This winter, restrained nude shades and the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, which have dominated beauty salons for the past few seasons, are giving way to a bold new favorite. A cherry-red shade—deep, rich, and poised between classic scarlet and elegant burgundy—is making a triumphant return to the fashion scene in 2025. This color has already gained popularity among celebrities and influencers, and the #cherrynails hashtag is breaking view records on social media, confirming its status as the season’s top trend.
The secret to its success lies in its versatility. The cherry shade looks surprisingly harmonious on nails of any length or shape, flatters all skin tones, and instantly adds a touch of refined luxury to any look. It’s equally appropriate for a strict office dress code or as a bold accent for an evening out. Whether on the streets of Madrid or in Barcelona’s trendiest venues, this shade has become an essential part of a stylish winter look.
This season, however, classic cherry is appearing in new and unexpected interpretations. Designers and nail artists are experimenting with textures and effects, turning the familiar color into a true work of art. From glossy finishes to futuristic chrome, we’ve rounded up eight of the most on-trend ideas to inspire your next look.
Long and almond-shaped
The almond shape remains at the height of popularity, and for good reason. It visually elongates the fingers, making hands appear more refined and aristocratic. Paired with a deep cherry hue, this manicure looks especially striking and glamorous. This season, slightly pointed, perfectly polished nails are in style—they add character and confidence to any look.
Short and glossy
For those who value comfort and practicality but aren’t willing to sacrifice style, short nails are the perfect choice. A neat shape and flawlessly applied cherry polish with a glossy finish embody understated elegance. This manicure looks neat and luxurious, making it a great complement to any everyday or business outfit.
French chic
The classic French manicure gets a modern update. Instead of the traditional white tip, a rich cherry shade is used at the end of the nail. The base remains natural or is covered with a sheer nude polish. This contemporary, minimalist design looks great on both short and long almond-shaped nails.
Glazed shine
The glazed nail trend, championed by Hailey Bieber, is going strong this winter. A cherry-red base topped with a touch of pearlescent top coat creates a luminous glaze effect. This manicure looks festive and sophisticated, shimmering in the light and drawing attention to your hands. It’s the perfect choice for holiday events and special occasions.
Chrome shine
For the boldest fashionistas, a chrome-effect manicure is the perfect choice. A metallic cherry shade is pure futurism and modern glamour. The nails appear as if coated in molten metal, giving the look an edgy and unforgettable vibe. This style is sure to make a statement.
The magic of ‘cat’s eye’
The ‘cat’s eye’ effect, achieved with special magnetic polish, has also made its way into the cherry palette. A deep, shifting highlight that moves with the light resembles the gleam of a precious stone. In a cherry shade, this manicure looks hypnotic, mysterious, and incredibly refined.
Incidentally, red nail polish has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. In ancient China and Egypt, nail color signified social status, and vivid red shades were the privilege of the elite. In the modern era, red manicures became a symbol of glamour and women’s emancipation in the 1920s, when Revlon released its first polish to match lipstick shades. Since then, it has remained a beauty staple, constantly evolving in shade and texture but always representing confidence and passion.
