How To Give Your Nails The Mocha Mousse Treatment
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4 days ago
Pantone has made it to the nail salon
Since it claimed the title of Pantone’s 2025 Colour Of The Year, mocha mousse has quickly become the go-to colour of the style savvy. But what sits behind the appeal of a neutral manicure? We check in with the experts, and round up all the mocha mousse nails inspiration you could need for your next appointment.
What Are Mocha Mousse Nails?
A combination of rich chocolate and deep coffee hues, mocha mousse nails are shaping up to be the biggest manicure of the season. Neutrals have sat front and centre throughout 2024, in fashion, beauty and interiors – and now, our attention has turned to the ultimate quiet luxury colour: brown.
‘Mocha-coloured manicures, characterised by their warm, neutral, and earthy tones, have become a popular choice as a manicure colour due to their versatile and sophisticated aesthetic,’ notes Tinu Bello, Senior Mylee Ambassador and manicurist. ‘And with Pantone naming “Mocha Mousse” as their colour of the year for 2025, we can expect a surge in similarly hued manis in the near future.
@ally.nailsdesign Dark mocha brown cat eye nails 🍂☕️ #beetlenailpolish #beetlenails #fallnailinspo #nailinspo #cateyenails ♬ Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
‘These manicures signify a sense of sophistication and elegance, as the warm brown tones evoke understated luxury and classic style,’ she continues. ‘Their neutrality makes them incredibly versatile, suitable for various settings, from professional environments to casual outings. The earthy undertones also symbolise stability, warmth, and a connection to nature, aligning perfectly with modern minimalist fashion trends.’
With over 91 million posts dedicated to mocha mousse nails on TikTok, we don’t think this is a trend likely to disappear any time soon. But it’s the timelessness of the mani that makes Tinu think it will be a more long-term trend. ‘A person with a mocha manicure is often perceived as stylish yet subtle, favouring timeless elegance over flashy trends,’ she explains. ‘This choice reflects practicality, as mocha pairs effortlessly with a wide range of outfits and occasions. The warm and natural tone suggests a personality that is down-to-earth and approachable, while its current popularity hints at someone who appreciates sleek, modern trends.’
How To Wear The Trend
When it comes to this trend, you can either keep things classic with an all-over mocha mousse mani, or be a little more playful with your design.
If you fancy the latter, Tinu suggests teaming up shades of chocolate and coffee with complementary colours and fun textures. ‘Mocha manicures can be complemented with various designs and colours to enhance their appeal,’ she tells us. ‘Metallic accents such as gold, rose gold, or bronze add a touch of glamour, while creamy white or beige create a harmonious and soft contrast for a clean aesthetic.
‘Experimenting with finishes, such as combining matte mocha with glossy tips or patterns, can add depth and visual interest,’ she adds. ‘Earthy tones like olive green, terracotta, and burnt orange pair beautifully with mocha, creating a natural, cohesive palette.’
@finewinenails @pantone color of the year is mocha moose, so we do mocha moose inspired nails 🙂↕️🤎🍫 • @gelmoment mocha madness (gifted) • @IKON.IQ matte top coat • @functionofvex top coat – #nailart #nailinspiration #nailinspo #naildesign #diynails #gelnails #gelpolish ♬ Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me) – LISA
And for something a little more maximalist, Tinu recommends using mocha mousse nails as a base to explore more intricate mani designs. ‘For nail art enthusiasts, mocha serves as an excellent base for intricate designs,’ she says. ‘Marble patterns incorporating lighter browns or whites are trendy and sophisticated, while minimalist lines or geometric shapes in white or metallic shades give a modern look. A mocha twist on the classic French manicure, using lighter or darker tips, also offers a fresh perspective.’
How To Ask For Mocha Mousse Nails In The Salon
In the salon, you’ll want to ask your nail tech for a manicure that focuses on shades of coffee and chocolate. The finish and style is up to you – although keep in mind that for more detailed manicure designs you might need to bring some imagery to illustrate what you’re after. Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok are all treasure troves of mocha mousse nails inspiration.
Nail Inspiration
1. Classic Mocha Mousse Nails
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2. Marble Mocha
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3. Cat Eye Mocha
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4. Aura Nails
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5. Abstract French
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6. Chocolate Chrome
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7. Mocha Mousse Mix & Match Nails
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8. OmbreÂ
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9. Short Mocha Mousse Nails
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10. Jelly Tips
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Featured image: Getty Images
