15 black nail ideas for when you’re feeling down

1. Black hologram

We love holographic moments, and the black base helps amplify that mesmerizing finish even more. To see the full rainbow effect, place it under direct light.

Let’s take a look: Look for a holographic polish with black streaks, like Cruel Mirage’s Mooncat Nail Polish ($15).

2. Winter flowers

Winter flowers? It’s actually groundbreaking. Brighten up your cold weather and dark black mani with brightly colored flowers.

Let’s take a look: If nail art isn’t your thing, Inked by Dani’s Daisy Dreams Nail Art Set ($10) is filled with easy hand-painted flowers that you can stick on your nails and use straight away.

3. The era of reputation

Reputation (Taylor’s Version) may not be out yet, but there’s no reason not to pick up your favorite album.

Let’s take a look: Are your hands shaking? Avoid uneven letters with a set of Gothic Alphabet Nail Stickers ($2) like this one on Amazon.

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4. Neon splatter paint

We love the contrast in this manicure. Nails that are half black and half splatter are especially cool.

Let’s take a look: To achieve the 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 or sassy. This little yin and yang uses negative space and contrast to make a big impact.

Let’s take a look: Chanel’s Le Vernis Nail Color ($32) in Le Diable En Chanel is the perfect glossy black.

6. Jelly Heart

Proof Heart manicures don’t have to be overly pretty. I love how the jelly polish helps create layers and depth.

Let’s take a look: To create that sheer, almost transparent texture to your black nail polish, try a black jelly shade like Cirque Color’s NSFW Jelly Nail Polish ($13).

7. Sheer jet black

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

Let’s take a look: We love Maniology’s Lace ($7) in its black sheer finish.

8. Swirls on the mat

Play with texture and finish by layering glossy details over matte nails. I like the look of the black-on-black design.

Let’s take a look: A top coat like OPI Matte Top Coat ($12) transforms any polish from glossy to matte.

9. Use in combination

Why choose one design when you can choose them all? Mix and match your favorite animal prints, 3D elements, and nail art to create a unique look.

Let’s take a look: For an easy DIY, buy several press-on sets with different designs in black and mix and match to create a completely unique mani. Our favorites are the Static Nails Wicked Short Almond Set ($20), Smoke Show Set ($18), and Sway in Black Set ($18).

10. Hugs and Kisses

Who said Valentine’s Day nails had to be pink and red? A black and white mani that spreads love while feeling the season.

Let’s take a look: To recreate it, combine OPI’s Black Onyx Nail Lacquer ($12) as a base and Alpine Snow ($12) for the lettering.

11. Tie with ribbon

In today’s terms, Dark Coquette will be huge in 2025. This black and pink mani is no exception. I love how she combines all black with classic elements like pink ribbons and French manicure.

Let’s take a look: Nail brush and detail tip sets like this one ($7) on Amazon will help you create French tip and thin ribbon details.

12. Studded French

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

Let’s take a look: This Silver Nail Pearl Set ($6) from Amazon has all your stud needs covered for next year and beyond. Contains 1,000 studs in 7 different sizes.

13. Peek-a-boo glitter

There’s so much fun to be had in this peek-a-boo sparkly moment. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere without being too flashy.

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

14. Black drip

I love the concentration and opacity of the gold glitter here. And the black drops give the manicure a really cool geometric vibe.

Let’s take a look: For an exact color match, use Mooncat nail polish in I’m a MF Supernova ($14) and Emo for Life ($13).

15. Winter Floral French

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

Let’s take a look: To master French perfectly every time, look no further than this Tip Guide Set ($5) from Amazon.