15 Black Nail Ideas Perfect for When You’re Feeling Moody

Black nails are always a good idead.

When it comes to our manicures, we love leaning into the seasons. And this time of year, that means deep and dark hues. While we love a ruddy maroon and chic navy, black will always hold a special place in our hearts—it’s grunge, a little goth, and just downright cool. But black doesn’t mean boring. Ahead, 15 of our favorite black manicures to rock in the winter cold.

1. Black holographic

We love a holographic moment, and a black base helps further amplify that mesmerizing finish. Place under direct light to see the full rainbow effect.

Get the look: Look for a black linear holographic polish like Mooncat’s Nail Polish in Cruel Mirage ($15).

2. Winter florals

Florals for winter? Actually kind of groundbreaking. Brighten up the cold weather and dark black mani with some vivid colored flowers.

Get the look: For the nail-art averse, Inked by Dani’s Daisy Dreams Nail Art Set ($10) has a ton of simple hand-drawn flowers you can stick on the nail and go.

3. Reputation era

Reputation (Taylor’s Version) might not be here yet, but there’s no reason you can’t rock your favorite album on your fingers.

Get the look: Shaky hands? Avoid the uneven letters with a set of gothic alphabet nail stickers, like this one from Amazon ($2).

4. Neon splatter paint

We love the way this manicure plays with contrast—the half-black, half-splatter nails are particularly cool.

Get the look: For that neon splatter paint look, try a confetti-like sheer polish. We love Orly’s Nail Polish in Turn It Up ($13).

5. Mini ying yang

Nail art doesn’t have to be bold and brash. This tiny ying yang cleverly plays with negative space and contrast to make a big impact.

Get the look: Chanel’s Le Vernis Nail Colour in Le Diable en Chanel ($32) is the perfect glossy black.

6. Jelly hearts

Proof heart manicures don’t have to be overly cutesy—we love the way the jelly polish helps create layers and depth.

Get the look: To create that sheer, almost-transparent quality to your black mani, try a black jelly hue like Cirque Color’s Nail Polish in NSFW Jelly ($13).

7. Sheer jet-black

If you want to try jet black but don’t want a super opaque finish, opt for a sheer formula that gives a jelly-like, bold-but-subtle finish.

Get the look: We love Maniology’s Lace ($7) for a black sheer finish.

8. Swirls on matte

Play with texture and finishes by layering glossy details on top of a matte nail. We love the way it looks with a black-on-black design.

Get the look: Transform any polish from glossy to matte with a top coat like the OPI Matte Top Coat ($12).

9. Mix and match

Why pick one design when you can choose them all? Mix and match your favorite animal prints, 3-D elements, and nail art for a one-of-a-kind look.

Get the look: For an easy DIY take, try buying a few different press-on sets with black designs and mix and match for a totally unique mani. We love the Static Nails Wicked Short Almond Set ($20), Smoke Show Set ($18), and Sway in Black Set ($18).

10. Hugs and kisses

Who says Valentines Day nails need to be pink and red? This black-and-white mani spreads the love while feeling seasonally appropriate.

Get the look: To recreate, pair OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx ($12) for the base and Alpine Snow ($12) for the lettering.

11. Tied with a bow

Calling it now, dark coquette will be huge in 2025, and this black-and-pink mani is no exception. We love the way it pairs classic elements like pink bows and French manicures with that stark black.

Get the look: A set of nail brushes and detailing tips like this one from Amazon ($7) will help create those French tip and fine-line bow details.

12. Studded French

We love a grunge-y nail moment. A black French tip is already chic on its own, but the silver studs make it even cooler.

Get the look: This set of silver nail pearls from Amazon ($6) will have all your stud needs covered for the next year-plus—there’s 1,000 studs in seven different sizes.

13. Peek-a-boo glitter

There’s something so fun about this peek-a-boo glitter moment. It feels festive without being over the top.

Get the look: Essie’s Luxeffects Nail Polish in Summit of Style ($10) has the perfect chunky gold glitter that really packs a punch.

14. Black drip

We love how concentrated and opaque the gold glitter looks here. And the black drip gives the manicure a really cool geometric feel.

Get the look: Use Mooncat’s Nail Polish in I’m a MF Supernova ($14) and Emo for Life ($13) for an exact color match.

15. Winter floral French

Another take on winter florals, this French floral mani feels like a breath of fresh air (or a ray of light) amid the cooler weather.

Get the look: For the perfect French every time, look no further than this set of tip guides from Amazon ($5).