69 Black and White Nails For A Trendy Mani

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Black and white will never go out of style, and for good reason.

The combination of these two contrasting colors can be found anywhere — your home interior, clothes, jewelry, and even your manicure.

Black and white nails are the perfect accessories for any outfit all year round.

A woman's hands with black and white nail polishes with black dots nail art on white nails

Whether you have a taste for extravagant nail designs or laid-back styles, black and white nails can be whatever you need them to be.

So if you’re looking for black-and-white manicure ideas, check out our list below.

You can either challenge your creativity and copy these styles on your own or have your trusted nail artist design the look for you.

What’s that? You don’t have the time? Well, not to worry, because you can also try ready-to-wear false nails.

With black and white nails, there are no limits.

Table of Contents

1 Why Should You Try Black and White Nails?
2 Best Black and White Nail Designs
3 Simple Black and White Nails
4 Trendy and Cute Black and White Nail Designs
5 Animal Print on Black and White Nails
6 Mixed Patterns on Black and White Nails
7 Geometric and Abstract Designs on Black and White Nails
8 Frequently Asked Questions
9 Try This Trendy Nail Look

Why Should You Try Black and White Nails?

When choosing polish colors, it’s typically a no-brainer to go for the brightest hue available.

After all, fun and vivid colors can capture everyone’s attention. They can also be used for both basic manicures and vibrant French tips.

The problem is these colors won’t match all your outfits, and some of them may not be appropriate for work or special occasions.

That’s where black and white nails come in. They’re the best choice for those who want versatility.

Combining these two neutral colors creates a chic nail design that matches all hair colors and goes well with virtually every outfit.

And speaking of versatility, black and white nails are perfect for any occasion, from the funkiest parties to the most formal events.

Best Black and White Nail Designs

Just because black and white nails lack vivid colors doesn’t mean they’re less fun and artistic. You can still customize them with unique and creative designs that show off your personality.

To give you inspiration, here are a few of our favorite black-and-white nail ideas. We’ve broken them down into style categories to make choosing easier for you.

Simple Black and White Nails

Classic Matte Black and White

A woman's hands with a combination of black and white nail colors. A book on the background — Image courtesy of @agneseheringa

For a basic but still totally chic look, go for a set of matte black and white acrylic nails in a coffin shape. The plain polish and refined finish make this look clean and effortlessly elegant.

Chic Black and White Almond Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of nude, black and white nail polish. It has little black and white heart designs. — Image courtesy of @kuypernailart

Negative space manicures are on trend right now, and you can use black and white polish to do one.

This stylish design features black and white polish at the tips and cuticles with a few tiny hearts to add a touch of sweetness.

Pretty Professional Dotted Nails

A woman's hands with a black and white nail polish that has dotted white accent designs

This cool black manicure with dotted white accent nails is perfect for any occasion. It’s also office-appropriate, so you can wear it to work confidently.

Curved Tips and Sides

A woman's hands with nude, black and white nail colors combination — Image courtesy of @amynicnails

Keep it simple with clear polish and black-and-white French tips.

To add just a bit of flair while maintaining the simplicity of the look, brush black and white lines on one side of each nail.

Interrupted French Manicure

A woman's beautiful hands with a nude nail polish and white colored tips that has sharp black line in the middle of the nails — Image courtesy of @spellbound.nailartistry

The simplest designs make the biggest impact, just like this split French mani. It features a sharp black line in the middle that appears to interrupt classic French tips. So simple yet so chic.

Polka Dot Accent Nails

A woman's hands with short nails that has white nail polish with polka dot pattern

When it comes to black and white nails, you can never go wrong with a polka dot pattern. Use a dotting tool to create small, precise circles on one nail in each hand.

Minimalist Black and White Tips

A woman's hand with beautiful nude nail polish that has double-lined black-and-white tips — Image courtesy of @minimalist.gelineer

Fan of the minimalist trend? This design is for you. The clear nails with double-lined black-and-white tips create a simple but fashionable look.

Regal Black and White Nails

A woman's beautiful hands that has black and white nails with diamonds as polka dots on the accent nails

Black and white nails with diamonds as polka dots on the accent nails? We’re sold. What makes this chic design stand out even more is that it’s easy to recreate. It keeps the rest of the manicure laid-back with plain black and dotted white nails.

Basic Heart Squoval Nails

A woman's beautiful hand that has a nude nail polish with little black and white hearts painted on the middle of each nail — Image courtesy of @speakeasynails_

The little hearts painted on the middle of each nail make this design perfect for Valentine’s Day, but it’s simple and versatile enough to go with any occasion.

Alternate between black and white hearts for a carefree look.

Out of the Box Short Coffin Nails

A woman's beautiful hands that has a nude nail polish with black and white tips and tiny silver gems at the bottom edges of the line

Don’t limit yourself to the same old French manicure. Modify the look by painting only half of the tips and leaving the other half bare. Then create clean vertical lines to emphasize the division.

For a glamorous finishing touch, add tiny silver gems at the bottom edges of the lines.

Random Black and White Lines

A closeup of woman's hands that has coffin nails with thick curved lines in black and white tips — Image courtesy of @nailsbycarhendy

Searching for black and white coffin nail designs? Look no further. These coffin nails with thick curved lines in black and white are gorgeous and DIY-friendly.

Remember to paint the lines in random patterns to soften the severe look of coffin nails.

Trendy and Cute Black and White Nail Designs

Darling Doll Nail Accent

A beautiful woman's hands that has a nude polish with black and white accent nail designs and tiny gems

Make your square French tips extra charming with black-and-white accent nails. This particular design with a painted Peter Pan collar and tiny gems reminds us of the pretty blouses that dolls wear.

Black Nails with Halloween Art

A woman's hands that has a black nail polish with white ghosts, skeleton hands, and spiders design — Image courtesy of @polishedbykiah

In the mood for something spooky? Paint your black nails with white ghosts, skeleton hands, and spiders.

Trick or Treat Acrylic Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of white and black nail polish that has creepy halloween designs

You can also embrace creepy Halloween designs the easy way. Get acrylic nails and decorate them with spooky elements using nail stickers.

Boo-tiful Oval Nails

A woman's hands wearing a ring that has a hand-painted ghost nail design — Image courtesy of @nailsbycarhendy

Here’s another eerie manicure for you. To be honest, we don’t know whether to get frightened by or marvel at the hand-painted ghosts with intricate details on the tips of these nails.

Queen of Hearts

A woman's hands that has nude nail polish with red, black and white nails and heart designs. It has glittery red polish — Image courtesy of @superszponki

These red, black, and white nails are nothing short of cute.

The black hearts and curvy tips are the highlights of this charming manicure. For added pops of color, a few of the hearts are painted with glittery red polish.

Black and White Dandelion Nails

A woman's hands that has a combination of black and white nail polish with a silhouette of a girl nail design

How about nails that tell a story? Make a canvas out of your nails to create a scene like this silhouette of a girl blowing a dandelion.

White Nails with Black Zodiac Signs

A beautiful woman's hands that has white nail polish with a black colored zodiac symbols nail designs — Image courtesy of @spellbound.nailartistry

If you want your black and white nails short, that’s not a problem. You can have a cute gel manicure with Zodiac symbols like this one until you’ve grown your nails.

Celestial Short Black Nails

A woman's hands with beautiful black nail polish that has white stars and silver glitter nail designs — Image courtesy of @spellbound.nailartistry

Prefer short black nails? Go for this simple yet stunning look. The white stars and silver glitter against the black backdrop will make you feel like you have the night sky right at your fingertips.

Sweet Black and White Nails

A woman's hand with beautiful white nail polish that has a combination of translucent and white base topped with black dots

Dessert, anyone? These nails remind us of cookies and cream ice cream, what with the combination of a translucent and white base topped with black dots that look like cookie crumbles.

To cut the sweetness, an accent nail with a black fern leaf is added.

Dainty Floral Nail Art

A woman's beautiful hands wearing two rings with black french tips that has white daisies design — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Black and white can be feminine too. Take these beautiful nails as an example. They combine black French tips with white daisies for a fresh, delicate look.

And if you look closely, you’ll see that those pretty white flowers aren’t stamped on. They’re actually carefully handpainted using thin nail art brushes.

Sparkling Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with beautiful black and white frames nail polish that has sparkles design — Image courtesy of @tiptoenailstudio1

You don’t always have to use glitter polish to make your nails shine; you can also get creative with handpainted sparkles!

Paint black and white frames on the cuticles and tips of your nails, then create radiant sparkles using the same polish.

Lovey-Dovey Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with black and white nail polish that has xoxo nail designs — Image courtesy of @fowler08

Expressions of love shouldn’t be limited to cutesy heart designs, as proven by these edgy black and white oval nails painted with XOXO or hugs and kisses.

Twinkling White Nails

A woman's hands with beautiful white nail polish that has black stars nail design and glittery silver polish

Black stars look great on white polish. To make the stars shine brighter, use a matte white base and fill in the star outlines with glittery silver polish.

Yummy Black and White Nails for the Holidays

A closeup of a woman's hand with beautiful black and white nail polish that has a frosted Christmas pudding design — Image courtesy of @letyournailsglow_

Red and green are the most popular Christmas colors, but for this nail art with a frosted Christmas pudding design, black and white are the stars of the show.

Rockstar Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with a nude nail polish that has beautiful black and white rock star nail design — Image courtesy of @spellbound.nailartistry

Black and white stars are totally made for rock and roll designs like this nail art. Here, the black and white tips of clear oval nails are decorated with stars in different sizes.

Floral Half Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with nails are half-painted with white on one hand and black on the other and has lovely flowers design — Image courtesy of @mynailgirlness

Another negative space nail design! These nails are half-painted with white on one hand and black on the other, then decorated with lovely flowers also in black and white.

Delicate Black and White Daisies

A closeup of a woman's hand with a pinkish nude nail polish that has a beautiful black and white daisies design and sparkle cuffs — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Pinkish nude nails are made more charming with sparkle cuffs and beautiful black-and-white daisies. This is one of the most beginner-friendly designs on this list.

Tuxedo Style Nail Art

A woman's hands on top of a table with beautiful white nail polish that has a black nail tips and nail art inspired by tuxedos

What better manicure to wear to a black tie event than black and white nails? You can make them look even more formal with nail art inspired by tuxedos.

Cute Black and White Details on Nude Nails

A woman's hand wearing rings with a nude nail polish that has beautiful black and white nail designs — Image courtesy of @leannehaycock_

Spice up nude nails with various adorable designs in black and white, which add life and create contrast with the neutral base.

Dazzling Night Sky Nails

A closeup of a woman's hand with a combination of black, white, and silver nails that has rhinestones and night sky nail designs

Mimic the luminous night sky with these black, silver, and white nails. Plus, adding rhinestones to them is the perfect way to enhance the look’s glitz and glamour.

Classy and Long Nails

A woman's hands with a matte black nail polish that has marble nails as accent — Image courtesy of @omayra.nails

Matte black nails with marble nails as accents make your manicure equal parts muted and dramatic.

Gothic Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of nude, white and black nail polish that has a black flames and golden cross gems designs

Give off an aura of mysterious allure with long black coffin nails accented by white nails with black flames. Finishing the look with golden cross gems adds more of a gothic vibe to the manicure.

Animal Print on Black and White Nails

Elegant Cow Print Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of beautiful nude, white and black nail polish that has cow print accents, black tips and added jewels on the nails

These almond nails look great with cow print accents. The black tips and added jewels keep the look grounded and well-balanced.

Country-Inspired Half-Colored Nails

A woman's hand with a beautiful nude polish that has a cow print and faded brown lines nail design — Image courtesy of @nailsbycarhendy

Nails that are not fully painted are super popular right now. Combine this trendy style with a classic country look by getting this nail design! The cow print and faded brown lines create a mani that’s truly Western chic.

Animal Kingdom Oval Tips

A closeup of a woman's hands with a pinkish nude nail polish that has a black and white cow prints and tiger stripes with brown giraffe and leopard spots nail tips design — Image courtesy of @rachelsbeauty_

Can’t decide which animal print to use for your French mani? Choose the most popular ones! These tips feature black-and-white cow prints and tiger stripes along with brown giraffe and leopard spots.

Rosy Nails with Zebra Tips

A woman's hands with a beautiful next extensions that has a rosy pink nail base with a black and white zebra pattern nail tips — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

Another popular animal print is the zebra print, which is the highlight of this manicure. It features nail extensions with a black-and-white zebra pattern to complement the rosy pink base.

Soft Safari Tips

A beautiful woman's hand wearing a ring with a baby pink nail base color that has a black and white design tips

This is a variation of the nails with zebra tips above. While the baby pink base makes the look a little softer, the black-and-white print still creates an eye-catching contrast.

Not-So-Wild White Tiger Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of beautiful white and black nail polish that has tiger print accent nails

How do you tame a wild animal look? Pair it with something simple. Get plain black and white nails with tiger print accent nails to enjoy a stunning mani you can wear every day.

Adorable Dalmatian Tipped Nails

A woman's hands with a beautiful nude nail polish that has dalmatian spots nail design on the tips and gold glitter — Image courtesy of @holliebedsbeauty

Dalmatian spots also make a beautiful pattern, which is probably why Cruella is obsessed with them.

Well, for a cruelty-free look, just paint Dalmatian spots on your oval tips. Then line them with gold glitter, and you’ll be good to go.

Shiny Leopard Black and White Nail Art

A closeup of a woman's hand with a combination of black and white nail polish that has a leopard nail print design, glittery gold swirls and glossy finish — Image courtesy of @nailsbycarhendy

Yes, we know leopard print isn’t black and white, but it’s a great addition to black, gold, and white nails.

The glittery gold swirls and glossy finish make the nails extra shiny.

Wild Stiletto Nails

A woman's hands with a stiletto nails that has a baby pink nail base color with black and white tiger print nail design and crystals on the accent nails — Image courtesy of @minea.nails

Let your inner beast out with tiger print nails. For even more of an edge, get stiletto nails with tips as sharp as a tiger’s claws!

But to soften and balance the look, you can also use pink polish and crystals on the accent nails.

Long White French Tips

A woman's hands wearing a ring with a nude nail polish that has hearts and sparkles design on some of the nails — Image courtesy of @getnaileddbybri

You don’t always have to use red or pink for Valentine’s Day. Show your romantic side even with black and white nails by drawing hearts and sparkles on some of the nails.

Heart-Filled Black And White Tips

A closeup of a woman's hand with a nude nail polish that has a black and white tips, black heart designs, and a diamond heart charms — Image courtesy of @aracelis_nailsz

You’ve heard about wearing your heart on your sleeve, but what about wearing it on your tips? Paint the white tips of your acrylic nails with black hearts and place diamond heart charms on the accent nails for a truly dramatic look.

Glistening Black and White Nails

A woman's hand with a nude nail polish that has white nail tips and black hearts and sparkles nail designs — Image courtesy of @kikinails_ebeauty

This black-and-white acrylic nail design also has hearts, but they’re not just on the tips — they’re all over the nails.

What’s more, these nails feature sparkles and thick French tips that make them look more unique.

Elegant Squoval Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of beautiful white, black and silver nail polish that has heart with thorns nail designs and silver glitter nails

This should be your go-to nail design if you want black nails with a little more oomph. It features silver glitter nails and white nails with a heart with thorns as captivating accents.

Fantastic Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with beautiful nude nail polish that has black and white nail tips — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

We absolutely adore this look. It’s almost like an optical illusion! The clear base makes the nails look oval when the acrylic is actually coffin-shaped.

Plus, the abstract swirls on the tips are quite hypnotizing. So cool!

Eye-Catching Black and White Acrylic Nails

A closeup of a woman's hand with a nude and black nail polish that has a black and white eye and heart nail designs — Image courtesy of @nails.by.iz_

This is an unusual take on black-and-white patterns, making it perfect for those who have a taste for eccentric styles. You can paint the eye and heart designs on acrylic nails using gel polish.

Romantic White Roses on Black Nails

A closeup of a woman's hands with a combination of black and white nail polish that has white roses nail designs

Intricately painted white roses on black nails create a swoon-worthy design that you can flaunt on date nights or at formal events.

Slithering Black and White Nails

A closeup of a woman's hands with combination of black and white nail polish that has serpent nail designs — Image courtesy of @omayra.nails

Want an edgy manicure? These black and white nails with handpainted serpents can deliver just that.

Yin Yang Nail Art

A woman's hands with beautiful black and white nail polish that has a yin yang nail designs

A collection of black-and-white nail designs wouldn’t be complete without the yin-yang. The high contrast of black and white is the perfect representation of these opposite symbols.

Go ahead and paint them on your extra-long square acrylic nails.

Stylish Black and White Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of black and white nail polish that has glitter and gems on select nails

Black and white polish is already stylish on its own. Add an explosion of glitter and gems on select nails, and you’ll get double chic points.

Mixed Patterns on Black and White Nails

Eclectic Black and White Almond Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of nude, black and white nail polish that has yin yang symbols, floral, clouds, lightning bolts and checkered pattern nail designs — Image courtesy of @darastudio.art

Can’t decide on a pattern? Use various black and white elements like the ones handpainted on these nails, including yin and yang symbols, florals, clouds, lightning bolts, and checkered patterns.

Black and White Nails with Different Styles

A closeup of a woman's hand with a combination of nude, white and black nail polish that has a floral and yin yang nail designs — Image courtesy of @nails.bylynsey

It’s easy to play with patterns on clear press-on nails. You can even use regular polish to create the black-and-white details on your French tips.

Striking Stiletto Nails

A closeup of a woman's hand with a combination of nude, black and white nail polish that has random nail designs like swirls, ghosts, and houndstooth patterns — Image courtesy of @1999houseofnailsnz

Want to make a statement? Well, these nails will do the trick.

Decorate your black and white stiletto nails with random designs like swirls, ghosts, and houndstooth patterns, and get ready to turn heads.

Whimsical Short Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of nude, black, and white nail polish that has tiny icons and full patterns nail designs — Image courtesy of @mynailgirlness

Have fun with your short nails using tiny icons and full patterns. We’re obsessed with every detail on this black-and-white nail art, from the striped nail borders to the cute little flowers.

Green, Black, and White Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of green, black and white nail polish that has mixed patterns nail designs — Image courtesy of @nailsbycarhendy

Green makes black and white nails come alive! You can make this quirky color combination even more fun with mixed patterns.

Delightful Black-and-White Manicure

A closeup of a woman's hands with a nude nail polish that has black and white tips and smiley face and flower nail designs — Image courtesy of @rmnailtech

Black and white nails with a smiley face can make your inner child happy. What’s more, the other patterns that come with it are totally adorable, such as the checkered flowers and white clouds.

Geometric and Abstract Designs on Black and White Nails

Sophisticated Black and White Nail Look

A woman's hands with a combination of black and white nail polish that has tiny leaves nail design

This manicure may seem easy to recreate. But if you look at the fern, you’ll realize that it takes a lot of work and attention to detail to paint those tiny leaves one by one. That said, the result is more than worth it!

Cracked Black and White Nails

A closeup of a woman's hands with a beautiful black nail polish that has a white crack nail designs — Image courtesy of @feralnailstx

This black-and-white nail art is achieved by using a thin brush and white polish to create the illusion of cracked black nails. Anyone with a strong fashion sense can pull these nails off.

Matte White Nails with Gorgeous Details

A closeup of a woman's hand with a beautiful matte white nail polish that has aztec print nail designs

The stunning Aztec print is the focal point of this look. Matte nails with single dots create the perfect background for it to stand out.

Smashing Oval Nails

A closeup of a woman's hand with black, white and silver nail polish that has a broken glass design and silver glitter polish — Image courtesy of @fowler08

This simple black mani is gussied up with a broken glass design and silver glitter polish on the accent nails.

Modern White Nails

A closeup of a woman's hands with white nail polish that has black lines and rhinestones designs

These nails are the perfect embodiment of modern art. The white base allows the sleek black lines to pop and the rhinestones to shine.

This nail art looks best with short squoval nails.

Simply Elegant Chevron Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of black and white nail polish that has a chevron pattern nail designs

Understated nails are acceptable in any workplace. But you can still elevate a simple black-and-white mani with a chevron pattern that creates an engraved effect.

Sleek Nail Art

A woman's hands with a combination of black and white nail polish that has triangles, stripes and chevron lines nail designs

A mix of contemporary black-and-white nail designs can give you a cut-above-the-rest mani.

To achieve this look, use black and white polish to create stripes, triangles, and chevron lines that leave a sliver of your natural nail exposed.

Sassy Black and White Swirls

A woman's hands with a beautiful nude nail polish that has black and white swirls in different directions nail designs

This interesting design is made with a natural base and black-and-white swirls in different directions.

Aesthetic Short Squoval White Nails

A closeup of a woman's hand with a beautiful white nail polish that has black lines and small dots nail designs

Minimalist black details, such as clean lines and small dots, make these white nails with bare cuticles really pleasing to the eye.

Intersecting White Lines

These nails are mostly black, but we love how intersecting white lines are added to give the manicure an artistic feel.

Glam Party Nails

A woman's hands with a combination of nude, black and white nail polish that has black and white swirls nail designs — Image courtesy of @1999houseofnailsnz

Think black and white nails aren’t party-ready? Think again! This nail design features black-and-white swirls on nude accent nails, creating a look that’s perfect for working and partying hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do black and white nails mean?

White nails convey a sense of freshness, while black nails create an air of mystery.

But black and white together simply express confidence and elegance.

Which skin tone goes best with black and white nails?

Since black and white are neutral colors, they can go well with any skin tone or complexion.

Try This Trendy Nail Look

Black and white nails are a classic nail color that’s always in style. Whether you love geometric shapes, cutesy patterns, or edgy designs, this color combination can be used to create any look you want.

Go ahead and pick one of the designs we’ve shown you above for your next manicure! Feel free to customize the nail art you choose and add a few unique touches to it.

This way, you can flaunt a black-and-white manicure that shows off your unique sense of style!

How About Other Nail Colors?

Take a look at these nail looks:

Author

Rachelle Velasco
Rachelle, is a sought-after freelance hair and makeup artist, shines particularly in the world of hair color. From subtle ombres and balayages to vibrant hues and intricate root work, she crafts unique styles tailored to individual preferences. Beyond her artistic talents, Rachelle also holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, showcasing her diverse skill set and dedication to learning.
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