Fiery Orange Is the Winter Nail Trend We Didn’t See Coming

Collage featuring reddish orange nail colors Collage: Briana Rengifo; Source images: Courtesy of subjects; GettySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

This year kicked off with an unlikely nail color trend: a zingy, red-tinged orange. We know, we know—it’s winter, not summer. Brittney Boyce, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, admits that wearing orange can feel “a little bit random” right now. But it is, in its own way, a nod to the time of year: The Chinese zodiac says 2026 is the “Year of the Fire Horse,” which symbolizes passion and taking action. That could look like finally posting that sultry photo on Instagram, starting a blog dedicated to your hottest takes, or, yes, getting a blazing orange manicure.

Kylie Jenner—one of the patron saints of nail-color trends—wore the hue twice in the last month. In December, while everyone was getting candy-cane red nails and champagne manicures for the holidays, she stepped out with neon nails that perfectly matched her Marty Supreme-orange ensemble. She then opted for a copper manicure, shimmering just as much as her gown, for the Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3.

Kylie Jenner Orange Manicure Getty Images Image may contain Body Part Finger Hand Person Nail and Adult

The move wasn’t totally unexpected: The Fall/Winter 2025-2026 runways were early indicators that bright orange would be popular in the months ahead. The Saint Laurent and Dries Van Noten collections featured oversized knits and boxy, '80s-inspired outerwear in the color. Nail experts we spoke to late last year also predicted that fiery hues would be big in 2026. Sarah Chue, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, previously told Allure that a dash of orange in your typical red manicure “is a statement.”

A model walks the runway during the Saint Laurent Womenswear FallWinter 20252026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week ... Getty ImagesGetty Images

Boyce expects to see this shade paired with high-shine effects, like chrome and cat eye. If you don’t want to fuss with chrome powder or a magnetic wand, though, reach for a gold glitter-flecked polish like Holo Taco Nail Polish in Disco Inferno or ILNP Boutique Nail Polish in Pumpkin Patch. (Both are under $20.)

If you’re looking to skip the shimmer completely, we’re partial to Manucurist’s Green Natural Nail Polish in Coral Reef, a creamy, true blood orange. Aprés Nail Gel Couleur in Prawn Queen is a longer-lasting option. The bright rust polish has red undertones and hits this trend on the nose.

Copper orange nails on brown hand Instagram / @melanated.mani