55 Trendy Black and Nude Nails for a Drop-Dead Gorgeous Mani

By:
Michelle Alejandro
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Black and nude are two of the most popular nail colors today, and you see them often because they are stunning and versatile.

But do these two colors, often seen as opposites, mix? 

The answer? Absolutely; black and nude nails look gorgeous together!

Using black and nude polish can help you create a unique manicure. The combination of the stark black paired with the soft nude can look elegant, bold, or cozy, depending on your design.

And both colors are such classic picks that they are an excellent choice for any event, outfit, and season!

That’s why we’ve listed our favorite nude and black nail designs to give you inspiration for your next favorite manicure.

To help you find the perfect way to blend your favorite black and nude nail polish, we’re showing you some gorgeous nail inspo.

No matter what your preferred style or design is, there is a black and nude manicure that’s sure to inspire you!

Subtle and Chic Nude and Black Nail Ideas

Black and nude nails are already stunning, so you may not want to add much else to them. If so, these understated nail ideas are perfect for you. They may be subtle, but they are still absolutely breathtaking.

Black Polish and French Tips

A woman's fingernails with a glossy black and nude nail polish base that has black French tips on nude nails
Image courtesy of @nailsby_harieva

Combine these two nail colors in a subtle and sexy way with fully painted glossy black nails and nude nails with fantastic black French tips.

Gloss and Shine Nails 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a combination of nude and black nail polish that has shiny turquoise and silver bling nail designs
Image courtesy of @marilyn_nail_art

High-gloss black nails are always going to be a head-turner. Add a nude accent nail and make it really pop by adding shiny turquoise and silver bling.

Sexy Almond French Tips 

A woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has black nail tips and thin gold glitter cuticle cuffs
Image courtesy of @marilyn_nail_art

If you’d prefer more nude than black in your mani, these stunning almond-shaped nude nails with black tips and thin gold glitter cuticle cuffs are both subtle and sexy, making them look perfect with any outfit!

Black and Blooms

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy black and nude nail polish base that has delicate leaf and floral nail art on nude nails
Image courtesy of @beautytendernails

If you want to soften a black manicure and add a touch of subtle nail art, take your cue from these glossy black nails and light nude accent nails with delicate leaf and floral nail art. The result is chic and cozy at the same time.

Love and Geometry 

A closeup of a woman's nude nails with black designs fingernails with nude nail base with delicate black abstract art that has geometric lines and pretty hearts
Image courtesy of @beautytendernails

If you are looking for nude nails with black designs, the understated glam of this manicure is beautiful. It livens up a nude nail base with delicate black abstract art details like geometric lines and pretty hearts. 

Stunning Matte Sophistication

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with matte black and nude nails that has V-shaped French tips on the nude accent nails
Image courtesy of @getfinessedbyjess

There’s just something mesmerizing about a smooth textured finish, and these matte black and nude nails with V-shaped French tips on the nude accent nails are a stylish and seamless example.

Black, White, and Nude

A closeup of a woman's simple and sweet fingernails with unique nude nails that has thin and thick black swirls outlined with sophisticated thin white lines
Image courtesy of @getfinessedbyjess

Simple and sweet! These unique nude nails feature thin and thick black swirls outlined with sophisticated thin white lines.

Monochromatic Daisies

A closeup of a woman's fingernails nude nails with black designs with chic and happy black-and-white daisies that has black French tips against pretty beige nails
Image courtesy of @lamournailsnz

Nude nails with black designs are a great way to combine these two polish colors. This mani is chic and happy black-and-white daisies and black French tips against pretty beige nails.

Glossy Nude Nails with Black Accents

A closeup of a woman's glossy nude fingernails with pretty black designs that has intricate reverse French tips and double-lined French tips
Image courtesy of @rltnailsandbeauty

Elevate your glossy nude nails with pretty black designs like these intricate reverse French tips and double-lined French tips. The freehand look is chic and delightful.

French Tips and Stars

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with black French tips that has sparkling black four-point stars on nude accent nails
Image courtesy of @nailsbyrebecca_

Pair stylish black French tips with sparkling black four-point stars on nude accent nails. The combination is distinctive and eye-catching.

Beautiful Black Dots

A closeup of a woman's super chic short round nails fingernails with soft black and glossy nude colors that has black mini dots on your nude-colored nails
Image courtesy of @practicallymagic_nailsbeauty

Soft black and glossy nude colors are perfect for super chic short round nails. Add oomph to them by creating beautiful black mini dots on your nude-colored nails.

Black Rose

A closeup of a woman's stunning square nails fingernails with gleaming black nail polish that has an edgy twist with a shiny nude accent nail
Image courtesy of @nails.byabb

Stunning square nails go perfectly with gleaming black nail polish. Give them an edgy twist with a shiny nude accent nail that boasts intricate nail art like this delicate black rose.

A Whole Lotta Love

A closeup of a woman's fingernails in black and nude with glossy black polish that has nude accent nails covered in adorable black hearts
Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

Short nails don’t ever have to be left out of nail designs in black and nude. They can still look amazing with glossy black polish, especially when they’re amped up with nude accent nails covered in adorable black hearts.

Sparkly Nude and Black

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glittery nude base color and placing a black micro-dot on each nude nail that has glossy black accent nail
Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

Instead of a pure nude, give your manicure a little more sparkle by choosing a glittery nude base color and placing a black micro-dot on each nude nail. Then add a glossy black accent nail to tie it all together.

Cute in Chevron

A closeup of a woman's long, sleek coffin fingernails with a laid-back black and nude nail design that has a stunning nude-pink base color and deep chevron tips
Image courtesy of @studio_c_k

A laid-back black and nude nail design doesn’t mean your nails must be kept short. These long, sleek coffin nails feature a stunning nude-pink base color and super fab deep chevron tips.

Black Confetti Nails

A closeup of a woman's lovely glossy black manicure fingernails with nude accent nails that has easy-to-paint black confetti
Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

A lovely glossy black manicure is even cuter with the inclusion of nude accent nails serving as the ideal canvas for fun nail art like easy-to-paint black confetti.

Geometric Nude Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with soft pink-toned nude manicure that has delicate black geometric nail art
Image courtesy of @_racquelsnails

A little nail art can instantly elevate your beautiful nude nails! Take this soft pink-toned nude manicure, for instance, which is made even more beautiful with delicate black geometric nail art.

Black and Nude Subtle Sexiness 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude nails between fully painted glossy black nails that has a soft rain of painted black lines
Image courtesy of @tiptoenailstudio1

Put nude nails between fully painted glossy black nails, and you’ve got the perfect base for nail art in the middle of your manicure. This mani is stylish yet simple, with a soft rain of painted black lines.

Hand and Hand

A closeup of a woman's black and nude fingernails with glossy black nails on the left hand and sheer nude that has dainty black dots on the right hand
Image courtesy of @mynailgirlness

Can’t decide how to alternate between your black and nude nails? Try one base color per hand! This almond mani has glossy black nails on the left hand and sheer nude ones decorated with dainty black dots on the right hand.

Black, Nude, and All Shades in Between

A closeup of a woman's nude fingernails with thin black tips, matte black nails with thick gray lines, and silver gems that has glossy black nails with textured wavy patterns

No need to stop at black and nude nails — feel free to include shades of gray between them for more texture. 

This beautiful mani combines nude nails with thin black tips, matte black nails with thick gray lines and silver gems, and glossy black nails with textured wavy patterns.

Elegant and Luxurious Nude and Black Nails

Alongside being neutral classics, black and nude nail colors are also excellent choices for luxurious, glam elegance. They pair beautifully with stunning gowns and cocktail dresses for a night on the town or fashionable tops for an exciting event.

Take your manicure up a notch with inspiration from these elegant black and nude nails.

Jewel Coffin Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with long, perfectly sculpted coffin nails that has deep French tips and jeweled rhinestone accents
Image courtesy of @minea.nails

Nothing says fancy more than long, perfectly sculpted coffin nails. This stunning manicure features deep French tips and jeweled rhinestone accents.

A Touch of Gorgeous Gold

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with black and nude matte mani that has sparkly gold accents and deep chevron tips on select nails
Image courtesy of @minea.nails

Gold is always a good choice if you want an exquisitely classy mani!

This breathtakingly perfect black and nude matte mani looks so luxe with carefully and intricately placed sparkly gold accents and deep chevron tips on select nails. 

Multitextured Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with Glossy black nails and nails with sugary black glitter that has shiny nude nails with black crystals and lines
Image courtesy of @beautytendernails

Feeling adventurous? Why not try a manicure with different textures? Glossy black nails and nails with sugary black glitter make the perfect companion to shiny nude nails with black crystals and lines.

Crystal Clear 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with black and nude nails that has black French tips and swirly lines along with clear crystals
Image courtesy of @acs.viktorianails

If you want a more formal manicure, rhinestones are an easy but effective way to upgrade your mani. These black and nude nails are highlighted by black French tips and swirly lines along with clear crystals.

Animal Print, Chevron, and Sparkle 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a combination of nude and black nail polish base that has leopard print, chevron tips, and sparkly rhinestone accents
Image courtesy of @acs.viktorianails

Combine nude and black nails in a manicure that features leopard print, chevron tips, and sparkly rhinestone accents. Finish it off with a gorgeous super glossy top coat.

Foiled, Marbled, and Embellished 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has black-and-nude marble tips, gold foil, and 3D black floral embellishments
Image courtesy of @_iwnails

Go all out with all the finishes! This flawless manicure combines a nude-colored base with black-and-nude marble tips, gold foil, and 3D black floral embellishments.

Sparkling Floral Matte Nails 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a matte black and nude nail polish base that has floral nail stamps, curved black lines and nail crystals on nude nails
Image courtesy of @_iwnails

Pair matte black nails with floral nail stamps and curved black lines on nude nails for a luxurious and feminine look. You can amp it up even more by adding pretty nail crystals to each nude nail.

Quartz and Ombre 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy black-and-nude ombre nails that has black quartz nail designs with gold glitter
Image courtesy of @_iwnails

If you want to mix up your mani, try unique nail art like these black quartz nail designs with gold glitter and black-and-nude ombre nails with a glossy finish. 

If you worry it’s above your skill level, you can also ask your trusted nail tech to help you achieve this look.

Silver and Marble Tip Nails

A woman's fingernails with a black-and-nude nails that has French tips in black tips, clean silver lines, and marble accent nails
Image courtesy of @studio_c_k

All types of nail art look fantastic on black-and-nude nails, as this design proves. This long French tip mani features black tips, clean silver lines, and marble accent nails.

Sparkly Stiletto Nails 

A woman's sharp stiletto fingernails with a combination of glossy black and nude nail polish base that has thin V-tips and tasteful crystal accents
Image courtesy of @studio_c_k

Nothing says stylish quite like sharp stiletto nails. Glossy black stiletto nails look spectacular with nude nails embellished with thin V-tips and tasteful crystal accents.

Gold and Black Stars and Snowflakes

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a combination of a matte black and nude nail polish that has black-and-gold V-tips along with black stars and snowflakes with gold gems
Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

A metallic touch is always a good idea to boost the look of black and nude nails. Put a twist on your matte black mani with black-and-gold V-tips along with black stars and snowflakes with gold gems.

Black Magic Acrylics

A closeup of a woman's short stiletto fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has deep jet-black chevron tips
Image courtesy of @natalie_thedollshouse

This acrylic manicure gives you a flashy way to highlight short stiletto nails. The nude nails look even more refined with the addition of extremely deep jet-black chevron tips.

Super Sexy Swirls

A woman's coffin fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has black swirls
Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

Give your nude coffin nails an upgrade with some sexy black swirls. You can follow the same swirl pattern on each nail or go freehand for something unique.

Everything, Every Addition, All at Once

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a mix of nude and black nail polish base that has bells and whistles, crisscrossed and paisley patterns with double-lined French tips and crystal accents
Image courtesy of @nails_byjolie

Don’t be afraid to go all out with your manicure. You can still flaunt an elegant look with all the bells and whistles.

This black and nude mani combines crisscrossed and paisley patterns with double-lined French tips and crystal accents in different sizes.

Shining and Shimmering

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a shimmering nude nail polish that has heart accents, black French tips, and crystals
Image courtesy of @nails_byjolie

If you want something softer but still elegant, try shimmering nude nail polish on meticulously sculpted coffin nails. Add a touch of sweetness with heart accents, black French tips, and crystals. 

Stylish and Trendy Black and Nude Nail Designs

You still have several fantastic options if you prefer trendy and edgy nail designs over subtle colors and luxurious bejeweled manis.

Check out these stylish black and nude nails for some inspiration.

Black Sponge Nail Art 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has black and gold sponge nail art
Image courtesy of @marilyn_nail_art

Give your nude nails an edgy vibe with black and gold sponge nail art. The seemingly unfinished appearance makes these nails eye-catching.

Pretty Thin Swirls

A woman's fingernails with a glossy nude nail polish base that has nail design of thin swirls in black polish
Image courtesy of @marilyn_nail_art

A touch of trendy black can make your glossy nude nails stand out. If you’re not too confident in your nail art skills, a simple freehand design of thin swirls is a simple way to make your mani fun and exciting.

Black on Black

A woman's fingernails with a mix of nude and matte black nail polish base that has glossy black French tips paired with a nude black-tipped accent nail
Image courtesy of @marilyn_nail_art

Add depth to your nude and black mani by mixing different finishes. These luscious matte black nails look even cooler with glossy black French tips paired with a nude black-tipped accent nail.

Hearts and Spots 

A woman's fingernails with a combination of nude and glossy black nail polish base that has hearts and dots
Image courtesy of @beautytendernails

Go for a sweet mani by mixing and matching nails with black and nude polish, all embellished with hearts and dots. You can alternate between the two colors to keep the nail art fresh and exciting.

Monarch Butterfly Nail Art

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a combination of nude and black nail polish that has black monarch butterfly in the middle of each nail
Image courtesy of @acs.viktorianails

This one may take some time, but the result is worth it. Put glossy nude nails between your black nails and draw one half of a stunning black monarch butterfly in the middle of each nail. 

Nature-Inspired Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a black and nude manicure that has leaf art nail designs on select nails
Image courtesy of @acs.viktorianails

Not all nature-inspired nails have to be green or brown. This black and nude manicure highlights how beautifully drawn leaf art can make these neutral colors pretty and refreshing.

Sweet Shimmer

A woman's fingernails with a black and nude nails that has black leaf art and brush strokes and thick shimmery pink lines and a pretty accent nail in pink glitter
Image courtesy of @jal.nailartist

Add some cheer to your black and nude nails by adding black leaf art and brush strokes and thick shimmery pink lines. You can make it even sweeter by adding a pretty accent nail in pink glitter.

Dainty Black and Nude Nail Art

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy nude nail polish base that has thin black French tips, tropical flowers, and dainty linear nail art
Image courtesy of @jal.nailartist

Black and nude short round nails can still look totally trendy. These nude nails are definitely in style with thin black French tips, tropical flowers, and dainty linear nail art.

Galaxy Glam

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with nude and black nail polish that has dangling moon and star nail art and glittery blue-black nails
Image courtesy of @practicallymagic_nailsbeauty

Get some galaxy glamor on your nails by pairing nude nails with dangling moon and star nail art and glittery blue-black nails that mimic the look of the night sky.

Matte Nails and Gold Foil

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with carbon black mani that has half-black and half-nude accent nails with gold foil accents
Image courtesy of @sdsnailsandbeauty_x

Matte nails are beautiful, but they can sometimes be challenging to pull off because they can look a bit dull. Brighten up your carbon black mani by going for half-black and half-nude accent nails with gold foil accents.

Starry, Starry Night

A closeup of a woman's square shaped fingernails with a glossy nude nail polish base that has black stars nail designs
Image courtesy of @jellybayn_nails

There’s just something sleek and sophisticated about black stars. You can put the spotlight on them by placing them on glossy nude, perfectly shaped square nails.

Double Black French Tips

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has deep black French tips and thin black reverse tips
Image courtesy of @studio_c_k

More is more with this stunning combination of French tip styles, which works best on long nails. Paint deep black French tips and thin black reverse tips on a clean nude base. The result is fab and feminine.

Black, Nude, and Silver 

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude and black nail polish base that has silver glitter polish and thin French tips in black polish on select nails
Image courtesy of @bysarahnailartist

Another fun way to make your black and nude nails look bewitching is to pair them with stunning silver glitter polish. You can use it to create sparkling black accent nails and outline thin French tips.

Stars in the Sky With Diamonds 

A woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has tiny diamond-like crystals and black stars nail designs
Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

If you don’t have the time (or patience) to create a busy star pattern, you can still get that sensational style with just one to two stars per nail. Add some more shine to them with tiny diamond-like crystals.

Abstract Black

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has artsy abstract patterns in glossy black polish and glittery black polish
Image courtesy of @katessimplynails

Get an on-trend manicure by using glossy black polish and glittery black polish to create artsy abstract patterns on shiny nude nails. Use gel polish to make your design last longer.

Chevron and Hearts

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a nude nail polish base that has black chevron tips and little hearts on the cuticles
Image courtesy of @tiptoenailstudio1

Who says black and nude nails can’t be flirty? Go with black chevron tips to perfectly highlight charming ballerina nails, but make them sweeter by adding cute little hearts to the cuticles.

Glossy Gold

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a glossy nude and black nail polish base that has half-black and half-nude nails with a glossy finish
Image courtesy of @tiptoenailstudio1

Gold foil nail accents look splendid on half-black and half-nude nails with a glossy finish. They provide a captivating metallic shine to these stunning neutral colors. 

Black and Nude Matte Nails

A closeup of a woman's fingernails with a matte nude and black nail polish base that has chevron tips and outlined ones to the accent nails
Image courtesy of @omayra.nails

Keep it simple and sleek with black and nude nail polish in a striking matte finish. You can add more dimension by creating traditional chevron tips and outlined ones to the accent nails.

Sexy Snake Nails 

A woman's fingernails with a glossy nude and black nail polish that has a black snake nail design on nude nails
Image courtesy of @zsofinails_

Looking to let your super shiny black manicure take center stage? A fabulous way to do this is to add a gorgeously glossy nude accent nail with unexpected nail art like this sleek snake. It’s striking and sublime.

Cow Print Goodness 

A woman's fingernails with a nude polish base that has black cow prints

You can’t really have black nail polish without exploring cow print at least once. Instead of pairing it with white, go for a warmer look by using nude as a base for pretty black cow prints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black Nails Still Popular?

Absolutely! Black nail polish has grown even more popular in recent years because it’s not only seen as goth or edgy but also as a nice elegant neutral that you enjoy alone or complement with another color.

Black and nude nails are a favorite that can go from every day to special occasions, depending on your preferred style and finish.

Can Two Neutral Shades Work Together in a Manicure?

Yes! Nude nail polish, in particular, goes well with everything. When paired with black, you can create a wide range of gorgeous manicures, from sweet and simple to edgy and intense, depending on your mood.

Gorgeous Black and Nude Nails

Black and nude is a classic combination that will never go out of style. If you want a trendy but timeless manicure, this is a great color combination to explore.

The designs we’ve shared here are subtle, over-the-top, and stylish, so they can definitely help you find the black and nude nails of your dreams.

So get ready to have some fun with nail polish! Recreate any of our favorite looks or grab elements you like from each one to create your perfect black and nude manicure. 

Looking for More Nail Art Inspiration?

Check out these awesome manicures!

Author

  • Michelle Alejandro

    Michelle has had a lifelong love affair with makeup. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications /Journalism, she began an illustrious career as a writer. Michelle penned a beauty and lifestyle national newspaper column for over a decade and became the Beauty Editor for Chalk Magazine and Editor-in-Chief for Metro Weddings for over nine years, working with some of the biggest makeup artists and trusted beauty brands in the business. During this time, she also completed a course in Creative Artistic Makeup Design and worked as a freelance makeup artist, beauty editor, and writer.

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Michelle has had a lifelong love affair with makeup. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications /Journalism, she began an illustrious career as a writer. Michelle penned a beauty and lifestyle national newspaper column for over a decade and became the Beauty Editor for Chalk Magazine and Editor-in-Chief for Metro Weddings for over nine years, working with some of the biggest makeup artists and trusted beauty brands in the business. During this time, she also completed a course in Creative Artistic Makeup Design and worked as a freelance makeup artist, beauty editor, and writer.

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