7 Best Red Nail Polish Colours Of All Time

It’s very likely that you already own a bottle of 2024’s most popular mani shade because red nail polish has never not been a classic. Despite its enduring appeal though, it’s fair to say newer trends (see: milky pink, glazed donut chromes and even last year’s surprise smash-hits, baby blue and latte) have hogged some of the attention. But, heading into 2024, red has regained ground… and the top spot.

2023 gave it the boost it needed with celebrity fans like Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Camila Morrone all revisiting the shade. And, every single one of the top nail artists we spoke to for our 2024 nail trends gave red a shout-out. And they were also given the green light at fashion week, too. “I feel like red nails are coming into a chic era at the moment,” confirmed celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa and Adele as clients. “Less is more and what better way to sex up a look than a statement red nail – as seen on the catwalk for SS24 at Proenza Schouler and Brandon Maxwell,” she told GLAMOUR.

The good news is, there’s room to play within the one trend, since every gradient is game. “It works perfectly for all seasons, as it’s so timeless,” A-list manicurist, and senior Mylee ambassador, Tinu Bello, told us. “Deep cherry and merlot reds will be hot as we come into 2024, with tomato and post box reds dominating the summer months,” she added.

And, we’ll be putting out 2024 twist on it, too with updated textures. “I think we will see some elevation to our red mani’s in 2024, with chrome, glazes, matte finishes, and high sheen,” says Tinu. Even if you prefer a more minimalist mani, you can nod to the trend by adding it into tiny accents. “Imagine how gorgeous a red skinny French would look,” says top nail artist, Harriet Westmoreland whose clients include Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

The fact is, red is a classic, especially on your nails. It’s stood the test of time, from ‘20s flappers, to ’40s Jenny Wrens, to ’50s Marilyn Monroe, to today where bright fire-engine and sultry merlot are as covetable and versatile as ever. And, it offers a whole spectrum of opportunities. Sunny days where you’re dining al fresco calls for a cheery orange-spiked arancia (cracking with a tan). For chilly spells when you’re back in your favourite cosy knit, you might fancy a sultry maroon. For off-duty days a brick red is a cool switch from ruby. And for a shade you can’t go wrong with, pillar box red works well on everyone. See? The opportunities are endless.

Here’s some of our favourite ways to wear red nail polish…

Glossy Hollywood red nails

Chrome red nails

Squared-off red Frenchies

Glazed fire red nails

Fire engine red nails

Cut-out red nails

Postbox red nails

Matte red nails

Doubled-up red frenchies

Tomato red nails

Jelly red Frenchies

Merlot red nails

Ruby red nails

Cherry red nails

Hi-vis red nails

Jelly red nails

Burgundy red nails

Poppy red nails

Red carpet red nails

XXL glazed red nails

Garnet red nails

Cut-out cuff red nails

Wine red nails

Bright red nails

Lipstick red nails

Candy red nails

Currant red nails

Scarlet red nails

XXL ruby red nails

Apple red nails

Ketchup red nails

These are the best red nail polish shades to try…