@jinsoon / Instagram
Separately, stark, crisp, white and mysterious, bold, black is stunning– put them together and all bets are off. Simply put, the combination of black and white is a minimalist dream come to life. And in our humble opinion, the opposing hues are especially eye-catching when worn on nails.
Black-and-white nails are never-fail classics, and luckily, there is a never-ending abundance of nail inspo to fuel your obsession. While the neutral shades are synonymous with simplicity, they don't necessarily create a basic end result. If anything, the most statement-blaring manicures are often a take on the good 'ole classic combo.
To take the guesswork out of finding a chic, yet simple black-and-white nail look, we rounded up 41 designs to inspire your next manicure. Check them out below.
Negative Space Hearts
@oliveandjune / Instagram
Forget what they say—there's nothing wrong with wearing your heart on your tips.
Lunar Lengths
@basecoatnailsalon / Instagram
For those with a weakness for all things astrology, take note. This black-and-white moon phase nail design is everything.
Curved Stripes
@paintboxnails / Instagram
Keep it simple this season with a polished application of black highlighted by a stoic diagonal streak of white. So simple, so chic.
Teeny Stars
Sometimes a stunning black-and-white nail look is as simple as gluing a few tiny stars to the base of each nail.
Black and White Half Moons
@paintboxnails / Instagram
Love the negative-space nail art trend? This manicure idea nails the look with black, white, and clear polishes in half-moon shapes.
Celestial Inspiration
@oliveandjune / Instagram
Why paint your nails exclusively black or white when you can create statement nails with an application of black and chrome glitter or a celestial-inspired print?
Statement Nail
@oliveandjune / Instagram
An all-white nail look complemented by one intricate geometric statement nail makes for a mani that's one part dramatic and one part understated.
Cow Print
@vanityprojects / Instagram
Cow print may be one of the most fun ways to jazz up a black-and-white nail design, and it couldn't be more on-trend.
White Tiger Print
@jinsoon / Instagram
Want to try an animal print that's a little different from what's everywhere now? White tiger print is as sophisticated as it is wild, and if you're a fan of zebra print, this is the perfect way to switch it up.
Pretty Kitties
@oliveandjune / Instagram
If you're one for a touch of whimsy on your tips, why not accent your nails with contrasting cats? The cool black-and-white palette keeps it neutral enough to be office-approved.
Byrdie Tip
If you're looking to recreate black-and-white nail designs at home, consider purchasing stickers for an easy and super-quick finish. There are many products on the market to choose from, but we recommend starting with sleek patterns from trusty brands like Inkbox and Olive and June, or even press-on nails from Chillhouse.
For more complex designs, you might want to take your inspo from the moodboard to your go-to nail technician.
Optical Illusion
@chillhouse / Instagram
This half-nail look elongates almond-shaped nails. The cool part of this negative-space design is that you only need black polish—the tips of your nails will add a natural touch of white.
Matching Patterns
@thehangedit / Instagram
We don't know what's cooler—the detail in the birds or the idea of matching your manicure with your shirt.
Negative-Space Check
@vanityprojects / Instagram
Create a checkerboard mani with easy-to-apply nail stickers like the Sally Hensen Salon Effects Check, Please! Nail Polish Strips. For an extra fun take, rock them with everyone's favorite black checkered Vans for a matching vibe.
Striped Tips
@vanityprojects / Instagram
If you work in a corporate environment, we recommend having fun with this creative yet minimalistic nail art topped off with your favorite matte topcoat.
Polka Dots
@paintboxnails / Instagram
How could you go wrong with a classic polka dot pattern? White-on-black, black-on-white, or both mixed will never be wrong.
Framing Curves
@vanityprojects / Instagram
We love that this look is both playful and dressy so you can sport it on any occasion.
Byrdie Tip
Looking for a last-minute DIY moment? Dip your favorite nail tools—like a liner brush and dotting tool—in black or white polish to elevate a neutral base. We, of course, recommend taking a scroll through this list to find your next design idea.
Triangle Accents
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
Wear this nail look on days when the art is more important than the polish itself. This scattering of geometric shapes and lines is modern, fun, and super low-maintenance.
Gingham Nails
@_danaoliver / Instagram
This timeless print creeps back into nearly every season, and our obsession grows each time. Plus, we love how clean the black and white version looks in this manicure.
Feather Fingers
@ginaedwards_ / Instagram
There's something about this look that gives off poetic Renaissance vibes and we love it.
Mixed Bag
@essie / Instagram
Can't decide on a look? Try mixing a few of your favorite pattens—the black-and-white color scheme means they'll all go together.
Criss-Cross
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
A simple crossed design is perfect for a high-contrast combo like black and white. We dig both colors equally.
Simple Dots
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
Sometimes a minimal design makes the maximum impact. We love how the placement of these dots creates sophisticated intrigue.
Single Stripes
@jinsoon / Instagram
Need a nail look in less than five minutes? Paint a white base and then swipe on thin black stripes—or feel free to switch it up or alternate if you so desire. To keep lines straight, use the Wistonia Pro Nail Art Long Striping Brush.
Sparkling Hearts
@oliveandjune / Instagram
If you're looking to spice up a heart pattern for Valentine's Day (or any time of the year, for that matter), adding a few sparkles and alternating with solid black and white is sure to do the trick.
Abstract Dots
@jinsoon / Instagram
Even if we have no idea what to name this design, it's still super dope.
Swooping French
@opi / Instagram
This black-and-white nail design keeps your dark side subtle and chic, with raven tips swooping around the side in the artsiest way.
Double French Tips
@oliveandjune / Instagram
Update an old-school French manicure with double-hued tips.
Byrdie Tip
Black-and-white is an underrated color combo for French manicures. Create a precise design by either going professional or, with a steady hand, using a brush to create contrasting lines. You can underline the classic white with black or switch it up for a subtle statement.
Mixed Materials
@vanityprojects / Instagram
We're not sure what to love more: the 3D pearls or the trippy colorblock design.
Faux Stiletto
@paintboxnails / Instagram
Who said you need long nails or acrylics for the stiletto look? This is the perfect mani for creating a fun illusion.
Minimalist Ghost
@opi / Instagram
At first glance, this looks like just another abstract black-and-white nail design, but when you look closely, you'll actually find tiny ghosts.
Thick and Thin
@jinsoon / Instagram
These stripes create a complex effect of size, not shade. We love how the different directions and widths mean the design will still look cool, even if it doesn't go exactly as planned.
Solid Color
@jinsoonchoi / Instagram
For a more basic but still totally trendy nail look, swipe on both black and white polish in whatever pattern you please.
Simple Squiggles
@chillhouse / Instagram
If you're feeling whimsical, this unique print has some major personality. The best part? These are actually a set of press-ons from Chillhouse, so getting the look takes minimal effort.
With an Accent
@paintboxnails / Instagram
An all-black manicure doesn't have to be bland. You can subtly take the dark mani for a sophisticated spin by adding a curvy white accent on any (or every) nail. Complete it with a clear top coat to seal the deal.
Floral French
@nylove_nail / Instagram
As you can tell, we love the idea of a black-and-white French mani. Next time you need to change things up, consider throwing in a flower or two to add a girly touch to the otherwise chic look.
Shooting Stars
@afreshset / Instagram
Capture the night sky with in a few steps: All you need is a neutral base of your choice before going in with some black and white polish to create puffy clouds and star motifs. Now this is what dreams are made of!
Pop-Punk Piercings
@afreshset / Instagram
Sometimes, what a black-and-white mani needs isn't just a good design at the base, but embellishments to complete it. Perhaps, a few piercings will get the job done.
Barbed Mani
@nylove_nail / Instagram
White French tips but with a spooky spin, whether it's for October 31st or the everyday Halloween-lover.
Black-and-White Flames
@afreshset / Instagram
Fiery flames don't only come in warm hues. Next time you're stuck on what nail art to get, go for some alternating black and white flames on the tips of your nails.
