Chai Latte Nails Are Fall's Coziest Manicure Trend — Here's How to Get the Look

Jennifer Lopez just debuted a new fall manicure color, and according to nail artists, it's already shaping up to be one of the season's biggest trends.

There’s one manicure color that’s making the rounds of the internet these days, thanks to a familiar face who started the trend. It’s called “chai latte,” and just as its name suggests, it’s warm and creamy, perfect for the fall season. Here’s everything you need to know about your next nail obsession.

Where the Trend Came From

It was Jennifer Lopez who popularized the shade, created by her longtime go-to celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik. She first debuted an earlier version of the “chai latte” back in 2023 during New York Fashion Week, which Bachik described at the time as a "taupe-y lavender" color.

This upgraded version, which Lopez recently featured on her Instagram, suits the fall season more. "Takes the milky nude everyone loves and warms it up with a cinnamon-spice undertone," says Daisy Kalnina, founder and CEO of The GelBottle Inc. "It's the same clean concept, a minimal base but with a fall depth and twist that transitions into the new season."

Why Everyone's Obsessed with It

Minimalist, natural-looking manicures have been trending for quite some time now, so it’s no surprise “chai latte” is getting a lot of attention. It fits right in and feels appropriate for the season.

Kalnina says the color responds to what people are looking for: something that looks expensive, without trying too hard. "I love these when worn short and almond-shaped with a chic shine rather than an ultra-high gloss," she says. "They work beautifully on their own, or with one accent nail in a deeper cocoa for contrast."

Meanwhile, celebrity nail artist Erica De Los Santos, who has worked with stars like Maren Morris and Camila Cabello, has her own take in describing “chai latte.” "Think cream mixed with a warm brown, not too dark, not too beige," she says. De Los Santos loves the color, especially for the fall, because it sets the right mood. "Sitting by the fireplace, sipping on a nice chai latte. It's the perfect smooth transition into fall," she says.

How to Get the Look at Home

Much like any manicure, "Cuticle prep is essential,” according to De Los Santos. So before using the polish, make sure your nails are free of imperfections, which are harder to hide under a pale manicure color. Gently push back cuticles with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher, and remove any excess cuticle skin. Any nail shape works for this kind of color, but De Los Santos suggests round or almond.

When applying the polish, De Los Santos advises to go slow. "Use nice, even strokes and avoid applying too much pressure," she says, adding, "Too much pressure can cause streaking, especially with those creamy colors." If you're doing your nails yourself, she suggests using a quick-dry formula to help avoid smudging.

Ways to Wear It

There are many ways to wear the manicure. You can go classic with a short, simple, and perfectly groomed manicure. You can also opt for a milkier, cashmere-toned finish with a nail illuminator on top. If you like the French manicure, you can switch the white tips with a soft, cloudy version. For something bolder, try a glazed chrome finish. If you want some subtle detail, tiny reflective polka dots can do the trick.

However you choose to wear it, chai latte nails offer something rare this season: a manicure that feels both cozy and polished at the same time.