From rainbow brights to cool metallics, I’m all about experimentation when it comes to my fingernails. In fact, painting my nails at home (or investing in manicures, depending on how much free time I have) is a year-round non-negotiable for me. But now that sandal season has arrived to stay for the foreseeable, I’ve realised that my feet are sadly lacking in the same amount of TLC—and after a long winter spent tucked away in thick socks and chunky boots, a good pedicure is more than overdue.
However, whilst nail art and manicure trends dominate much of my Instagram scroll sessions, the same can’t be said for pedi inspiration. So, instead of seeking out under-the-radar nail colours or the hottest hues for summer, I wanted to find out what the most timeless toenail colours are. After all, pedicures always last way longer than manicures, so keeping it classic means I can take a low-maintenance approach to my toenail shade.
With that in mind, I reached out to some of my favourite nail salons and experts to find out what the most popular toenail colours are with their clients, regardless of the season. These are the five that came out on top.
Keep scrolling for the five always-popular toenail colours according to experts. Ready for your pedi?
1. Soft Pink
(Image credit: TOWNHOUSE)
Townhouse is the destination for nails amongst beauty editors and is probably my favourite place in London to get my own nail treatments. But what is the toenail colour of choice for Townhouse clients? “One of the most popular pedicure colours is Marshmallow by The Gel Bottle,” reveals Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse. “Chic and understated, it’s a stunning soft pink that complements any skin tone, which makes it a go-to choice for a sophisticated and polished look.”
Shop Soft Pink Toenail Colours:
Sally Hansen
Good Kind Pure Nail Varnish in Pink Cloud
This sheer baby pink looks soft and subtle on toes.
Essie
Nail Polish in Mademoiselle
Pink looks great all year round, but in the summer, I love this warm shade.
Nailberry
Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Rose Blossom
A beautiful, milky pink that can be layered for a more intense pop of colour on the toes.
2. Pillar Box Red
“Pillar box red is highly requested in the salon as it’s a shade that works all year round, but looks especially gorgeous in summertime as the perfect accessory to sandals and strappy heels,” says Yana Gushchina, founder of Browfique. “It adds a pop of colour without being overpowering to outfits, which is what makes it such a timeless, classic toenail shade.”
Shop Pillar Box Red Toenail Colours:
Chanel
Le Vernis Nail Colour in Incendiaire
Is there anything more timeless than a Chanel nail polish? This is a true red for a pedicure that will look classy whatever the season.
Nails Inc
Paddington Peace Out Quick Drying Nail Polish
A rich tomato red with a high-shine finish.
Barry M
Air Breathable Nail Paint in Scarlet
I swear by Barry M’s affordable nail polishes, and this classic red shade ticks all the boxes for an at-home pedicure.
3. Earthy Nudes
“The most popular pedicure colours can really vary depending on current trends,” explains Infaal Ziad, Rawr Beauty regional beauty manager. “However, classic shades like nudes with natural and earthy tones are always a popular choice as they complement different skin tones and can be worn for various occasions. The timeless appeal and versatility of these colours means they’re consistently in demand.”
Shop Earthy Nude Toenail Colours:
Nails Inc
Tulum Beach Nude Nail Polish
All of the nude shades in this Nails Inc collection are beautiful, but this creamy neutral is my pick of the bunch.
Manucurist
Nail Polish in Dove Beige
This pastel beige makes for the perfect neutral pedicure.
OPI
Malibu Collection Infinite Shine Long Wear in Bonfire Serenade
A glossy taupe that looks so chic on toenails.
4. Bright Coral
Over at London-based nail salon Paint, the most popular toenail colours lean towards the experimental. Senior educator Angel Gaffney reveals that a particular bottle of bright coral is the most popular toenail colour amongst the salon’s clients. “OPI’s Flex on the Beach is a beautiful, bright coral that’s perfect for a beach or festival look,” Gaffney explains. “It’s bold and on-trend, but still works well with classic, everyday outfits.”
Shop Bright Coral Toenail Colours:
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Flex on the Beach
It’s easy to see why this chic, creamy coral is so popular.
Mavala
Mini Colour Nail Varnish in Coral Bay
This vibrant shade is so fun, and I love how travel-friendly the mini bottles of Mavala polishes are—perfect for holidays.
Peacci
Fired Coral Nail Polish
A mix of salmon pink and fiery orange, this coral pops on all skin tones.
5. Clean & Clear
I’ve saved this one for last as it isn’t a toenail colour as such, but so many experts spoke to me about natural toenails as a hugely popular choice in salons. “Following the rise of the clean-girl aesthetic [on TikTok], the most popular colour requested tends to be a neutral shade, as this complements every outfit and keeps you looking clean and polished,” explains Gushchina.
Shop Clean and Clear Toenail Colours:
A sweet almond oil-infused nail treatment that cares for toenails whilst delivering a subtle, rosy finish.
Essie
Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener Clear
This nail-strengthening treatment improves the condition of toenails and reduces brittleness whilst boosting shine.
