How to Administer the Mocha Mousse Treatment to Your Nails

Following its designation as Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, mocha mousse has rapidly emerged as the preferred hue among the fashion-conscious.

What are Mocha Mousse Nails?

Mocha mousse nails, characterised by a blend of rich chocolate and deep coffee tones, are poised to become the most prominent manicure trend of the season. Neutrals have dominated fashion, cosmetics, and interiors in 2024, and our focus has now shifted to the epitome of understated luxury: brown.

“Mocha-hued manicures, distinguished by their warm, neutral, and earthy shades, have gained popularity as a manicure colour owing to their versatile and refined appearance,” observes Tinu Bello, Senior Mylee Ambassador and manicurist. ‘ Pantone's designation of "Mocha Mousse" as the colour of the year for 2025 anticipates a proliferation of similarly tinted manicures in the forthcoming period.

“These manicures represent sophistication and elegance, as the warm brown hues evoke understated luxury and timeless style,” she continues. Their neutrality renders them exceptionally versatile, appropriate for several contexts, ranging from business settings to informal gatherings. The earthy undertones signify stability, warmth, and a connection to nature, harmonising seamlessly with contemporary minimalist fashion trends.

Given that there are over 91 million postings featuring mocha mousse nails on TikTok, it is improbable that this trend will fade away in the near future. However, it is the enduring nature of the manicure that leads Tinu to believe it will become a more sustained fad. “An individual with a mocha manicure is frequently regarded as fashionable yet understated, preferring classic sophistication to ostentatious fads,” she elucidates. This selection demonstrates practicality, as mocha complements a diverse array of attire and events. The warm and organic tone indicates a personality that is grounded and accessible, yet its contemporary popularity implies a somebody who values sleek, modern aesthetics.

How to Don the Trend

This trend allows for either a classic all-over mocha mousse manicure or a more whimsical design approach.

If you prefer the latter, Tinu recommends combining tones of chocolate and coffee with complimentary colours and engaging textures. “Mocha manicures can be enhanced with diverse designs and colours to augment their allure,” she informs us. Metallic elements like gold, rose gold, or bronze impart a sense of elegance, whereas creamy white or beige establish a harmonious and gentle contrast for a refined look.

“Exploring finishes, such as the combination of matte mocha with glossy tips or patterns, can enhance depth and visual intrigue,” she states. “Earthy hues such as olive green, terracotta, and burnt orange harmoniously complement mocha, forming a cohesive and natural palette.”

Tinu suggests utilising mocha mousse nails as a foundation for more elaborate manicure designs in a maximalist approach. “For aficionados of nail art, mocha provides an exceptional foundation for elaborate designs,” she states. Marble patterns featuring lighter browns or whites are fashionable and elegant, whereas minimalist lines or geometric designs in white or metallic tones provide a contemporary aesthetic. A mocha variation of the traditional French manicure, featuring brighter or darker tips, provides a novel perspective.

How to Request Mocha Mousse Nails at the Salon

In the salon, request a manicure that emphasises hues of coffee and chocolate from your nail technician. The choice of finish and style is yours; however, for intricate manicure designs, it may be beneficial to provide visual references to convey your desired outcome. Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok serve as abundant sources of inspiration for mocha mousse nails.