This year started off with an unlikely nail color trend: bright orange with a hint of red. I know, I know, it’s winter, not summer. britney voiceThe Los Angeles-based manicurist admits that wearing orange right now can feel “a little random.” However, in its own way, it is symbolic of this period. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. symbolizes passion and drive. That might look like finally posting that sultry photo on Instagram, starting a blog featuring your hottest takes, or, yes, wearing fiery orange nail polish.
Kylie Jenner, one of the patron saints of nail color trends, wore the color twice last month. In December, while everyone was rocking candy cane red nails and champagne manicures for the holidays, she stepped out in neon colors. nail it was perfect for her Marty Supreme-Orange ensemble. And she chose a copper manicure that was as sparkly as her gown for the Palm Springs International Film Awards on Jan. 3.
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The move was not completely unexpected. The Fall/Winter 2025-2026 runways were an early sign that bright orange will be popular in the coming months. Saint Laurent and Dries Van Noten’s collections featured oversized knits and 80s-inspired boxy outerwear. Nail experts we spoke to late last year also predicted fiery hues would be all the rage in 2026. Sarah ChuThe Los Angeles-based manicurist previously said: allure Adding a touch of orange to a typical red nail polish “makes a statement.”
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Boyce expects this shade to be paired with shiny effects like chrome and cat eye. However, if you don’t want to fuss with chrome powder or magnetic wands, use a gold glitter-encrusted polish like Holo Octopus Nail Polish in ‘Disco Inferno’ or ILNP Boutique Nail Polish in ‘Pumpkin Patch’. (Both are less than $20.)
If you want to skip the glitter completely, Manucurist’s Coral Leaf Green Natural Nail Polish is a creamy, true blood orange. Prawn Queen’s After Nail Gel Couleur is a longer lasting option. A bright rusty polish has a reddish tint that brings this trend to the nose.
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Give navy blue and cherry cola red a break, opt for fiery orange nails, and tell us it doesn’t add any spice to your life.
Shop Fire Horse Orange Nail Polish
Read the 2026 Trend Report.
Source: Allure – www.allure.com
