Chestnut nails are everywhere right now – and if you haven’t seen them on your feed yet, you’re on the wrong side of TikTok. Brown nails have been massive all 2025 – Pantone literally made Mocha Mousse the Color of the Year – but chestnut is the specific shade people are asking for by name in salons this fall and winter.
So what is chestnut brown, actually?
Chestnut brown is a medium-to-deep brown with strong red undertones – somewhere between chocolate brown and burnt sienna.
It’s not cool-toned, not grayish, not muddy – that’s what sets it apart. Those warm undertones give it more depth and make it more flattering than a flat or neutral brown.
On fair skin, the warmth gives contrast. On medium and olive skin, it enhances the natural golden tones. On deeper skin, it adds richness and dimension. The red keeps it from looking washed out or basic, which is why it’s getting picked over cooler browns or beige.
Shades Worth Trying
🟤 Manucurist Green Chestnut – This is the one that’s all over Instagram. I’ve tried it and loved the results – see pic above.
🟤 Cracked Buttoned Brown – A deeper, redder brown cream. Definitely the most dramatic of the bunch.
🟤 Chanel Le Vernis Spirituelle – Luxe caramel-chestnut with a smooth, buttery finish. If you’re going for a splurge, this is the one.
🟤 Nails Inc. Hawaii Beach – The go-to classic. This is the most “salon popular” shade – what people are showing techs on Pinterest and IG.
How to Wear It
If you like things simple, go full coverage and glossy. It’s low-effort and works on short or long nails. If you want something more reflective, a chrome finish brings the red tones out even more. Want something trendy? Do a French tip in chestnut instead of white – it’s seasonal but still clean and minimal.
Chestnut also works with basically every nail trend happening this season: tortoise shell designs, negative space swirls, glitter details, cat-eye effect, even cutesy accents like dots or bows. The color is neutral enough to go with anything, but interesting enough to not look basic.
Bottom line: chestnut is the most in-demand brown of fall/winter 2025. It’s already big, and it’s not going away. If you’re trying to stay on-trend without going full seasonal gimmick, this is the shade to ask for.
