25 Trendy Black Nail Designs That Prove Dark Is the New Neutral

Black nails have an undeniable allure. The dark hue feels neutral and mysterious all at the same time. While there are many ways to incorporate the color into your mani, you can never go wrong with a classic French set. A black French manicure offers a moody spin on the timeless design but still maintains a versatile, minimalist appeal. Plus, the dark shade serves as the perfect base for creative designs and finishes. From silver-studded accents to neon polka dot prints there are endless ways to personalize the look. Below, find 25 black French nail ideas to bring to your next manicure appointment.

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Simple French Black Nail

If you want a minimalist look, a simple Black French manicure might be all you need. It’s eye-catching, elegant, and extremely easy to achieve. Plus, the nude and black color combo will go with anything.

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Abstract French

Don’t be afraid to reimagine what a French manicure can be with a more abstract interpretation. Here, the artist played with various waves of black paint against a clear base to create a modern, fresh take on the classic design.

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Mismatched Silver French

This mismatched manicure is proof that not every nail needs to be the same for your finished look to feel cohesive. Just one black French tip can add a touch of sophistication to an abstract set.

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Black and Red French

If a solid black French manicure feels too monochrome for your taste, alternate with another colorful tip to break up the look. You’ll still be sporting the trend, but the contrast between a bright red, for example, and a jet black feels more playful.

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Polka Dot French

While you might not think to use a black French manicure as your base for colorful nail art, this is your proof that it can be the key to an out-of-the-box design. We love the way the neon yellow and orange dots jump off each nail. There is no denying that this set makes a statement.

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Silver Studded French

Adhere tiny silver studs across each nail to dress up a basic black French manicure. The contrast of metallic gems against the jet-black French tips creates a striking visual.

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Blurry Checkered French

Balance out a bold print, like this blurry checkerboard, with a few simple black French tips. It still keeps the intricate nail art the star of the show, but creates a bit more balance to the overall look.

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Bow-Adorned French

This almond-shaped manicure is pretty demure, but the accent nails add an unexpected edge. The pink bows and nail gems are a sweet and sophisticated touch.

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Flaming French

For a flaming French set, you don’t need to stick to orange and red. A fiery manicure can look just as cool in black. Keep the look balanced with a mix of flame designs and French tips.

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Jelly French

Heart manicures aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. You can wear this sweet look all year with the right color palette. For this mani, sheer black jelly nails are accessorized with a sprinkling of tiny hearts and French tips.

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Abstract French

Not every nail needs to feature a classic French tip. This gorgeous shimmery manicure pairs a the traditional look with abstract black nail art to create an avant-garde set.

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Black-and-White French

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With a black-and-white French manicure, you get the best of both worlds. Alternating the colors of the French tips and cuticle accents keeps the mani exciting.

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Chrome Star French

You can pair any color with a chrome star manicure, but black is our top pick. Dark French tips allow the twinkling gold stars to shine bright. Dare we say they symbolize the night sky?

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Glossy and Matte French

Pair matte black nails with high-gloss tips for the ultimate French manicure. Although it may look complicated, this ultra-modern look is very easy to DIY and looks especially cool on long, almond nails.

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Tortoise Shell French

This manicure makes a statement with its black French tips and tortoise shell accents. It’s cute, chic, and creative. Consider this a reminder that you can pair as many colors and prints as you’d like!

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Thick French

With a French manicure, you can play around with the width of the tip to create your desired look. Here, the thicker French tips contrast against the blunt, square edges for a more modern finish.

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Spooky Season French

October calls for your spookiest black manicures, and this set will surely not disappoint. It features the perfect mix of black French tips and seasonal nail art, like ghosts and black flowers.

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Negative Space French

Modernize your black French manicure by adding a few double French designs. The sheer, milky-white polish is the perfect backdrop for a dark French look like this.

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Crescent French

Accessorize your black French manicure with crescent moon nail stickers. If you’re feeling daring, you could also hand-draw the design using gold polish and a thin brush.

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Lovely Double French

This double French manicure with heart accents is so cute. The thicker black arch is stacked against a slim silver arch, creating a dynamic French tip. The tiny black hearts along the cuticle are the sweetest finishing touch.

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Chrome French

There’s nothing quite like a chrome manicure. Pairing the frosty finish with black French tips and ethereal nail designs (like stars and moons) makes this mani feel otherworldly.

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Starry French

Starry manicures will never go out of style. With extra-long nails like these, you’ll want your star designs to be super oversized. Complete the look by adding a few clear nail gems.

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Black Meets Gold

This manicure proves that black matte nails don’t need to be basic. With a mix of French tips in varying thicknesses, solid black matte and glossy nails, and a streak of gold for a bit of an accent, these nails combine a few different elements for a fun, textured look.

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Two-Toned French

Pair the standard white tips with a few black ones to create a visually intriguing French manicure. Combine the shade on the tip of one nail to create a yin-yang design.

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Tie-Dye French

An easy way to give your French manicure a modern makeover is to incorporate black-and-white tie-dye. The simple color palette makes the nails look sophisticated with a funky flair.