How to Keep Your Nails Looking Good All Fall

The first slightly chilly morning hits, and suddenly the bright summer mani has got to go. It’s time for deep reds, chocolate browns, tiny fall nail art, and the annual debate over which moody shade gets to go first.

Before fully committing to fall nail season, consider this the prep list.

1. Build the fall nail folder

The camera roll is about to get crowded. Cherry mocha, tortoiseshell, espresso brown, polka dots, plaid, moody French tips… the limit does not exist.

Save everything now. Sorting through 36 screenshots in the salon chair is a problem for later.

2. Do NOT peel off the summer mani

We know it’s tempting. We also know how this story ends.

Peeling gel can take layers of the natural nail along with it, which is not exactly the fresh start we’re going for. At The W Nail Bar, gel removals are drill-free and gently removed so the natural nail underneath stays the priority.

3. Reunite with the cuticle oil

Unfortunately, crisp fall air comes with a side of dry hands and cuticles.

Keep cuticle oil on the nightstand, at a desk, in a bag, wherever it has a fighting chance of actually getting used. A little extra hydration goes a long way when the weather starts cooling down.

4. Enter the nail growth era

Planning on longer natural nails for the holiday season? Start now.

Adding Luminary Multi-Flex Gel to a gel manicure gives natural nails some extra structure and strength while they grow. Because the Thanksgiving-to-New-Year manicure lineup deserves a solid foundation.

5. Pick the fall shape

A seasonal color switch is good. A color and shape switch? Even better.

Short and rounded with a dark red. Almond with chocolate brown. Squoval with a tiny fall design. There are no wrong answers here.

6. Don’t retire the pedicures with the sandals

The boots may be coming out, but the pedi appointments are staying.

Fall is prime time for keeping feet and nails maintained, and there’s something extremely satisfying about knowing the toes match the dark fall mani even if no one else gets to see them.

7. Get the appointment on the calendar

Because fall moves suspiciously fast. One minute it’s the first PSL of the season and the next there are holiday parties on the calendar.

Get the fall mani booked, bring the saved inspo, and prepare to spend the next few months exclusively considering shades of brown and red.

Fall nail season is officially open. Book the next manicure or pedicure at The W Nail Bar and let the seasonal switch begin.