Claudia WilliamsLooking for a classic, elegant, but exciting new nail look for the holiday season? Want something that is going to look great in all of the family photos? Why not try out the classic elegance of gorgeous black and white nails instead of the usual orange nails?
White and black have always been great complementary colors; that is why people use them for all sorts of things and occasions in their lives. The white wedding dress, the little black dress, the checkered kitchen tiles, the pin-up girls in classic white with black trim, the sleek black limo – these are all classic staples of American culture. We love black and white; we associate it with poise, grace, dignity, and good taste, which is why these two colors are the perfect choice for your next manicure.
49+ Gorgeous Black and White Nail Ideas for a Chic Look
It is sometimes tempting to pick wild, bright, outlandish colors when you go for a new manicure because they are pretty and easily noticeable; they catch the eye and turn heads, such as french tip nails. However, the problem with brightly colored nails is that they may not match the outfit you want to wear the next day. Sure, brilliant yellow nails may look awesome with that vibrant, lemon dress you bought for prom, but what happens the next day when you want to wear your jeans and orange sweater, and they clash terribly? Black and white nail designs are very chic and go with practically every outfit.
Furthermore, they are suitable for both casual and formal attire, and they can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. They can be incredibly detailed with intricate designs and gorgeous accents, or they can be plain and simple, with designs such as stripes, polka dots, or solid white with black tips (or vice versa, of course.. If you do need a splash of color, throwing silver or gold into the mix always looks great, as well.
Black and white nails look especially nice during the colder months. They also look great for all of the fall and winter holidays. For instance, there are lots of great fall and winter themed nail designs that can be achieved with these two simple colors. Black cats and spiders make great Halloween manicures, and snowflake designs are phenomenal for Christmas. Below, we have put together photos of fifty of the best monochromatic looks for you to check out. These are incredibly fun designs that are fairly easy to create, and you will love being able to show them off.
1. Contrasting Black-White Pattern Stiletto Nails
This nail style is a true eye-catcher. With stark color contrasts and visible patterns of swirls and lines, those who have a strong fashion sense can pull off this style easily. The stiletto tips will also make your fingers look slender and sophisticated, which pairs greatly with neutral dark clothing and subtle accessories.
2. Yin And Yang Rounded Short Nails
Life is all about balance–and this is what the Yin and Yang nail represents. The contrasting color of black and white as well as the dotted patterns allow this nail style to stand out. Even if you’re not exactly into ancient philosophies, the gorgeous design somewhat resembles tranquility and fluidity of one’s personality if that is what you are or you desire to have.
3. Black And White Delicate Puzzle Nails
How cute and intricate are these contrasting puzzle patterns? Black and white never goes out of style, and being a little casual with these delicate nails will give a fun touch to your overall look. Pair it with eclectic clothing and accessories, and you can truly feel free with expressing yourself.
4. Matte Black-White Spider Halloween Nails
Feeling spooky all year round? Perhaps these matte Halloween nails will suit your style. The non-glossy finish will make your solid designs more visible, such as spiders, contrasting lines, or other elements as you wish. You can also have this look by using different designs such as florals, leaves, or abstract shapes for a more sophisticated matte nails style.
5. Contrast Black And White Cobweb Nails
The great thing about cobwebs is that the design isn’t just solely for the Halloween season. They can actually look great as a pattern of their own! These nails come in alternate black and white colors, with cobweb designs on the corner. Whether you’re going to a party or wanting a casual gothic look, this may be your perfect style.
6. Black and White Nails with Gold Accents
These nails are gorgeous and classy. Their design is simple and mostly solid. The single gold nail, the golden designs on the ring fingers, and the slashes of gold accents across the black and white nails add a touch of color and glimmer. They are absolutely stunning.
7. Lunar Themed Black and White Nail Art
This design is gorgeous and unique. The nails are painted a matte black, which makes the moons painted on them shine and stand out distinctly. The moons are painted with such detail that they actually look like miniature versions of the moon in the night sky.
8. Sparkly, Shiny Black and White Nail Art
This design is for those going for a more formal, noticeable look. They are a mixture of simple, solid-color black and white nails with a lot of silver glitter and shine thrown in for accents. This is a gorgeous design that will complement your eveningwear splendidly, and the silver glitter gives it a very wintery look.
9. The Simple Black Elegance Look
This design uses the beauty of your own, natural nails mixed with solid, deep black. The last two nails are done in solid black, while the first two fingers showcase the natural nail, surrounded by faux-diamonds on one finger and a splash of glittery silver on the other. It is a superb choice to match your little black dress for a night out on the town.
10. Glitter, Rhinestones, Black, and Beautiful
These black and white nails are easy to design, but they look amazing. The pinky nails are a rich, solid black, as are the nails of the ring finger, only they have a strip of rhinestones across the middle. The index fingers are black glitter, and the middle fingers are a marbleized white, which just sets the entire look off. These nails are classic enough to wear with a formal gown, but they pretty and classic enough for everyday wear, as well.
11. Accents on the Ring Fingers
This style of black and white nail art also utilizes the beauty of your natural nails. Four of the five nails are done naturally, and the nails of the ring fingers start naturally at the base and fade into a beautiful black and gold sparkly mixture at the tips. It is an understated but gorgeous look that is good for any occasion.
12. Spooky Black and White Nails
These black and white nails are perfect for the Halloween holiday. They are long and stiletto-shaped, which gives them a witchy look, and they are covered in a matte black polish. The pinkies on each hand are halfway covered in thin, white stripes, and the nails of the index fingers look like creepy, creaking tree branches swaying in a moonlit night. These nails are, quite simply put, absolutely amazing.
13. White, Black, and Gorgeous Gold
These nails are done in a very unique style. The two middle fingers are left natural except for the tips, which are done in a brilliant, beautiful white. The first and fourth fingers are mostly black, but they have shiny, golden flakes embedded in them that look amazing. There is also a milky white sheen to the black nails that adds to their uniqueness.
14. Just a Hint of Gray
These nails are great for practical, everyday beauty. The nails of the middle fingers are done in gray with silver bands across them. It looks absolutely awesome. There are similar silver bands across the white pinky nails, as well. The index fingers are a shiny black, and the ring fingers are a marbleized white. Together, these nails make for one fantastic look.
15. A Great Look for Fall
These black and white nails are perfect for fall. The ring fingers of each hand display beautiful leaves, and the other fingers, while simply black, have these incredibly unique spots on them that look like raindrops. They are very reminiscent of a rainy fall day.
16. Another Great Choice for Halloween
This design has separate looks for each hand, and both hands are super neat. One hand features a natural nail with these cool black and white geometric patterns on them. The other hand is covered in black polish with white, five-pointed stars like the kind seen in every Halloween or horror movie ever made. They are a staple of the scary things genre, and they look great on nails for Halloween.
17. Queenly Black and White Nail Art
These nail designs are very elaborate and intricate, and they have enough bling in them to look great even on Queen Bey’s fingers. The glitter, the sparkle, the shine – it all looks absolutely stunning, but the real showpiece of the nails is found in the gorgeous jewels and faux-diamonds on a single nail of each hand. The designs on these nails look like they could sit just as beautifully on a golden crown made for royalty. They are absolutely extravagant and 100% gorgeous.
18. Looking Spectacular in Sultry Silver
These nails are actually more a silver and black combination, but they are still equally lovely and very detailed. The majority of the nails are black with silver designs, but one nail on each hand is the inverse. The design on these nails is even more complicated and beautiful than the ones on the silver nails. The nails are a great length, as well, and can be worn for evenings and every day.
19. You’ll Look Lovely in Lace
These nails are beautiful black and white, square-tipped nails that are painted to look like the wearer’s nails are covered in intricate lace doilies. The base coat of the nails is black, and the white is painted in such a way that it truly does look like your cute nails have been covered in gorgeously rendered lace. They are truly one of a kind.
20. Sparkly, Shiny, and Perfect for Christmas
These nails are a very pretty choice for Christmas. They are done in black, white, and silver, and the geometric pattern on the middle fingers of each hand is done so carefully that it looks like the wearer has a beautiful, snow-covered Christmas tree on her nails.
21. The Best Fall Nails Ever
The nail art on these nails is one of my absolute favorite designs. Each nail is done in a natural/white base color and has a really cool black cat on it. The cats are both cute and creepy, making these nails perfect for Halloween. Plus, cats are pretty much the best animals in the world, so literally, everyone should be wearing them on their nails all the time.
22. Black, White, and Silver Almond Nails
These nails are very simplistic, solid-color, almond-shaped nails, but that does not mean they aren’t amazing. Each nail is done in a different color, with one nail on each hand painted a very shiny, sparkly silver. They are very fashionable and go with most anything.
23. Whacky and Weird with Swirls
These nails have a natural base color, but they also have these cool, funky, swirly designs done in black and white on them. They will definitely catch the eye of anyone who looks the wearer’s way.
24. Sparkling Black and White Tips
These stylish nails are ballerina-shaped with a natural base. The tips, however, are done in sparkling extravagance, with one hand done in black sparkles and the other hand done in white sparkles. They look especially amazing when the light hits them and makes them shine.
25. Pretty Square-Tips with Pearls and Gems
These square-tipped nails are a fun and pretty example of all the ways you can add a little bit of color to your black and white nails. The nails alternate between solid black nails and natural nails with white tips; the white nails have a gorgeous line of pearls across the middle, while the black nails have a splash of color in the gems that are on them.
26. Just a Splash of Black
These nails are simply done in a solid white coat; one nail on each finger has a splash of black across it in a seemingly random pattern. These nails are super cute and the perfect choice for your every day look.
27. Another Great Look for Fall
These black and white nails are another of my favorites. One nail on each hand is painted in a glittery silver coat of paint, one is a shiny black, and the other two nails on each hand have a white base with a pattern of black spiders all across them. They are super cute and a lot of fun.
28. Perfect Nails for a Snow Queen
Long ballerina nails are always a fan-favorite, and these are particularly gorgeous. With a mixture of black, white, and natural colors, these nails are perfect for wintertime. The tiny dots of white that flow across the nails look just like a snowstorm, and the nails evoke the beauty of winter and a snowy night.
29. Incredibly Youthful and Lots of Fun
These almond-shaped nails give off a fun and youthful vibe. They are shiny black and white, and they have sweet little hearts on them. One heart is done in a yin-yang, black and white style, while another looks more like someone painted every part of the nail except for a heart-shaped bit right in the middle. One nail is matte black, and another looks like it has a spilled paint can on it. It sounds like there is a lot going on with these nails, and there is, but it all works together seamlessly to provide one of the best looks possible.
30. Fun and Witchy Stiletto Nails
If you like nails with a lot going on, you will love these black and white nails. The nails of the middle fingers are black with a cheeky white spider on them; the index fingers are white with shimmering spider webs spanning them; and the ring and pinky fingers are either white with black stripes or black with three-dimensional claw-shaped points at their bases, depending on which hand they are on. They are absolutely amazing nails.
31. These Nails are Geometrically Gorgeous
These particular nails are black, white, and pink, and they have a variety of geometric designs on them. No two nails look quite alike, but they all look great.
32. Absolutely Stunning Ballerina Nails with Roses
These nails are predominantly black; however, the two nails on the two middle fingers of each hand are done differently. One is mostly natural with a whitish/silvery rub across it. The other is natural, aside from some gorgeous black roses that cover the sides of each ring finger nail. They are simply, classically elegant, and they are great for a formal evening or a nice, quiet day reading a book at home.
33. Hollywood Movie Star, Cover Girl Chic
If you are looking for something that makes you look like a Hollywood diva, these nails just might do the trick. They are black and white nails, just like all the rest, but these nails have a metallic sheen to them that makes them truly stand out and be noticed. The gemstones and silver studs on the middle finger are also very eye-catching and lovely.
34. Addicted to Anime Art Designs
If you are into Japanese anime or manga, these are definitely the nails for you. These nails have a matte white base, but the art on each nail is so intricate and detailed, they look like someone took them straight out of the pages of a graphic novel. There are faces, kanji, flowers, and other designs, and they are each simply gorgeous.
35. Just So Sweet and Simple
These nails are easy to create, but they are also very fashionable. Four of the five nails are done in a solid black coat, but the nails on the middle fingers of each hand have white nail art on them designed to look like cute little flowers and pretty butterflies. These nails are great for any occasion, despite their simplicity.
36. Terrifically Two-Toned Punk Rock Nails
These black and white nails are simply that – black and white nails. Half of the nail is painted in black, while the other half is painted in white. Because the colors are complementary, the nails look absolutely adorable, but they are also fashionable enough to match your formal attire.
37. Fabulous Ferns Done in Black
With the exception of the nails on the ring finger of each hand, these nails are done in a grayish beige color. The nails of the ring fingers, however, are done in a bright, brilliant white. The two middle fingers of each hand have pretty black ferns stenciled across them, and they look absolutely amazing. The square tips on the nails simply add to the overall poise and grace of the already stunning nails.
38. Sweet, Shiny, and Marbleized, Too
These black and white nails are beautiful and very shiny. They are mostly solid colors, so they are easy to do, but they do have a marbleized fourth finger and stripes through the pinky fingers of each hand, both of which give them that little extra element of class and style.
39. Pretty and Punky All in One
These nails are a beautiful black color with a curved stripe through the middle of each. They are very punk rock, and they are incredibly easy to create.
40. Flowers on the Ring Finger
The predominant color in this particular manicure design is black; in fact, four of the five nails on each hand are done in solid black that has a faint sparkle to it. The ring finger of each hand, however, is white with a delicate, intricate flower painted on it in blacks and grays. It is a very chic and stylish design that looks great on anyone and with any outfit.
41. Almost Over the Top, but Not
Black, silver, gray, glitter, and gemstones. These nails have everything they need to be a little extra and over the top; however, they aren’t. Instead, they are just the right amount of extra to be gorgeous and stylish. The gemstones on the random nails really add that extra bit of flair.
42. White and Black Stripes and Swirls
These particular nails use a natural nail base, but the sides of the nails have black and white swirls running up one side of the nail from the nail bed to the tip of the nail. The rest of the nail is covered in white and black horizontal stripes. If the stripes are white, the swirls are black, and if the stripes are black, the swirls are white. It is a very interesting design, to say the least.
43. Bling Bling Black and White Nails
These nails are another of my favorites on the list. They are absolutely stunning, and they will definitely have passersby asking, “Who did those nails?!” The thumb, middle, and pinky fingers of each hand are done in a shiny black, but they have gorgeous rhinestones added on for that extra bit of flair. When they catch the light, they simply sparkle. The index finger is done in gorgeous, glittery silver that also reflects the light and looks amazing. However, it is the ring finger of each hand that really completes the whole look and takes it from very nice to absolutely stunning. The nails of the ring fingers are done to look like delicate white roses in full bloom. They also have just a tiny bit of silver glitter around the edges of the petals to make the roses shimmer like the other fingers. Overall, it is probably my absolute favorite look of the whole set.
44. A Gorgeous Mix of Paints
This design is a mishmash of different styles that somehow work together to make one cohesive design. The pinky fingernail is done in a shimmery, silvery black, while the middle finger is done in a pure black that looks deep and rich. The ring finger is painted in a matte black base and has some unique white nail art to draw the eye. The index finger is done in a completely different style, showcasing the natural nail and only painting the tip in a glitter-covered black. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. It’s a great, one-of-a-kind look that looks great for normal, everyday wear.
45. A Study in Various Stripes
These nails are mostly black, with the exception of one white nail on the ring finger of each hand. Each nail has different sized stripes, either in natural color, white, or black. They are simple, easy to create, and incredibly cute.
46. Alternating Black and White Nails
These nails are very easy to paint, and though they are simplistic in design, they are no less stylish for all of that. One nail is white, the next is black, the next is white, and so on and so forth. The nails are shiny and almond-shaped, and they match any type of outfit with which you choose to pair them.
47. Too Cute to be Spooky
In case you haven’t noticed already, the funky, Halloween-themed types of nails are some of my favorites. This design is no exception. These nails are painted matte black, but they have these amazing skeletal hands painted on them that look simply amazing. They are meant to look spooky, of course, with the skeletal fingers reaching out, but really, they are just stinking adorable.
48. Cool Gradients and Entrancing Galaxies
The nails on the middle fingers of each hand have this unique white to gray to black gradient paint design that looks really cool and professional. The other nails, through different paint styles, bring to mind the idea of starry skies and galaxies. These are some of the best ballerina style nails on the list, especially if you’re from a galaxy far, far away.
49. A Pirate’s Treasure Chest Nails
These nails are simple black and white alternating nails; however, they have these great gemstones, pearls, and faux-diamonds on them that make them look like someone decorated them with a pirate’s treasure chest. They sparkle and shine like diamonds, and they look simply amazing. If you are searching for the best combination of bling and grace possible, this just might be the perfect style for you.
50. The Stripes and Chevrons Design
These nails are a mixture of black and white all across the hand. Some nails are done half in black and a half in white, split diagonally down the middle. Others are solid black with natural nail colored chevrons in the middle. Still, others are white with clear, curved lines on them. Each nail is different, but each nail is also unique and fashionable.
51. The Ultimate in Black and White Nail Art
These nails are the gold standard when it comes to nail art and designs. Each nail is done differently, but each nail is very detailed, intricate, and complex. These nails have everything on them from compasses to yin-yangs to the all-seeing eye and more. These nails are not simply nails; they are works of art.
52. Glitter, Rhinestones, Bling, and Stilettos
These stiletto nails have a lot going on, and they are bound to turn heads. They alternate between black nails, white nails, and nails covered in white glitter. However, one nail on each hand is also covered in rhinestones. The rhinestones are different sizes and shapes, and they bring a whole new meaning to the word “bling.” They are incredibly cool and will make you the talk of any party.
53. We’re Going Crazy for Houndstooth
These square-tipped, practical nails are a lovely choice for the more distinguished lady or the lady who happens to be a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan. The nails are painted in a fashionable houndstooth design done in black and white that looks great with any stylish outfit.
54. Triangles and Zig-Zags, the Native Look
These white nails are quite lovely in their simplicity. They have these gorgeous Native American type designs on them in black that really draw the eye. The designs are simply done, but they look very nice, and the practical length and shapes of the nails mean they can be worn even while going to work or doing household chores.
55. Black Nails and Expensive Marble
Last on our list of black and white nail designs are these cool, easy to design nails. The first and fourth nails on each finger are done in a shining, lovely black, while the second and third nails of each hand are done in a marbleized white that look like some of the most expensive marble tiles on the planet. They look amazing and high-class, and they will have everyone thinking you paid a ton of money for this gorgeous manicure.
49+ Pretty Black and White Nail Design Ideas
We showed you why black and white nail designs are one of the best possible choices for the fall and winter months, as well as discussing why exactly we, as Americans, love the black and white color scheme. The article also lists fifty of the most stunning black and white nail designs you can choose for your next manicure this season.
