Let's get this out of the way: I am a black French nail stan. A classic French manicure is stunning, no doubt, but there's something so edgy and cool about black tips on a nude base that made curating this list of black French manicure ideas easy as pie. For starters, it's a way to switch up the classic nail design that's still neutral and minimalist-friendly. What's more, despite the dark color palette, a black French mani goes with everything year-round. It's also the perfect canvas to get creative with shimmery finishes and gemstone details. In short, don't underestimate the power of the simple look. From hand-painted tips—think flames, checker-print, and bows—to glossy tips and chrome finishes, we've curated 8 black French manicure ideas to try now.
01 Coquette Chic
How cute are these nails? The tiny pink bow on the almond-shaped black tips adds the daintiest pop of pink for a manicure that's equal parts coquettish and edgy.
How cute are these nails? The tiny pink bow on the almond-shaped black tips adds the daintiest pop of pink for a manicure that's equal parts coquettish and edgy.
02 Eye Spy
A black manicure is often synonymous with Halloween and goth vibes, and this graphic eye artwork puts a creepy-chic twist on the vampy black French manicure. The thin stripe of black is complimented by a hand-painted eye design.
A black manicure is often synonymous with Halloween and goth vibes, and this graphic eye artwork puts a creepy-chic twist on the vampy black French manicure. The thin stripe of black is complimented by a hand-painted eye design.
03 Flames
Blend your black French tips into hand-painted flames, add chunky silver rings, and dainty hand tattoos, and you've completed the edgy manicure trifecta. If painting on the flame details feels daunting, try to replicate the look with nail stickers.
04 Airbrush Ombré
Elevated details like ombré and sleek metallic swooshes transform the classic black French manicure into a work of art. The pinky base of the nails blend gently into opaque black tips which are detailed with chrome stripes.
Elevated details like ombré and sleek metallic swooshes transform the classic black French manicure into a work of art. The pinky base of the nails blend gently into opaque black tips which are detailed with chrome stripes.
05 Jelly Hearts
This two-toned black French manicure puts a unique twist on Valentines-esque heart details. The almond-shaped nails have a sheer black (nearly grey) jelly base and are dotted with tiny black hearts for an eye-catching color contrast.
06 Holographic Chrome
Can't get enough of chrome? Add a reflective shine to your black French manicure. This edition adds a galactic feel with a purple shift and gemstone-encrusted star details.
Can't get enough of chrome? Add a reflective shine to your black French manicure. This edition adds a galactic feel with a purple shift and gemstone-encrusted star details.
07 Side Swipe
This French manicure is an asymmetrical take on the nail art, adding a swipe of color to one side of the nail. For this look, paint on a black stripe to half of the nail bed, and finish with a horizontal chrome line.
This French manicure is an asymmetrical take on the nail art, adding a swipe of color to one side of the nail. For this look, paint on a black stripe to half of the nail bed, and finish with a horizontal chrome line.
08 Colorful Squiggles
Infuse some color into your black French manicure with these bright squiggles. The psychedelic design looks as though it's melting off the nail and adds a vibrant pop.
Infuse some color into your black French manicure with these bright squiggles. The psychedelic design looks as though it's melting off the nail and adds a vibrant pop.