Move over Bubble Bath—there’s a new nail color taking over summer. And yes, it’s inspired by the drink currently draining all of our bank accounts. Matcha nails are officially having a moment, and honestly, it was only a matter of time. Between the endless iced matchas flooding TikTok, the green aesthetic taking over Pinterest boards, and everyone suddenly becoming emotionally attached to their morning latte order, the color was bound to make its way into beauty.
We’ve already lived through the era of food-inspired manicures—glazed donut nails, strawberry milk nails, popsicle nails—and now the trend cycle has landed on something a little earthier. Matcha green somehow manages to feel soft, calming, and cool all at once. It’s colorful without screaming for attention, which is probably why it’s replacing the usual pale pinks and beige neutrals this season. According to Fresha, searches for “matcha nails” have jumped 201% over the past year, proving that everyone is suddenly craving a green manicure moment.
And unlike some viral nail trends that look better on your feed than in real life, this one is surprisingly wearable. The muted green tones work across a range of skin tones, pair well with gold jewelry and summer linen, and somehow make even the most chaotic iced coffee run feel a little more put-together. It gives just enough personality while still feeling clean in that low-key, expensive-looking way.
Want to try the matcha nail trend for yourself? Read on for everything you need to know, plus the chicest matcha-inspired manicures to screenshot before your next salon appointment.
How to Get the Matcha Nail Look
To get the look, start by choosing the version of green you want to wear. A deeper earthy green mimics traditional matcha powder, while softer sage or pastel greens give more of a creamy matcha latte effect. From there, decide on the finish. A glossy top coat keeps the manicure looking fresh and clean, while chrome or velvet finishes make it feel more elevated and trend-forward.
When it comes to the actual manicure, you can go as simple or playful as you want. Ask for a full solid-color manicure if you want something sleek and minimalist, or incorporate the shade into French tips, swirls, micro nail art, or accent nails for a subtler take. Matcha green also pairs really well with milky neutrals, soft pinks, chocolate browns, and butter yellows if you want a more dimensional design. And because green can pull differently depending on your skin tone, testing a few shades beforehand—or bringing photo inspiration to the salon—can make all the difference.
Shop Matcha Nail Polish
Matcha Manicure Inspiration
Need a little inspiration before your next nail appointment? From minimalist ombre to glossy latte-inspired greens and playful nail art, there are so many ways to wear the matcha manicure trend. Ahead, the chicest matcha nail looks currently taking over our saved folders.
1. Matcha Latte Nails
Soft, creamy, and ultra swirly, this version leans into the “latte” side of the trend with a milky green finish that feels subtle enough for everyday. It’s the kind of manicure that somehow makes your iced drink and gold jewelry look better instantly.
2. Matcha Cat Eye
This magnetic cat-eye finish gives matcha nails a moodier, more dimensional twist, says Vicki Ornellas, manicurist and global educator for Salon Perfect. The reflective shimmer catches the light in a way that almost looks velvety, making the earthy green feel unexpectedly glamorous for summer nights.
3. Strawberry Matcha
Pink and green together shouldn’t work this well, and yet here we are. The blended, almost airbrushed effect gives this manicure that sweet café-inspired look without feeling overly playful or costume-y. Ornellas recommends “dabbing” the colors on the nail for a seamless transition and a perfect finish.
4. Matcha French Tips
A matcha French manicure is perfect if you want to dip into the trend without fully committing. The subtle green tips keep things clean and minimalist, but still way more interesting than a standard nude manicure.
5. Ombre Matcha Nails
This ombré version feels soft, dreamy and slightly hazy in the best way. The gradual fade into green gives the manicure a lighter, more delicate finish that still taps into the trend without going full statement nail.
Alyssa Rotunno, Contributing Writer
Alyssa Rotunno is a NYC-based writer with a focus on beauty, fashion, shopping, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, Parade, and other national outlets, where she brings a sharp, timely lens to the products, places, and trends worth knowing. She’s endlessly curious about what people are talking about—and loves connecting the dots between trends, products, and real life.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic images credited to: Kaeli Sweigard | Dupe, The Manicurist, Dazzle Dry, and Caroline Taborda | Dupe.
