I have an embarrassing beauty editor confession. For the past five years, my nails have been painted the same shade of bubble bath pink. Never have I embraced a glazed donut manicure, blueberry milk pedicure, or hopped on board the red nail theory train—impressive willpower, I know. That’s why I’m making a massive fuss about the fact that I'm currently embracing winter 2025’s biggest nail trend: dark cherry red nails.
Call it mocha rouge, moody maroon, black cherry, or deep merlot, but the black-with-a-hint-of-red-and-purple shade continues to be synonymous with the fall and winter months, after becoming the nail color of the 2024 season. It’s a tart twist on a classic black that’s proving to be a new neutral in the nail-scape.
Proof: In Pinterest's 2025 Pinterest Predicts Report, the site noted that searches for the color are up 235 percent by December of 2024, leading them to believe it would be an extremely popular trend for the following year. Said prediction has more that come true, with celebrities like Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, and even Angelina Jolie, wearing the shade in the weeks following the launch of the report. Jolie even took the deep cherry shade for a pedicure appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
It’s easy to see the appeal; a rich-looking red is expertly positioned for the holiday season. In the past, oxblood, with its cool-girl nod to brown and vibrant, fire engine reds, were the moment. But this year’s take continues where 2024 left off; that is to say that it adds a bit of edge to a to-be-expected nail shade.
“Dark cherry nails are sexy without the drama,” says editorial nail artist Miss Pop, who was coincidentally wearing a deep cherry red manicure at the time of our interview. “It’s a rich-looking color that doesn’t feel flashy or fiery. It’s sophisticated and not begging to be noticed like a brighter red, but once you do notice them, you see just how chic they are flying under the radar.”
The key to mastering the trend is choosing a color that’s just shy of black, navy, or brown. The purple or red undertone should glimmer in a bright light, giving your manicure a mysterious aura. Think: a little less vampy and a little more quiet luxury. I’m currently wearing CND Black Cherry because I wanted to twin with J. Lo (can you blame me?), but Berry Naughty by Essie, Rouge Nior by Chanel, and Complimentary Wine by OPI will all give you the same effect, according to Miss Pop.
You can incorporate the dark cherry nail trend into nail art if you don't want a standard, solid polish. “I love a metallic mini-moon, a sliver of a French tip, or even a jacquard-esque floral with this dark shade,” says Miss Pop. You can mix and match shades—a fuchsia plays well with deep cherry, as does a truer red. “Just don’t go crazy; this shade succeeds with its chic, uncomplicated depth.”
Need some deep cherry inspo ahead of your next nail appointment? Scroll ahead—I’ve got you covered.
Shop the Dark Cherry Red Nail Trend
Dark Cherry Red Nail Inspiration
Pour Me a Merlot
For my wine lovers: Biosculpture Gel makes a shade called Pinotage that looks precisely like a rich glass of red. (Just don't drink the bottle.)
The Anti-Flower Child
Give your dark cherry red manicure a floral twist with some easy to DIY nail art. This watercolor design just requires a nail brush a bit of patience.
Single Digit Accent Nail
If one shade sounds too bland for your personal preference, just dip one nail into a black cherry hue. Complimentary shades include: orange, white, and brown, as pictured above. For a holiday set, alternate with white and green!
A (Micro)-French Tip
The French manicure's renaissance is in full force. And itty bitty tips? Combine both trendy nail looks for a winter-approved set.
Cherry Flowers
Almonds, Always
Not only is this almond shape perfect, but the side french tip detail? Immaculate.
Psychedelic Twist
Spice up your dark cherry manicure with a more vibrant red, like Big Apple Red, in the center.
