Grey nails are having a huge moment, fast becoming the go-to shade for neutral nail lovers looking to switch things up from classic creams, beiges, and browns. Or, if you're a fan of timeless black polish, think of grey as its chic, warm-weather alternative. Trust me, I've just turned to grey and I've had countless compliments.
Singing the praises of the gunmetal hue, celebrity manicurist Emily Rose – whose A-list clientele includes Kylie Jenner, Angelina Jolie, and Pamela Anderson (to name just a few) – says, ‘grey neutral tones go with everything, making them the perfect shade to pair with denim and khaki.’ After all, there’s nothing worse than leaving the nail salon only to realise your fresh manicure completely clashes with your wardrobe.
But with a spectrum of grey shades to choose from – from deep, almost navy hues to high-shine silvers and soft, milky tones – how do you work out which is best for your nail shape, length, and skin tone? Karolina Zuk, the nail artist behind Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s effortlessly chic manicures, shares her expert advice.
‘I always opt for warm shades of grey with pink or purple tones and love to choose translucent polishes. When applied correctly, these create a chic look that appears incredibly elevated,’ she says. Or, ‘if you’re not a fan of a full grey look, you can always apply a nude tone and top it up with pearlescent powder in silver, allowing you to enjoy your favourite nail shade with a chic touch of grey,’ Karolina adds, referencing the ever-popular Hailey Bieber glazed manicure as the perfect example.
For those who love to experiment with nail art, Emily highlights a cool cat-eye effect and 3D silver accents as two key trends to incorporate into your next manicure. While Hayley McColm pro nail ambassador at Mii Cosmetics and the experts at Shoreditch Nails confirmed chrome isn’t going anywhere this season, easily adding a metallic edge to any design, whether through full-on shine or subtle accents.
Tempted to give grey polish a go? Keep scrolling for all the inspo you need – whether you're DIYing at home or heading to your next nail appointment.
The 21 best grey nail designs to try in 2025
1 . Best high-shine grey nail design
Mirror-like nails are sure to be all over your Instagram feeds if they aren't already. Sitting within the grey shade family, it's the perfect example that grey doesn't have to be boring.
2. Best grey nail design for the office
When it comes to office environments, pared-back minimalism is often the best way to go. Here, Karolina proves the appeal of a lighter neutral shade and it looks particularly sleek. Plus, it can easily be recreated at home.
3. Best pearlescent grey nail design
For those looking to liven up their grey nails without too much extra sparkle, Leighton Denny's pearlescent Glazed and Unfazed polish, could be a great solution.
4. Best grey nail design for nights out
If you're after a bit of bling, jazz up your nail set with some stick on gems and don't be afraid to add silver glitter.
5. Best minimalist grey nail design
Now, we've already highlighted the different shades of grey (50, if you will) and this set proves the subtle yet chic power of a darker hue. Looking more like a petrol colour, it's minimalist yet striking at the same time.
6. Best grey nail design for special occasions
Special occasions call for quite a fancy set and it doesn't get much grander than this. With a different design on each finger, this grey-based look will be a real ice breaker.
7. Best simple grey nail designs with a twist
A simple small design twist is often all that's needed to elevate an everyday grey nail shade. One easy solution? Glitter polish. It's so subtle you may even get away with it in the strictest office environments.
8. Best grey nail designs for classic appeal
Few nail designs are more classic than a French tip and, you guessed it, you can get the design in grey.
9. Best grey nail designs with a pop of colour
As Shoreditch Nails said, chrome accents are a great way to incorporate grey shades into other nail designs. Case in point: this vibrant purple set that's sure to attract attention.
10. Best grey nail designs for the fashion-forward
This nail design is nothing short of pure artistry, so it may be best to leave it to the professionals (unless you're particularly talented).
11. Best grey nail designs for a spring refresh
Geometric designs always look particularly crisp and when combined with a pale pink base, we're marking this as a go-to for spring.
12. Best grey nail designs with subtle sparkle
Sometimes all we need is a little sparkle to make our nails a bit more lustworthy. Proving the importance of glitter placement, this set shows less can sometimes be more.
13. Best understated grey nail design
Negative space nails boomed a few years ago and have since fallen off of the radar. Proving they deserve to comeback is this understated yet glam set by Alexandra Teleki.
14. Best grey nail designs for day-to-night style
If you've got a slammed social calendar, you need a manicure that can work for every occasion and glitter can come to the rescue. Opt for an iridescent shade to liven up any look.
15. Best marble grey nail design
Marble nails flit in and out of trend every few seasons, so get ahead of the curve with this subtle gradient design.
16. Best grey chrome nail design
If you thought chrome nails could only come from the salon, think again. Nails Inc's Influenced polish will help you achieve that high-shine look at home.
17. Best dark grey nail design
Although Hayley sings the praises of eye-catching chrome, she also makes a great case for a dark and mysterious grey shade. Black polish lovers, this one's for you.
18. Best grey cat-eye nail design
As Emily said, cat-eye nails bring all the drama and this sleek navy and grey set proves exactly that. Plus, spy the chrome accents Camy Veras has used, adding to that grey shade.
19. Best long grey nail design
Long nail lovers, pay attention to this frosted design. The serious point only adds to the effect.
20. Best grey nail design for everyday elegance
Iram Shelton is famous for her luxe-looking nails and this grey set is no exception. Exuding pure elegance, bookmark this pic for when you're after chic simplicity.
21. Best grey nail design for Christmas
You may think the festive season is a time for red, green or even bright white, but Olivia makes a strong case for a grey Christmas design. With an elf, candy cane stripes and glitter all in the neutral shade, it's sure to be a festive favourite for those not sold on bold colours.
Grey Nails FAQs
What are the best grey nail designs for short nails?
Minimalistic designs always look great on short nails. Think soft grey shades with micro French tips, matte grey with a glossy accent or tiny geometric nail art.
What are the best grey nail designs for long nails?
Long nails offer a chance to really experiment with different designs, so go crazy. Marble grey swirls, chrome, glitter, abstract black and white accents, are just a handful of ideas.
How can I make grey nails look more interesting?
It's easy to make grey nails look more interesting. Glitter will be your best friend, and don't be afraid of nail stickers, negative space designs or a pop of colour like neon or pastel details for contrast.
Can grey nails work for all seasons?
Yes, absolutely! Lighter greys suit spring and summer, while deep charcoal and smoky tones are perfect for when the temperature drops.
Are grey nail ideas work-appropriate?
Be sure to check your dress codes, but generally speaking yes. It’s a muted colour of choice.
Lauren Cunningham is a freelance fashion and beauty editor. She currently lives between Lisbon and London and is always on the lookout for exciting collaborations, new small brands and those boasting impressive sustainability credentials. Find her on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.