Nail Inspiration
Your source for the latest nail trends, tips, tricks, and more from the OPI Team and top salon professionals.
02.06.2025
Colour Theory for Nails: A Pro Guide
Colour theory is everywhere right now — from fashion to hair to beauty — and it’s just as powerful behind the nail desk. Choosing shades that complement a client’s skin tone can elevate a manicure, enhance the overall look and increase satisfaction (and rebooking).
Of course, self-expression always comes first. But when clients ask, “What colour suits me?”, having a colour-theory-led recommendation instantly positions you as the expert.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether your client has a light, medium or deep skin tone, understanding undertones and contrast will help you confidently suggest shades that flatter, photograph beautifully and keep clients coming back.
From soft neutrals that enhance natural warmth to bold brights that pop against deeper tones, this is your go-to hue guide for building bespoke, high-impact nail looks — every time.
Light Skin Tones
Jewel tones are universally flattering across all clients, but they tend to pop especially well on fair and lighter skin tones. When you're selecting shades for services, consider rich, high-shine hues like Big Apple Red® or a deep sea blue to enhance natural pigment and create bold visual contrast. If your client prefers a cooler, softer look, reach for a robin’s-egg blue or a neutral pink-beige—both dependable options for chic, understated results.
Light Medium Skin Tones
Both pale lights and bold brights perform beautifully on clients with light-medium skin tones. For a vivid pop of colour, a bright, spicy coral like Cajun Shrimp® delivers an instant lift and pairs well with a variety of services. If your client prefers something softer, consider warm sandy neutrals like Samoan Sand, or reach for pale grey and soft pink tones—reliable, versatile options that complement this skin range with ease.
Medium Skin Tones
For clients with medium skin tones, earthy colour families tend to enhance and balance their natural warmth. Try recommending warm greens or nutty browns—shades like My Italian Is a Little Rusty can beautifully emphasise a client’s natural tan. And don’t overlook reds: a deep wine-red such as I’m Not Really A Waitress® is a timeless option that flatters virtually every skin tone.
Medium Deep Skin Tones
For clients with medium-deep skin tones, warm nail shades continue to be a strong match. For a neutral option, a creamy coffee hue or a classic brown-taupe—such as You Don't Know Jacques!—delivers a polished, versatile look. If your client wants something more eye-catching, consider a bright, beachy teal like All Heal Queen Mother Earth. These vibrant tones look especially striking against tanned and deeper complexions.
Deep Skin Tones
For clients with deeper skin tones, both rich, saturated shades and softer, lighter hues create beautiful results. Colours with pink undertones—such as Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around®—offer a bright, clean contrast that enhances the client’s natural depth. And you can never go wrong recommending a vibrant red. For maximum impact, choose one with blue undertones, like Got the Blues for Red, to deliver a striking, high-contrast finish.