
If you want to change up your nail game this season, why not try something different?
Black nails are a stylish and sophisticated way to add some glamour to your look. When it comes to general fantasy and dressing up, the little black dress is a great choice for what some might call a glamorous standard – a concept celebrity manicurist Rachel Messick says she likes to extend to black nails. “Black is both bold and subtle, with endless artistic opportunities to complete your holiday party outfit.”
Whether you’re looking for something edgy and bold or subtle and chic, black nail designs will suit your style. From matte and glossy finishes to minimalist lines and individual art. We asked Messick and celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec to share some of their favorite black nail designs 𑁋 so you’ll have plenty of inspiration to keep your fingers looking great this winter.
Gradient black glitter

If you like your nails to look cute, but don’t mind frequent trips to the salon, choose this black gradient design with gorgeous glitter. “This shimmery black nail design will make regrowth look almost unnoticeable,” says Messick.
“To create this look, take a makeup sponge and dip it into a black polish, such as Essie’s Licorice. starting at the free edge (tip), pat the polish onto the nail𑁋 and gradually fade as you reach the center. Repeat until the desired opacity is reached, then apply a clear top coat. When the nail is wet, sprinkle a little silver reflective glitter on top and seal it with another top coat to complete the look.”
Matte contour

For this look, Kandalec says she added a matte contour to create a cooler, androgynous manicure because her client wanted a look that was both a little feminine and a little masculine. “I started with two coats of Ava Dean Beauty Alexander James Black Nail Polish, then applied a top coat and let it dry. Finally, I took a No. 1 eyeliner brush, dipped it in a matte topcoat, and then went around the perimeter of the nail.”
Mod-Block French

For a modern Art Deco vibe, try this mod-block French. “I love this look because every nail is different 𑁋 there are no rules,” says Messick. “Starting with one or two coats of your favorite clear nude polish, I used Earl Greige in Dazzle Dry. let the polish dry completely, then use a liner brush like DoubleMoss Arte Liner #2 Brush and a slow-drying black polish like Dazzle Dry Black Stamping Polish to add detail to create the mod-block color block. “
Long nails and studs

Take your black nail design to the next level by adding texture. This look brings back the glamour of the 90’s and we love how it catches the light from all angles. kandalec created this design by applying a layer of bug spray top coat to hold the faceted nails she hand-applied one after the other on CND bug spray.
Fascinating French

“I always say yes to glamour if I get the chance,” says Messick. “Even with the most basic manicure, they add an extra touch of luxury.”
To create this look, the artist starts with a solid black trim with a little nail glue and a thick top coat. “After your French manicure is completely dry, apply a drop of nail glue where you want the ornaments to hang, then gently place them on the nail with tweezers, applying one ornament at a time until you achieve the effect you want,” says the nail artist. Once the adhesive has set, apply a thick top coat, such as Seche Gel Effect Top Coat, to seal the deal.
Matte and metallic

If you are looking for a simple and elegant black nail design, we recommend this one. The rich gold pattern on matte black represents “effortless chic.
“I used all OPI for this look,” says Kandalec. I started with Chip Skip as a base coat for a perfect waterless manicure, then applied Onyx Skies Black polish, Gold Digger Gold Chrome Powder, Chrome Effects Top Coat and a matte top coat.