Black nails get a rap for being gothic, while glitter nails can have a reputation for being childish. We say these rumors are untrue, as there are so many creative ways to wear them both—but what happens when you combine the color and finish? Newsflash: It’s stunning, versatile, and surprisingly sophisticated. Think: Black-tie mani. To prove it, we rounded up 17 black glitter nail ideas to inspire your next mani—keep reading to find your perfect match.
Wavy Black Glitter
How pretty is this black glitter mani with wavy and French tip accent nails? Despite the mesmerizing allure, this manicure is actually fairly easy to recreate: All you need is a fine-lining nail art brush and some French mani nail stickers (like the Orly Half Moon Guides, $6) to achieve the design.
Black Glitter Beyhive
Looking for a black glitter mani fitting of the Renaissance tour? While opting for silver or gold will make for a glamorous metallic mani, you can’t go wrong with a sparkly take on classic black and yellow for a Beyhive-inspired nail look.
Ombré Glitter Meets Matte
Glitter might shimmer and shine, but your full nail look doesn’t have to be reflective to the high heavens. We love the balance that comes from alternating a matte black design with ombré black glitter, complete with silver stars and stripes.
Silvery Black Glitter Nails
Velvet nails are endlessly posh this year, making this sultry black glitter nail look a perfect pick. Nail artist Melanie Graves used Gelcare Official’s UV Gel Nail Polish ($22) in the color Midnight Velvet to create the look.
Eclectic Wavy Checker
If you prefer a mismatched mani, check out this disco-inspired wavy checker nail look. The trick to really making this design pop is to use fine white lines, glossy black polish, and holographic black chrome polish in unison.
Emoji Black Glitter Nails
Emoji nails have been having a moment recently, and this black glitter mani reminds us of the power of a fun design. We love the evil eye heart accent on the middle finger and only wish it was a real emoji. Nail artist Brittney Ellen created the look using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($11) in the shades Meet Me At Space, Cubana, Paper Snow, and Clueless.
Black Glitter Swirl
Hoping for more than a wavy accent nail? Opt for a black glitter swirl manicure. Nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens created this gorgeous nail look with Le Mini Macaron Gel Polish ($13) in the shades Crème Brûlée and Licorice mixed with Platinum Sparkle.
Black and Gold
For a glitzy black glitter nail look, opt for gold flecks. For this shimmering mani, you’ll need Mooncat’s Lacquer ($14) in the shade Pumpkin King. To ensure your nails look freshly (and professionally) painted, try using a dense, angled nail brush dipped in remover, and trace it around the edges.
Black Glitter Snowflake Nails
Love a seasonal nail look? Try pairing your black glitter nails with pretty snowflake accents. To DIY this exact nail look, you’ll need the Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in the shades City of Stars, Paper Snow, Tuxedo Mask, and Clueless.
Dark and Sparkly Drip
For an art deco nail look, copy this drip-inspired black glitter mani. Nail artist Aistė Haas brought it to life using Kiara Sky’s Soak-Off Gel Polish ($13) in the shades Laven-Dare, Midnight Fling, and Negative Space.
Black Glitter Textured Polka Dots
3D nails are popular this year, as are textured nails. With that in mind, how fun are these half-and-half polka-dot nails? They remind us of ’90s fashion in the very best way. In reality, though, they’re inspired by Chanel’s spring 2021 couture collection, making this mani feel even chicer.
Tuxedo Glitter French
Why stick to black glitter nails when you can intersperse them with white glitter? Ellen created this charming mash-up using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in the shades City of Stars and Tuxedo Mask.
Dark Champagne
This manicure might not showcase black glitter, but it combines glitter and black polish nonetheless. We especially like this nail look for folks who prefer neutral manis, as it’s subtle, smart, and undeniably fashion-forward. And it’s easy to DIY, too: Just start with a champagne shimmer base and accent it with a fine vertical line of black polish. Finish with top coat, and you’re done.
Glittery Chrome Mismatch
Hoping for a mani that feels more funky-fresh? You’ll love this rainbow chrome nail look dotted with jet-black polish. It’s another of Ellen’s masterpieces, which she created using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish in the shade Tuxedo Mask paired with Beetles Gel Polish ($17) Holo Chrome Powder.
Black Velvet
Halloween may have come and gone, but this is one ghoulishly good nail look you’ll want to keep on the back burner for next year. The velvet polish makes for the chicest ghosts we’ve ever seen.
Black Glitter Foil Nails
Black glitter nails don’t have to be super bold. This black glitter foil mani makes for a moodier, more toned-down take on the trend.
Jet Black Soul
You can always keep it simple and opt for a solid black shimmer base, which is what celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein did here. For this dark and decadent look, she used Chanel’s Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour ($32) in the shade Sequins.
