails (except slightly softer) look to this manicure for inspiration – it contains the faintest hint of purple. We love the addition of chunky gold jewels which really sets the look off.
14. Brown Nail Extensions
Love a long, claw shaped nail design? Look no further. This simple but eye-catching brown set ticks serious boxes and will see you from spring through to summer and beyond. Don’t forget to apply hand cream regularly to keep it looking pretty.
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For a home manicure this hue is so dreamy, team this with a natural nude for a chic French finish.
15. Brown Swirl Nails
This delicate, swirling design is worthy of a screenshot ahead of your next nail appointment. While the brown looks fab of course you could switch up the colour too – both green nails and blue nails are having a moment, too.
16. Teddy Bear Nails
A teddy bear manicure – we’ve officially never seen more adorable nails. Both sweet and feminine, this sort of intricate design works best with acrylic nails – as ever, where there’s more nail space, there’s more room for creativity.
17. Brown Claw Nails
Sharp, sleek and very much OTT, this claw shaped mani makes a serious statement. Opt for hard gel or BIAB to prevent breakage. Or there’s always the option of stick on nails too – they’ve come a long way since your school days, we promise.
18. Tortoise Shell Nails
Nothing transcends the trends quite like tortoiseshell nails. Use nail polishes in tonal, soft shades of brown, chocolate, greige, caramel, taupe and rust for the perfect finish. Who said it’s a design just for your sunnies?
19. Louis Vuitton Nails
Logo nail girl? Why not! While it’s probably not going to be considered the most chic of nail designs there’s no denying it’s super fun. From Chanel, to Louis and everything in between it’s a designer bag at your fingertips.
20. Multi-Colour Brown Nails
Who says a rainbow can’t be tonal? This muted take on multi-coloured nails is beautifully chic, especially when paired with shorter, more natural nails. Ask your manicurist to recommend their favourite combinations based on your skin tone.
21. Abstract Brown Nails
Greens, golds, nudes and warm browns make this abstract set worthy of its own editorial spread. While it’s easy to opt for minimal block colours (hey, they do look great) it’s refreshing to switch things up from time to time.
22. Brown Glitter Nails
For a sparky, special occasion manicure this could be just the ticket. Silvers, golds and browns combine for a luxurious nail look that looks straight off a Pinterest board. The addition of gold foil elevates the look even further.
23. Taupe Brown Nails
For those who love minimalist manicures taupe could be the answer. The ultimate brown meets grey, taupe is a universally flattering shade that always feels chic – especially when teamed with this short, square shape.
24. Brown Cow Print Nails
The animal print manicure continues to show its versatility – case in point, this cow print. Think a chic nude base and a smattering of cow print that oozes Euphoria. Screenshot and bring to your salon to let them work their magic.
25. Brown Leopard Print Nails
Take a walk on the wild side with this fun, leopard print set that’s giving Scary Spice. Ask your manicurist for tapered square acrylics to mimic this look. And, as always, finish with the proper aftercare. A good cuticle oil can really prolong your mani.
26. Brown Leaf Nails
Leafy nails for autumn? We know, ground-breaking. But we still want in on the act. And as for that flawless cuticle work? We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – we know a Russian manicure when we see one.
27. Simple Brown Nails
Simple designs needn’t mean boring. This block brown looks clean and chic – especially when teamed with gold jewellery. It’s the colour of the season for a reason, people – and allow this set to act as the ultimate reminder.
28. Cherry Mocha Brown Nails
Meet the cherry mocha manicure – and it’s taking TikTok by storm. While this set errs more on the side of red, there’s a brown undertone that adds a deeper, richer hue worthy of inspiring your next set. Dreamy stuff.
29. Brown Acrylic Extensions
Ideal for those who embrace statement nails – and we mean statement nails. Ask for extra long extensions with a blocky, squared-off finish. Bring to your salon as inspo, but be sure to book in extra time – this look has a lot going on.
30. Swirling Brown Nails
A fun design with a touch of flair – just team with a nude base. And a reminder to mix and match the various brown polishes out their to flatter your skin tone. From chocolates to espresso and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.
31. Milky Brown Nails
You’ve heard of milky pink nails but how about milky brown? This dreamy manicure takes marble nails to a whole new level and while it’s fun, it’s also muted which helps to keep the look feeling a more wearable one.
Main image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.
