Grey Nails Are the 2021 Manicure Trend You've Been Waiting For: Here's Proof

We'll be wearing "cookies and cream" nails all winter.

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Updated on Dec 27, 2019

Shades of Grey Nails — Olive & June

We love a colorful mani moment, but every once in awhile it serves to keep it black and white—or, in this case, in between the two. Yup, we're talking about grey nails. The light-and-dark nail hue has proven to be a hit among beauty lovers on Instagram and real life, with #greynails growing by the minute.

Unlike some other nail trends, grey nails are incredibly versatile. That's because there are so many different shades of grey to choose from. Whether you want to rock a warm-based shade, a dusty hue, or a slate-inspired color, they're all within the grey spectrum. And, if you want to get really creative, you can even choose a different shade of grey for every nail to kill two trends with one stone. Of course, that would first require sussing out the best grey nail polishes the beauty market has to offer.

Luckily for you, since we're well aware that time is of the essence, we've gone ahead and rounded up the 15 pretties grey shades ranging from light colors to dark shades. Take your pick, below.

01 of 15

Cookies and Cream

Olive & June ECC

Olive & June 7-Free Nail Polish in ECC $8

This ultra-light cool grey color is named after Erica Chidi Cohen, the co-founder of Loom—but, if we're being honest, all we can think of when seeing the pretty pale shade is cookies and cream. The modern hue is sweet, simple, and undoubtedly minimalist. Wear it on its own or detailed with darker polish.

02 of 15

Barely Grey

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Dove

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Dove $10

This light neutral grey is so pale it's almost white. To ensure that it looks grey on your nails, be sure to use at least two coats of the toxin-free vegan polish. And, as always, start with a base coat.

03 of 15

Cloudy Blue-Grey

Base Coat Grey Nail Polish

Base Coat Breathable & Halal Nail Polish in Thistle $20

This pale blue-grey shade looks especially ethereal during the transition into winter. It mimics the color of a winter's first snow and looks dreamy for days on end. And, thanks to its breathable formula, its better for the health of your nails in the long run.

04 of 15

Greenish Grey

Sally Hansen Thyme Is Money

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color Thyme Is Money $4

Believe it or not, there are even greenish-grey shades on the color spectrum. So if you can't choose between purple and blue undertones, consider this earthier grey for an equally as alluring end look. It brings images of fuzzy lamb's ear to mind.

05 of 15

Pale Grey Shimmer

OPI I Can Never Hut You Grey Nail Polish

OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in I Can Never Hut You $13

Described by the brand as an "edge-of-dawn grey," this iridescent hue takes the last greenish-grey shade up a notch by adding loads of sparkle to the mix. In the right light, it might just give you mermaid vibes.

06 of 15

Jason Wu-Approved Grey

Jason Wu Grey Nail Polish

Deborah Lippmann GREY Jason Wu Gel Lab Pro Nail Color $20

Grey nails are undeniably on trend but if you don't believe us perhaps the fact that this particular medium-tinted shade is created in a collaboration with none other than the esteemed Jason Wu. Yup, go ahead and click "Add to Bag."

07 of 15

Geode Grey

Essie Holographic Grey Nail Polish

Essie Online Only Gorge-ous Geodes Nail Polish Collection in Rock Your World $9

This holographic silver nail polish takes regular grey nail polish to the next level with ultra-fine, light-reflecting shimmer that simply can't be missed. Paint it on one accent nail or on each and every finger — either way, you're bound to earn more than a few likes on your crystal-inspired mani.

08 of 15

Warm-Toned Lilac Grey

Olive & June AW

Olive & June 7-Free Nail Polish in AW $8

This lilac-tinted grey is one of Olive & June's best-selling nail shades. While the hue alone is worth falling head over heels for, it's the fact that it's been proven to last for weeks on end that makes it such a stand-out.

09 of 15

Metallic Grey

Sally Hansen Metallic Silver

Sally Hansen Color Cuticle Oil and Nail Therapy in In My Element $10

Technically speaking, silver is a part of the grey family—lucky us! This metallic silver shade is especially killer thanks to its nail-nourishing formula that's designed to replenish damaged nails.

10 of 15

Neutral Medium Grey

Medium GRey Nail Polish

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Waking Up in Vegas $20

Not too purple and not too blue, this neutral medium shade works well for anyone looking to ride the middle of the grey nail trend. In addition to major color payoff, the formula features 10 active ingredients that strengthen, lengthen, and improve the overall look of nails.

11 of 15

Medium Purple-Grey

Chanel Le Vernis Grey Nail Polish

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour $28

This best-selling Chanel shade is the ultimate medium shade on the purple-grey spectrum. Possibly even more notable than the color is the wide brush that makes painting your own nails easier than ever. For best results, apply two coats.

12 of 15

Medium Dark Grey

Smith & Cult Grey Nail Polish

Smith & Cult Nail Lacquer in Stockholm Syndrome $18

The purple-based medium grey is a moody hue that can be worn all year-long, though especially during the colder seasons. The rich cream color is super shiny, so depending on your preference, you can even get away with a quick single coat.

13 of 15

Dusty Blue Grey

Essie Dusty Blue Grey

Essie Serene Slate Nail Polish in Toned Down $9

This dusty blue cream nail polish looks gorgeous on its own or paired with intricate nail art. Whether you wear it with tiny white details or in a half-moon negative space design, we wouldn't be surprised if it earned a permanent spot in your nail polish collection.

14 of 15

Steely Grey

OPI Steel Waters Run Deep

OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Steel Waters Run Deep $13

The darker the grey, the bolder the look. Well, at least with this high-shine shade that's built to last. In fact, thanks to the brand's ProStay Technology, it can actually last up to 11 days without chipping.

15 of 15

Holographic Charcoal

ILNP Holo Charcoal Grey

ILNP Nail Polish in Maiden Lane $10

This holographic charcoal grey deserves to be star in one of your upcoming manis. Depending on the light, the speckled color will look like a slab or dark slate or a shining rainbow.

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Love all these grey nail colors but can't choose which will pair best together? Fortunately for us, Olive & June makes it especially easy to nail the mismatch trend with their 5 Shades of Grey Mani Kit ($48). It includes ECC and AW (mentioned above), as well as RP, CDJ, HD, and The Top Coat. When nails are prepared properly and topped off with The Top Coat, you can expect the salon-quality results to last for at least a week (and as many as three) without a single chip.

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