Bordeaux nails have arrived as this autumn's upgrade on the traditional burgundy manicure, according to Susan Carroll, founder of Young LDN in Notting Hill. Dark red and cherry tones flooded social feeds this week, but Bordeaux brings a distinct difference: depth and earthiness.

What distinguishes Bordeaux from burgundy?

Burgundy sits somewhere between maroon and a purple-tinted red. Bordeaux draws its inspiration from a different region of France and shifts depending on the light.

"A brown undertone softens the red and gives it an incredibly luxurious, almost wine-stained quality. Rather than a very obvious red-purple burgundy, these shades can shift between deep red, chocolate, and oxblood depending on the light," Carroll notes. "That subtle variation is what makes bordeaux feel particularly modern and dimensional."

Why is the shade trending now?

Carroll acknowledges that such hues reliably return at the start of autumn, "because they have that richness and warmth that we associate with the season." But she also points to the wider shift toward manicure minimalism — the clean, natural colors and barely-there finishes gaining momentum in recent months — as part of the shade's current appeal.

"After the sheer pinks and milky neutrals, there's a real appetite for something more polished and timeless," Carroll observes. "A deep Bordeaux nail instantly feels sophisticated, so it's a shade people are turning to."

How to wear Bordeaux nails

Versatility ranks among the shade's main benefits. Carroll cites short, softly rounded or squoval nails as chic, understated options "(particularly with a high-gloss finish)," and recommends longer almond shapes for those wanting a more dramatic, glamorous look.

"If you want to incorporate nail art, I'd keep it minimal," she suggests. "A bordeaux French tip over a sheer nude base is a beautiful way to wear it without committing to a full dark nail — or you could use it alongside chocolate brown for a tonal manicure."

Deeper shades expose imperfections, so preparation matters. "Make sure the nail shape is consistent and the cuticle area is neat before applying color, use a base coat to help prevent staining, and finally, finish with a really glossy top coat," Carroll concludes. "Bordeaux looks its most expensive when the color is rich, smooth, and almost glass-like."

Six Bordeaux nail ideas

Short 'n' chic. Natural-looking shapes paired with simple gels keep things pared-back and let the Bordeaux color take the spotlight.

Simple squares. Celebrity manicurist Iram Shelton predicted at the start of the year that square and squoval nails would see a revival. Popular in the early 2000s, these shapes are firmly back.

Matte moment. A Shelton-created variation pairs a matte Bordeaux base with a subtle, glossy French tip — a solution for anyone undecided on a finish.

French Bordeaux. Sleek French tips combined with a few block-color nails tick off two trends at once.

Glazed chrome. A glazed chrome finish elevates even the simplest Bordeaux set, with each nail catching the light.

Tortoiseshell accents. Motifs in similar palettes — chocolate browns, vibrant plums, or subtle tortoiseshell — promise compliments.

With minimalism still dominating and autumn's richer palette settling in, Bordeaux positions itself as the shade that bridges both — sophisticated enough to feel timeless, dimensional enough to feel new.