“It’ll be the color of summer 2026”: the nail polish shade beauty experts are already seeing everywhere

This summer 2026, one nail polish shade is dominating beauty trends. Matcha green, also known as pistachio, is making its mark on Parisian nails. This soft, modern color is gradually replacing classic pale pinks.

Matcha green: the star nail polish shade for summer 2026

Searches for “matcha nails” jumped 201% over the past year. In the last quarter, they rose by a further 27%. This pastel green shade is now conquering institutes and nail salons.

After last summer’s popular butter yellow, this shade of pistachio varnish takes over. According to Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha Beauty, “pistachio will be the color of summer ” 2026. For its part, Vogue cites milky matcha as “the green of the season”.

WhoWhatWear confirms this trend. The magazine predicts that pistachio nails will oust mint manicures. So matcha is everywhere: in our drinks, our desserts, our dressing room and on our nails.

“Pistachio polish is lighter than olive and more soothing than mint. It’s airy and refined, with a soft milky shade that gives nails a clean, modern look.”

Why this varnish shade is so appealing

The Clean Girl aesthetic has dominated manicure trends for several seasons now. Soft colors inspired by creamy beverages, such as Latte Nails, are crowding out bright hues. As a result, pistachio milk nails are becoming a must-have.

Olha Shtanhei, nail technician interviewed by Real Simple, describes this shade with precision. She describes it as airy and refined. This varnish shade offers a clean, modern look, ideal for a minimalist look.

• Cold pistachio for fair skin
• A warm matcha for dark skin
• More translucent milky matcha on short nails
• A chrome matcha option for tanned skin
• A pistachio French Manicure for an elegant twist

How to wear this shade of nail polish every day

Matcha nails have one major advantage: their versatility. As discreet as nude, this color is more unexpected. Suitable for a day at the office or a formal evening out.

This nail polish shade is particularly flattering for tanned skin. However, it is also suitable for pale skins. Just choose the right tone to achieve a harmonious result.

To stay stylish this summer 2026, it’s best to opt for a minimalist style. Experts recommend avoiding the accumulation of nail art. Short to medium-length nails are best suited to this trend.

Variations to personalize your manicure

A micro-detail can add character to this varnish shade. A milky top coat enhances the creaminess of matcha. Pistachio also makes a sophisticated addition to the French Manicure.

Trendy variations include milky matcha nails and a chrome version. Pistachio nails with lavender dots appeal to the most creative. The ombré version offers a subtle, modern gradient.

Three new pistachio varnishes under €17

Mavala’s Mini Color’s #502 Chiang Mai polish offers a soft matcha. It costs €7.60 for 5 ml. Available in pharmacies, parapharmacies and on the brand’s website.

For a more assertive pistachio manicure, Mylee’s Pistachio Macaron patches are a practical option. Sold at €14.99 for two patches, they can be applied without a UV lamp. Removal is done with acetone-free nail polish remover.

Paul and Joe’s #27 Kiwi Yogurt varnish offers a luminous finish. It retails for €16 per 10 ml. This varnish shade perfectly completes the matcha nails range available this spring-summer 2026.

The Adidas x Molly-Mae matcha sneakers, launched this spring, testify to the scale of the phenomenon. Ground green tea is now influencing all areas of lifestyle.

• varnish shade