30 Best Black and White Nails to Rock in 2024 - Zohna (2024)

Black and white designs never go out of style. From old retro black-and-white movies to modern black-and-white artwork, the white-and-black combination is a timeless choice that’s fashionable in every era.

White and black are both neutral shades that go with every other color. The combination offers versatility and a contrast that communicates more powerfully together.

Our favorite place to wear black and white is at our fingertips: black and white nail designs are an elegant and sophisticated choice, suitable for casual wear and fancy occasions.

When to Consider Black and White Nail Designs

Black and white nails are one of the most versatile color schemes. Black and white designs are a timeless and elegant choice that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Our favorite times to wear black and white nails are:

1. Prom
2. Galas
3. Art shows
4. Movie premiers
5. Casual dress days
6. Vacations
7. Business meetings
8. Halloween

As you can see, there are various events where black and white nails fit the occasion. There are no limitations for wearing black and white nails.

We love using multiple techniques and nail art ideas to play with black and white nail designs. The most popular black and white nail techniques include:

• Marble
• Ombre
• Gradient
• Galaxy
• Tips
• Tye dye

Refer to the chart below for a brief description of each of the black and white nail art techniques mentioned above.

Are you excited to check out some unique black and white nail designs for inspiration? We’ve picked 30 of our favorite black and white nail designs from talented nail artists on social media.

How To Do Black and White Nails

Want to know how to get gorgeous black and white nails at home? Simple black and white nail designs are easy to achieve; the secret is allowing ample drying time and using the right nail polish brushes for the technique.

Our tutorial will show you how to do DIY black and white zebra-striped nails.

Here is what you will need:

• Black nail polish
• White nail polish
• LED nail lamp (optional)
• Fine-tip nail polish brush
• Base coat
• Top coat
• Manicure stick
• Nail buffer and nail file

Step 1

Start by giving yourself a mini manicure; nail polish lasts longer when you prep your nails. Use your manicure stick to push your cuticles back, and buff and file your nails.

Step 2

Apply a base coat to each nail. Wait for your nails to air dry, or dry under an LED nail lamp for 60 seconds if using a gel nail polish.

Step 3

Apply the white nail polish to each nail. Wait for your nails to air dry, or dry under an LED nail lamp for 60 seconds if using a white gel nail polish. Repeat twice to get three coats of white nail polish.

Step 4

Dip a clean fine-tip nail polish brush into the black nail polish. Paint three to five fine lines on each fingernail for the zebra pattern. Allow the black polish to dry. Repeat over the black lines. Wait for your nails to air dry, or dry under an LED nail lamp for 60 seconds if using a black gel nail polish.

Step 5

Apply a top coat to each nail. Wait for your nails to air dry, or dry under an LED nail lamp for 60 seconds if using a gel nail polish.

You now have gorgeous black and white zebra-striped nails! Post a pic on social media and hashtag #Zohna.

Simple Black and White Nails

Simple black and white patterns are classics when it comes to design. The stunning white and black contrast allows a plain design to make a strong statement. If you want a manicure that’s tasteful and traditional and gets lots of compliments, choose simple black and white nails.

Black and White Acrylic Nails

Black and white acrylic nails are a gorgeous way to elongate your nails for a striking color convergence. We love adding tasteful gems and rhinestones to long acrylic nails in gemstone colors. While it’s possible to file natural nails into almost any nail shape, acrylic nails offer the most durability for filing and a larger canvas for nail art.

We love acrylic and artificial nail enhancements for several reasons:

1. Versatile nail shapes
2. Durability and long-lasting
3. Long canvas for nail art
4. Streamlined length and appearance

The chart below compares the pros and cons of black and white acrylic nails.

Black and White Ombre Nails

Ombre designs are one of the most favorable techniques in modern beauty, from hair to eyeshadow, to nails. From the French word ‘to shade‘, ombre nail designs create a gradient effect between two or more colors or a single polish color into nude. Black and white ombre nails transition jet black into pure white with a beautiful gray shading effect.

Coffin Black and White Nails

Be the queen of edginess with these sharp-looking nails. Coffin black and white nails give a dramatic nail shape to the elegant color ensemble. If you like the look of long nails with the practicality of a flattened-out tip, coffin nails are the nail shape for you. Long black and white nails attract the most attention and look elegantly confident in every outfit.

Black and White Marble Nails

White and black marble patterns are timeless and elegant; they have been used since ancient times in art and design as a symbol of affluence. Black and white marble nails add a luxurious appeal to your fingertips.

Follow these easy steps for DIY black and white marble nails:

1. Paint your nails with three coats of white nail polish.
2. Allow your nails to dry completely.
3. Add two small dots of black nail polish to each nail.
4. Dip a cotton swab in water and squeeze it so it is slightly dry.
5. Use the damp cotton swab to swirl the black polish together into a marble pattern.
6. Allow your nails to dry and seal with a top coat.

Black and White French Tip Nails

Ooh, la la. J’adore les ongles noirs et blancs. “I love black and white nails.”

Classic white French nails are a timeless manicure that goes with every outfit and every color. Black and white French tip nails give traditional white nails a hint of intentional drama.

Elegant Black and White Nails

When you have a fancy party, an important occasion, or a black and white tie event to prepare for, you must dress to impress; that includes elegant accessories, makeup, and nails. A manicure with floral designs makes for very elegant black and white nails.

Smiley Face Nails Black and White

When in doubt, say it with a happy face! It’s the universal symbol for “all good,” “well done,” or “positive vibes.” We love smiley face nail designs to add a whimsical touch to our manicures.

White and black together typically create a more serious color combination, but adding a happy little guy to your nails makes them cute and fun. Choose a playful approach and ask for “smiley face nails black and white,” and don’t forget to ask with a smile!

Black and White Halloween Nails

Black and orange nails may be the obvious choice for Halloween, but have you considered all the spooky designs you can achieve with black and white?

Whether you want black nails with white spider webs, creepy skeleton bone nails, or a “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, there are so many ways to make a spooky statement with black and white Halloween nails.

Cute Black and White Nails

It’s empowering to wear black and white nails that are sophisticated and sexy, but it’s fun to get creative with playful nail designs. Pink and white nails may be the first choice for a cute nail design, but there are plenty of adorable options for cute black and white nails.

Our favorite cute black and white nails are:

• Black and white plaid nails
• White nails with black roses
• Black nails with white animal print
• Black and white smiley face nails
• Black and white kisses nails

Black White and Gold Nails

Can you get a 24-karat black and white manicure? Yes, you can! Black white and gold nails are the classiest way to wear the stunning color combination. Go for an elegant and stylish nail art technique like geometric stripes or a marble accent nail.

Black and White Stiletto Nails

Whoever said “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” clearly never owned a pair of stilettos! Stiletto is a long, tapered nail shape with a razor-sharp pointed tip. These swanky black and white stiletto nails are a high-maintenance choice for a high-maintenance lady.

The chart below compares coffin black and white nails to black and white stiletto nails.

Black and White Swirl Nails

Swirl into this mesmerizing design; black and white swirl nails give a timeless color combination to the contemporary nail technique. Colorful abstract swirl nails have taken over nail trends on social media.

Black and White Almond Nails

Do you like stiletto nails but need a shape that’s both practical and chic? Say hello to almond nails! Almond is a tapered nail shape with the practicality of a rounded-out tip rather than a sharp, pointy one. Black and white almond nails are a classy and sophisticated nail color and shape suitable for every occasion.

Black White and Silver Nails

Give your black and white nails a sleek, metallic shine. Black and white with silver creates a stunning ensemble of colors.

You can choose a silver accent nail on each hand of a black and white manicure or decorate each finger with silver sparkles. There are many ways to make black white and silver nails look unique.

Black and White Christmas Nails

All we want for Christmas is flawless nails. Sometimes the best gifts are right at our fingertips! Show your holiday spirit with a unique spin on traditional Christmas nail designs. Black and white Christmas nails are a stylish choice to suit all your Christmas parties.

Black and White Flame Nails

Baby, you’re a smoke show. Something about black and white flame nails makes the fire design look extra hot. We love these long black and white acrylic nails with simple flame and heart designs for a white and black ‘burning love’ theme.

Black and White Short Nails

Black and white is a statement nail polish color duo that looks posh at every length. Choose short white nails with black accents to make your short manicure stand out from the crowd. Black and white short nails are classy, sharp, and stunning for every occasion.

Black and White Tip Nails

Want a unique yet sophisticated way to wear black and white nails? Consider a geometric design at the tips. Black and white tip nails with diagonal tips put a one-of-a-kind twist on the classic black and white French tip manicure. The diagonal lines look stunning on square or coffin nails with a flattened-out tip.

Matte Black and White Nails

Fancy things don’t need to shine. Sometimes the most luxurious commodities are plain and ordinary in appearance.

Matte makeup, nail polish, lipstick, and beauty products have boomed in recent years due to their cosmopolitan and humble take on their glossy counterparts. Matte black and white nails offer a unique alternative to glossy polishes with an accent of metallic shine.

Black and White Striped Nails

Got a thing for zebra print? We do! We love black and white striped nails. You can choose thick zebra-like stripes, take a dark twist on the classic candy cane nails, or create your own striped abstract design. We love adding gemstones for a stylish appearance.

Black and White Gel Nails

These black and white nails will make your friend helly jealy!

Gel manicures are one of the most popular choices because of their:

• Durability
• Glossy finish
• Natural appearance

They’re a type of artificial nail enhancement that is less damaging to your natural nails than acrylic. We love black and white gel nails that look like grand piano keys with a beautiful glazed appearance.

Black White and Red Nails

Add a splash of color to your black and white nails. Red accents are a gorgeous way to stylize monochrome designs. Black white and red nails are a classic trio used in design and art to provide grayscale patterns with a vivid statement color.

Black and White Checkered Nails

Checkmate! Black and white checkered nails always make for a timeless and stylish manicure. Checkerboard patterns are traditional two-toned staggered squares that add a simple yet eye-catching pattern to any design space.

Black and White Dip Nails

Hop on the latest salon manicure trend! Stronger than gel nails and more lightweight than acrylic, dip powder nails are a popular alternative artificial nail enhancement for flawless, durable nails.

Dip powder nails are like a gel-acrylic hybrid that does not require curing under LED or UV light. Get black and white dip nails for a beautiful monochrome manicure without damaging your natural nail beds.

Black and White Snake Nails

Are you an alternative kind of chick looking for an unconventional new nail design? Why not try snake nails?

Snake nail designs are one of the latest trends on social media, thanks to celebrities like Dua Lipa. You can wear a sexy snakeskin pattern or a hand-painted serpent stretching across multiple nails. Whatever reptile design you choose, black and white snake nails will surely get compliments.

Black and White Nails With Diamonds

Shine bright like a diamond. Have you ever wondered why diamonds are so popular? The stone is rare and everlasting, making it the universal symbol of eternal love.

Diamonds are also visually appealing and a popular choice for nail art. We love black and white nails with diamonds for a timeless and opulent manicure.

Black and White Heart Nails

Do you love flawless nails with all your heart? Show your love for your manicure by decorating it with hearts! Black and white heart nails can be worn as cute and casual for everyday outfits, and they also look graceful and posh for fancy occasions. We love extra-long acrylic nails that offer a large canvas for multiple hearts.

Black and White Holiday Nails

When we scroll through our feeds on Pinterest and Instagram for some holiday nail inspiration, we want versatile designs that fit the entire winter season. Snow-inspired milky white nails with black hand-painted snowflakes make super cute black and white holiday nails.

Black and White Butterfly Nails

Do these nails give you butterflies? If you’re a lady who loves beautiful butterflies, you will love these nails.

What was a huge trend in the 90s has made a considerable comeback in beauty and fashion: the butterfly is symbolic of renewal, change, and transformation, making it the perfect symbol for these days that celebrate individuality and expression. Channel your inner butterfly with black and white butterfly nails.

Everything’s Better in Black and White

Some say everything looks better in black and white. When it comes to manicures, black and white nails are a stunning convergence that’s stylish and sophisticated. White and black nails are timeless, with patterns and designs to suit everyone.