The Best Black Nail Designs To Inspire Your Next Manicure (2024)

Black nail designs are trending right now (look to Pinterest for the proof) – and it might come as something of a surprise. Often, as the weather cools down, we’ll look to warm autumnal tones and seasonal appropriate prints like the Hailey Bieber-approved tortoiseshell mani. This year? Less so. Instead, we’re making a play for a mani most often associated with the turn of the season – black nails.

Iram Shelton proves that black is back with this modern flame 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

Matte black nails with a glossy black French tip? It’s cool, it’s chic and it’s modern. We’ll absolutely be trying this at our next nail appointment.

This nude, white and black nail design feels fun, chic and fresh. Combine with long acrylic extensions, or grow out your nails using strengthening BIABfor the best version of this look

Black and gold 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.

Black, holographic nails with a streak of glittering green isn’t for wallflowers. If it’s a look you’d like to get on board with, ensure the sharpest stiletto point for added drama.

Harriet Westmoreland 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.

If you’re a more is more kind of girl, then consider is contrasting pink and black combination that’s sure to reel in the compliments. Diamonds add a Euphoria-esque finish.

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.

For a subtle hint of black, look to this ensamble – a chic and minimalist negative space manicure made up of line art. Entirely unique in composition, it's guaranteed to make onlookers double take.

Ultra-feminine and chic, the classic rounded almond shape of this set works to compliment its high-shine, glossy jet back finish.

This is certainly a fun way to experiment with nail art. Test out variations of your chosen illustration and use a fine brush to perfect the look you desire.

A twist on the classic French mani, this set is given the Halloween treatment with black tips and admittedly cute-looking white spider webs.

This gel polish look may look easier said than done but with right tools and technique you can achieve a salon finish at home.

The classic French mani can be given the black nail makeover with a glossy black polish and an uber shiny top coat.

This retro yet delicate spin on the French uses an alternating reverse mani technique to create an entirely dynamic design.

Chic and sophisticated, this squared off nail shape accentuated with a negative spaced French style is an effortless take on a classic.

This abstract cow print manages to keep things cute with subtle nods to the pattern and pops of orange.

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.

These perfectly crafted black and white flame nails come with the addition of cleverly concealed hearts which give the popular style a unique edge.

Want a real black nail moment? Here's your answer: a modern black French mani, bedazzled with black glitter. Uff.

Nail pro Iram Shelton created this look - what she calls the 'Tuxedo French' - with 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.

Main image credit: Instagram @HarrietWestmoreland