There was a time black nails were associated with all things punk, grunge and alternative but in 2025, dark-hued nail designs are no longer reserved for stereotypes. Instead, modern black nails can be as bold as they are chic, elegant and timeless. That's all down to trend-led nail designs now being created with black nail polish, whether its a modern French manicure or floral nails. For a further point of difference, black nails can come in a range of finishes and textures, too, be it a gel manicure, biab, chrome or matte.
Need proof of the rise of black nails? Look to Pinterest, where black nails are always trending, or to our favourite black nail-wearing celebrities who are known for going to the dark side on their digits: Margot Robbie has been known to rock a black and nude avant-garde nail set, while Selena Gomez's black micro French mani has been pinned to our moodboards for some time, both courtesy of celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik.
Meet the expert
Shay Spencer South London based Gel X and press on nails specialist.
‘Black nails are having such a moment right now,’ says Shay Spencer (@sheenails). ‘We’re seeing everything from sleek matte finishes to high-shine chrome - and mixing in textures like velvet or adding delicate gold accents is really popular choice from my clients.’
Shay also notes that black nails are becoming more versatile: ‘It’s not just about the gothic vibe anymore. Pairing black with soft pastel detailing or subtle nail art makes it feel more modern and wearable.’ And for those who love a bit of umph? ‘Stiletto or almond shape is always a power move,’ Shay adds. ‘It’s classy, slims the fingers and still has that edge.’
The ultimate moody hue, black is opulent, luxurious and utterly chic. It can look put together and polished, vampish and sultry, gothic and grungy, all in the same breath –proving it to be an incredibly versatile colour. The good news is there’s a black nail design to suit each of the nail shapes we see sported most often - whether you're a fan of almond designs or even coffin. From classic French manicures to statement nail art, there's an abundance of ways to go back to black. Read on for more...
The Best Black Nail Designs For 2025
1. Gothic Black Nails
Iram Shelton proves that black is back with this modern silver glitter rimmed nail art design. You can create the look at home with a small eyeliner brush… and a very steady hand.
Try it with: Essie Nail Polish in 88 Licorice, £8.99
Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
2. Matte Black Nails
Matte black nails with a glossy black French tip? It’s cool, it’s a classy black nail design. We’ll absolutely be trying this at our next nail appointment.
Try with: Nailberry L'Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Blackberry, £16
Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
3. Black and White Heart Nails
This nude, whiteand black nail design feels fun, chic and fresh. Combine with long acrylic extensions, or grow out your nails using strengthening BIAB for the best version of this look
Image credit: Instagram @kuypernailart
4. Black and Gold Glitter Nails
Black and gold nail designs (especially with glitter) nails always make for a winning combination. This look combines French with ombre nails for a dazzling look that leaves us looking towards Christmas manicures. Any excuse, really.
Try this: Nails Inc Total Blackout Ultimate Black Nail Polish, £9
Image credit: Instagram @thehouseofbeautybromsgrove
5. Black And Green Nails
Black, holographic nails with a streak of glittering green is perfect for witchy season. If it’s a look you’d like to get on board with, ensure the sharpest stiletto point for added drama.
Image credit: Instagram @thehouseofbeautybromsgrove
6. Short Black Nails
Iram Shelton does it again with these short black gel nails – it’s a classic look. And if you fancy switching things up? Black and silver nails work well too.
Try with: Manicurist Nail Polish in Licorice, £14
Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
7. Black and Pink Nails
If more is more is your beauty mantra consider a contrasting pink and black combination that’s sure to reel in the compliments. Diamonds add a Euphoria-esque finish.
Try with: Mylee The Crown Jewels Kit - Nail Art Set with Silver & Gold Decorations, £9.99
Image credit: Instagram @polished_by_caitlin
8. Abstract Black Swirls
Give black nails a fresh spin with this spirally, abstract set. A milky base will made the art pop while lending the look a clean finish.
Try with: OPI Nail Polish in Funny Bunny, £13.50
Image credit: Instagram @peachinails
9. Negative Space Black Mani
For a subtle hint of black, look to this ensemble – a chic and minimalist negative space manicure made up of line art. Entirely unique in composition, it's guaranteed to make onlookers double take.
Try with: Manicurist Dotting Tool & Nail Art Liner Brush Duo, £27
Image credit: Instagram @ror.ling
10. Black Nail Design Almond Shape
Ultra-feminine and chic, the classic rounded almond shape of this set works to compliment its high-shine, glossy jet back finish.
Try with: OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, £14.90
Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
11. Black Nail Art
Inspired by tattoos, this is certainly a fun way to experiment with black nail art designs. Test out variations of your chosen illustration and use a fine brush to perfect the look you desire.
Try with: NAILS INC Mani Marker Black, £5
Image credit: Instagram @nails.bab
12. Black Halloween Nails
A twist on the classic French mani, this set is given the Halloween treatment with black tips and cute white spider webs accents.
Image credit: Instagram @nailsbyalsn
13. Black Ombre Nails
This gel polish design may look impossibly chic but with right tools and technique you can achieve a salon finish at home, grey and black nail designs are an unbeatable combo.
Try with: Halo Gel Nails Ombre & One Stroke Nail Art Brush, £11.95
Image credit: Instagram @_lonelyedit
14. The Black Classic French Manicure
The classic French mani can be given the black nail makeover with a glossy black polish and an uber-shiny top coat.
Image credit: Instagram @thehotblend
15. Black And White Monochrome
This retro yet delicate spin on the French uses an alternating reverse mani technique to create an entirely dynamic design.
Try this: The GelBottle Gel Polish in Daisy Pure White, £14.50
Image credit: Instagram @gelsbybry
16. Negative Space Square Black Nails
Chic and sophisticated, this squared-off nail shape accentuated with a negative spaced French style is a modern, geometric take on a classic.
Try this: The GelBottle Gel Polish in Daisy Pure White, £14.50
Image credit: Instagram @gelsbybry
17. Cow Print Black Nails
This abstract cow print manages to keep things cute with subtle nods to the pattern and pops of orange.
Try with: Halo Gel Nails Luxury Awaits Gel Polish Collection, £6.95
Image credit: Instagram @peachinails
18. Black And Nude Polka Dot Nails
These sharp almond nails are finessed with an elegant looking black outline and a central dotting technique. It may look simple enough but we assume a certain level of expertise will be needed to ace the style.
Try with: Mylee Nail Art Accesory - Stainless Steel Dotting Tool, £5
Image credit: Instagram @nolas.nails
19. Black And White Flame Nails
These perfectly crafted black and white flame nails come with the addition of cleverly concealed hearts which give the popular style a unique edge.
20. Black Glitter Nails
Want a real black nail moment? Look no further than this modern black French mani, bedazzled with black glitter.
Try with: Halo Gel Nails Create Nail Art Glitters in Be Power, £2.50
Image credit: Instagram @naildbyliz_
21. Black And White Tuxedo Nails
Nail pro Iram Shelton created this 'Tuxedo French' look using OPI's nail polishes in 'Lady in Black' and 'Alpine Snow,' as well as a mixed nude base made up of OPI's Nail Polish in 'Bubble Bath' and 'Love Is In The Bare'. Dress to impress.
Try with: OPI Nail Lacquer Lady in Black, £11.92
Image credit: Instagram @iramshelton
22. Black Croc Nails
A textured vibe but with a glossy finish.
Image credit: Instagram @beautycravings_bykatie_
23. Black and Pink Aura Nails
Aura nails are so reminiscent of the galaxy, so dreamy. If you want to achieve this look your nail technician will need an airbrush machine, be sure to ask before hand.
Image credit: Instagram baddienailsbyki
24. Black Floral Nails
Soft but with a dark twist - if you can’t make the commitment to full black. This is a good pick, they’re press ons too!
Image credit: Instagram @sheenailss_
25. Black Short French Tips
Black, short and to the point, these nails will take from work, and with a few rings to special occasions.
Image credit: Instagram @amayanailzz
26. Black and Pink Floral French Tips
Holiday nails needn’t be colourful, these feel tropical enough - 3D designs are always a good look.
Image credit: Instagram @killernaills
27. Black Chrome Nails
Black chrome nails are super punk - be sure to seal and cure these properly under a LED lamp, as these are prone to chipping.
Try with: Manucurist LED Lamp, £75 was £106
Image credit: Instagram @beautyspace_charlotte
28. French Tip Heart Nails
Heart French tips? This will be a compliment ringer, black and white pair so well together.
Image credit: Instagram __tn_nails__
29. Matte Leopard Print Nails
A velvety leopard print moment - these are nothing like we’ve seen before. The black nail options are endless.
Image credit: Instagram nailsby_char.m
30. Black Freestyle Manicure
Freestyle sets are so fun as you can really make it your own; to DIY have a thin brush to hand.
Try with: Mylee 7mm Ultra Fine Brush, £5.50
Image credit: Instagram @notorioushandjobz
Shop: The Best Black Nail Essentials
Essie nail polishes are hard to fault – easy to work with, an award-winning formula and a long-lasting lacquer makes it a sturdy choice. This specific shade is defined as a 'jet black crème'.
Pros
- Affordable
- Award-winning formula
Cons
- One review said, 'It does need a top coat to give it staying power'.
Anyone with even the faintest idea about nails will know OPI as a household name. Its Nature Strong range boasts the same industry gold standard formula, with the addition of non-animally-derived, 75% natural origin ingredients.
Pros
- Highly-pigmented lacquer
- Lasts up to seven days
Cons
- Higher than normal price point
This true black opaque polish will lend you high-shine, sleek nails that look like they've been given the professional treatment. Nailberry's offerings come with the added benefit of a non-toxic, oxygenated, water-permeable, halal-certified formula.
Pros
- Non-toxic and nail protective
- Halal certified
Cons
- High price point
www.nailsinc.com
Sometimes black polish can look grey or even brown, this one from Nails Inc is what it says on the bottle a ‘total black out’. The formula is a rich matte black and is free from harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Wide hugging brush
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Very fast drying
Cons
- One review said,'Gorgeous matte black colour, but does start to shine after a few days. High quality though as it doesn't chip easy.'
The Best Black Nail Designs FAQs
What are the best black nail designs for short nails?
‘Short black nails look best when you keep it simple,’ says Shay Spencer. ‘Think minimalist French tips, micro hearts, or something like aura nails. It doesn’t have to be anything boring.’
How do I make black nails look chic rather than harsh?
‘Glossy finishes always soften black nail designs,’ Shay says ‘ Sharp almond nails always does the trick too.’
Are black nails in style right now?
Yes they are, right now it’s all about mixing finishes - glossy, matte, and velvet textures are big.
What nail shape looks best with black polish?
‘Stiletto and square shapes are my favourites at the moment’, says Shay.
How can I do black nail designs at home?
Of course you can, basic designs are very beginner friendly. It depends on what you’re after.
What’s the best way to make black nail polish last longer?
Use a base coat, apply thin layers, and finish with a gel-effect top coat for extra shine and durability, make sure you cure with a LED lamp.
How do I remove black polish without staining my nails?
‘Hold a cotton pad soaked in remover on the nail for 30 seconds - it helps lift the colour without scrubbing,’ Shay recommends. ‘If it’s a gel polish soak in acetone and the go in with a nail drill.’
Can black nails work for formal occasions?
Yes you can there are no rules, to spice your nails up a bit consider a glossy finish, a stylish shape and accessorise!
What’s the best black nail polish for a gel manicure?
Essie Nail Polish in 88 Licorice, Nails Inc Total Black Out and OPI’s Black Onyx, are both pro-favourites for a rich, long-lasting finish.
How do I style my outfits to complement black nails?
We suggest balancing the black with metallic accessories to make the nails pop.
Main image credit: Instagram @HarrietWestmoreland, @nails.bab, and @iramshelton
Rachael Martin is Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor where she covers all things health, beauty and wellness.
