There’s no doubt that black nail polish used to represent a certain type of vibe. In the past, it was affiliated with goths, punks, and rock ’n‘ roll badasses or something that could be worn by "normies” during Halloween. But times have surely changed—black nails can be worn by anyone, any time of the year, and with any outfit, whether it’s business- or party-related. The shade has even won Hollywood over, as celebs like Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Blake Lively, and Kendall Jenner have sported black nail polish on the red carpet in recent years. (Meghan Markle also famously wore black nail polish, allegedly breaking royal protocol, and Harry Styles has even sported a black nail or two).
Because this once-shocking shade is more common these days, it brings along a whole world of possibilities for nail polish lovers everywhere. Aside from a slew of brands offering their own take on the classic shade, you have your choice of a shiny or matte finish. Better yet, get creative and paint your tips black for a spooky French manicure, or incorporate it in some intricate nail art. Chrome and metallics add a futuristic twist, and glitter options are readily available if you’re feeling festive.
It’s time to put your bright polish shades away and embrace the darkness. Ahead, you’ll find 15 of the best black nail polishes to try right now, from low-cost to luxury options. Keep scrolling!
Dreaming of having nails that resemble the infinite beauty of a starlit sky? Switch up your solid black nails to one with microfine glitter, like this one by Smith & Cult. (It's the exact shade L.A.-based nail artist Betina Goldstein is sporting above!)
A solid black by a classic nail polish brand like OPI can’t be beaten. Don’t forget to prep with a primer and use a topcoat to extend your mani.
Instantly invoke your inner Morticia Addams with this quick-drying polish. Just apply two coats (no base or topcoat necessary!) and you’ll be ready to go in about a minute.
Treat yourself to a designer mani and go for this Gucci polish. It’s the ultimate chic shade in a stylish bottle to boot.
If you’re looking for a regular, non-gel nail polish that lasts long, add this Morgan Taylor shade to your cart ASAP.
A twist on traditional black, this pavement-inspired shade will keep your talons in tip-top shape due to the added jojoba oil, keratin, and vitamin E.
The price of this black Louboutin formula might be the equivalent of 10 reasonably priced polishes, but the bottle and cap (which are inspired by 17th-century European architecture and calligraphy pens, respectively) are a work of art themselves.
Chipped black nail polish may be somewhat of a symbol of punk-rock cool, but you can always count on Sally Hansen for a long-lasting mani if the whole chipped look isn't your vibe.
If it’s a gel manicure you want, a good formula that comes in black is Orly’s Liquid Vinyl. Get out your UV lamp, and apply this blackout polish the next time you do your nails at home.
Free of a whopping 16 harmful ingredients, this lacquer will nourish and protect your nails thanks to added biotin complex.
Matte nails can make black claws look even cooler. It goes on shiny but dries to a flat finish you’ll be obsessed with.
Paint your nails black as night with this easy-to-apply polish. And you can’t beat the price, either!
With tiny specks of gold and silver confetti glitter, this vegan nail polish will make your fingertips feel like a party on any average day. It’s fine on its own, but you can also paint it over your regular black for extra oomph.
Black nails already bring an aura of mystery, but make it color-shifting polish (especially one that turns from obsidian black to fiery red) and you’ll get hypnotized by your own fingertips!
If it’s shiny, latex-looking nails you crave, this gel polish needs to be on your shopping list. (Go wild and get some PVC pants to match!)
Up next, 26 of the Best Red Nail Polishes of All Time
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