Black nail polish in every style
Black nail polish remains a timeless classic. And for good reason: it’s sophisticated, bold, and incredibly versatile! In our collection, it comes in several nuances:
You can also discover all these shades as bio-sourced nail polishes, in the spirit of Green™.
Deep pure black: Licorice
Licorice is something of the black icon, the epitome of elegance. This intense, ultra-glossy black shows how black can catch the light without ever losing its depth. The perfect choice for anyone after a glossy, thoroughly modern manicure. THE shade for a minimalist, rock or couture look, like the little black dress seen at Chanel’s Autumn/Winter 2025 show.
Glitter black: Sparks
For a festive touch on black nails, try Sparks, a black nail polish flecked with shimmering glitter. Its tiny flashes of light heighten the hypnotic effect of black and naturally draw the eye. Irresistible for your end-of-year parties or a seriously sophisticated black nail art look.
From pure black to glitter black, Licorice and Sparks dress your nails in magnetic elegance.
(@fannysantarita for Kimhēkim, @tagwalk)
Nuanced blacks: Anthracite, Hollyhock, Mocha
Sometimes you want black… but not completely black! Luckily, our polish ranges don’t stop at pure blacks:
Anthracite offers an alternative with its dark, almost smoky grey, both urban and contemporary. Evoking stone and ash, this shade has a surprisingly enveloping feel once applied.
The darkest of the reds: Hollyhock is a black-red nail polish with a bold personality. Deep and intense, it goes all in on glam rock.
To embrace winter nail trends, reach for Mocha, a shaded brown with cool undertones. A delicious, subtly spiced shade that brings a refined touch to your nights out…
Black-red, smoky grey, or spicy brown: three nuances to flirt with black without going fully dark.
Why choose a black manicure?
A black manicure is much more than dark colour painted on your fingertips: it’s an aesthetic statement and an attitude. Here are the 4 main reasons that make black truly unique:
1. A timeless fashion classic
Just like the little black dress or a tailored blazer, black polish stands the test of time without losing its edge. It pairs with any outfit, from raw denim to sharp suits. Much like a black-red like Hollyhock or a nuanced brown like Mocha, black continually reinvents itself. It’s a classic shade, yes, but open to every interpretation.
2. Flattering on every skin tone
From very fair skin to warmer skin tones, a black manicure creates a striking contrast that flatters both short and long nails. Pure black delivers an instant couture effect, while nuanced black nail polishes—like Anthracite or very dark browns—soften the nail’s outline for a harmonious look.
Chic and bold across all skin tones and nail shapes.
3. A shade packed with character
It’s a powerful aesthetic choice, inclusive and universal. Whatever your style, black instantly delivers a bold, standout look. It brings sophistication, modern flair, and mystery with a rebellious edge.
4. A versatile colour
A black manicure inspires all generations and every style, from rock to gothcore and retro chic. It is easy to style and pairs seamlessly with:
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fashion-forward monochrome looks,
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satin textures, leather, and lace,
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gold or silver jewellery and metallic polishes.
Worn monochrome, with polka dot nail art, or as a sassy reimagined French tip, it’s always a match! By day, it’s a chic essential. By night, it turns into an ultra-fashionable accessory.
The radical elegance of a black manicure—blending sensuality, mystery, and character.
(@nailsanaiscordevant for Nina Ricci)
4 trendy nail art ideas for a flawless black look
Polka dots
Polka dots are back! Over a sheer pale pink Hortencia base, add a black line of Licorice along the nail edge and a few white dots with Snow for a playful, fashion-forward look. Another option: on a darker base like Hollyhock, paint little off-white dots (an alternative to bright white) with Porcelaine.
Black aura
One of the latest nail art trends: black aura nails. A softly blended ombré radiates from the centre of the nail for a halo effect that’s almost dizzying. Use Licorice as a base, then dab on Disco or Red Velvet with a small sponge.
When black polish gets creative: dare to rock polka dots or ultra-trendy dark aura nails.
(@griffegriffegriffe, @look8thenails)
Minimalist designs
Minimalist designs are made for anyone who loves understated manicures with a fashionable edge. Fancy fun, festive nail art? Try geometric patterns with Fairy as your base and little Mocha triangles on the free edge and lunula of each nail.
Team matte French or shiny?
The black French manicure is one of the hottest trends right now. The real question is: which finish do you choose, matte or glossy?
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Shiny look: first, apply a nude base with Green™ Pale Rose nail polish, or a glittery nude base with Active™ Shine treatment polish. Once dry, use a fine brush to paint a black line of Green™ Licorice nail polish along the free edge for a French manicure, then seal it all with Sunshine Top Coat.
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Matte look: apply 2 coats of Green™ Licorice nail polish, then a coat of Matte Top Coat over the entire nail. Finish with a line of Sunshine Top Coat along the free edge of the nails to create the French tip, and you’re done!
Geometric designs or a twisted French: black nail polish offers limitless possibilities.
(@look8thenails, @shanivynails)
How to make your black manicure last longer?
Here is an expert routine to maximise the wear of your black polish. The key essentials to remember:
Prepare your nails like a pro
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File your nails to create a crisp shape, essential for dark shades.
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Gently push back your cuticles with an emollient and a cuticle pusher.
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Smooth the nail surface with a prep file, then remove any oil with the Green™ Degreaser.
Base coat & Top coat: your best allies
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Make your nail polish easier to apply by first using a coat of Green™ Base Coat or Green Flash™ (depending on the type of polish you choose).
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Finish your manicure with a coat of Sunshine Top Coat (over Green™ nail polish) or Green Flash™ Top Coat (over Green Flash™ nail polish) for a gel-like shine and long-lasting wear.
Proper prep, a protective base coat, and a shiny top coat: the secret to long-lasting black manicures.
Hydrate and protect
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Massage your cuticles every day with a few drops of Green Oil to deeply nourish and moisturise them.
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Remember to wear protective gloves for daily chores to protect your dark manicure from prolonged exposure to water or cleaning products.
The extras that change everything
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Avoid hot water in the hours following application to allow the nail polish to set properly.
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Refresh your manicure’s shine after a few days with a thin coat of Color Refresher if needed (Green Flash™ only).
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Store your nail polishes away from light to preserve their colour, especially dark shades.
Green Oil + Color Refresher: simple steps to maintain the shine and depth of black polish.
Which type of black nail polish should I choose for my nail shape?
The perfect black polish for every nail! While black flatters every length, certain finishes can enhance them even further depending on your nail shape.
With their generous surface, long nails are the perfect canvas for opaque, deeply pigmented blacks. Licorice, Anthracite, Hollyhock or Mocha are stunning choices. Ideal for a chic, slightly rock or resolutely modern vibe.
If you have short nails, bringing in some light is ideal to add depth. Sparks polish, with its subtle glitter, visually lengthens nails.
Why choose a black manicure for a special event?
Good news: black manicures can be worn year-round! But let’s be honest, certain seasons suit it especially well.
Halloween: whether with spiderwebs, glitter, or ultra-glossy finishes, a black manicure is the ideal finishing touch to a vampire or undead costume.
New Year's Eve: a glittery black manicure with Sparks instantly brings party vibes to your fingertips. Black is the new gold!
Cocktail parties: paired with a satin slip dress or a black tailored suit, a glossy black manicure finishes the look with a very, very chic touch.
Chic dinners & cultural events: opera, theatre, galas… Black complements any polished look. Sophistication right down to your fingertips.
For everyday wear: short black nails for chic Parisian style, or a long version for a bold, graphic look… The choice is yours!
Black is the little dress for your nails: timeless, sleek, always stylish.
(@irasnailroom, @fannysantarita for Kimhēkim, @mani.minimalist)
Always bold, the black manicure stands out for its versatility and ability to keep up with the latest trends. With a little inspiration and creativity, black semi-permanent nail polish comes to life: matte finishes, geometric shapes, animal prints or black hearts. There are countless ways to reinvent the black manicure. Whichever look you choose, black always adds that extra touch of style that catches the eye without going over the top 🖤🖤🖤
