Cherry Mocha Is This Season’s It Nail-Polish Color

It’s officially November, and as Mariah Carey likes to say: “It’s tiiiiiiiiiime!” Yep, it’s time to store your swimsuits in a box underneath the bed, bring out the chunky knit sweaters and heavy coats, and embrace all things fall and winter. On the beauty front, you may also find yourself swapping out your light moisturizers for heavier hydrators and trading in your bright nail-polish shades for something darker and more fitting for the season. While neutral trends like “rich girl” nails can be worn all year long, there are a few colors that work especially well for the cooler months. Our current favorite? Cherry mocha nails.

While there’s one specific brand responsible for the recent cherry mocha craze, it’s become a timeless shade that plenty of brands are recreating due to its popularity. Fun fact: it looks good on everyone, and it can be customized to suit your nail shape, length, and skin tone.

Ahead, nail experts break down what cherry mocha nails are, how to get the look, and the best shades to try. Keep reading to learn more.

Experts Featured in This Article

Jin Soon Choi is the editorial manicurist and founder of Jinsoon.

Mazz Hanna is the CEO of Nailing Hollywood.

What Are Cherry Mocha Nails?

Cherry mocha nails first went viral on TikTok after a user shared a manicure with the DND color Cherry Mocha. Since then, the name has come to describe deep reddish-burgundy nails with brown undertones.

“Given their deep, rich, and playful tones, I find that short nails with either round or squoval shapes exude a modern and chic vibe,” Jin Soon Choi, editorial manicurist, tells PS. Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood, agrees, adding, “Softer shapes really complement this color well.” However, the look should be customized to what works best for you.

“It’s crucial to inquire about the specific tone of cherry mocha that complements your skin tone and to discuss which nail shape suits your natural nails best,” Choi says. As for the shade, pay attention to your undertone. If you have a warm undertone, opt for something with an orange undertone, but if you’re cooler, opt for something with blue or purple undertones. If you’re neutral, any shade will work. Also, if you have a darker skin tone, you can opt for something that presents, like a darker brown, but if your skin tone is lighter, stick with a lighter brown.

How to Get Cherry Mocha Nails

Whether you’re visiting a salon or opting to do your nails yourself, the most important thing is to get the shade that suits you best. Choi suggests Jinsoon Heroine ($18) or Jinsoon Fable ($18). Hanna is a fan of Dazzle Dry Red Rogue ($22), Orly Opulent Obsession ($11), and Dior 047 Nuit ($26). Of course, you can always opt for the classic DND Cherry Mocha ($17), which comes in both a regular and a gel option.

If you plan to go the DIY route, Choi says it’s important to start by cleaning your nail beds with a non-acetone nail-polish remover. From there, apply a base coat. Next, you’ll want to paint on two coats of your chosen cherry mocha nail polish. “Tidy up any nail polish smudges on cuticles and skin around the edges of your nails,” Choi says. Then complete the look with a glossy topcoat.

If you’re ready to take the trend for a test drive, keep reading for inspiration.

Cherry Mocha Nail Inspiration