If you’re on the search for a unique and high-class style for your next manicure, then a matte black look is the way to go. It’s versatile, easy to achieve at home or at the salon, and perfect for whatever the next glamorous event or activity might be. And if you’re all about witchy vibes or the spookiest of the Halloween stories, then matte black nails are a can’t miss addition to your manicure favorites.
Whether you love bold and bright nails or you’re all about the subtle styles, Nailboo is here to help you find the perfect new look for your next manicure. That’s why we carry a wide inventory of nail dip polish kits in all of your favorite colors and shades, and why we’re sharing unique and stylish nail ideas for every season. When you’re ready to get a chic matte black manicure at home, explore this Nailboo guide to get started.
Matte Black Nail Ideas To Try
When it comes to bold and glamorous nail designs, matte black just can’t be beaten. The smooth and rich texture is vintage, but with a contemporary eye, and the neutral shade makes it easy to mix and match some of your favorite nail styles or create something all your own. Here are some gorgeous matte black looks to try out today.
1. Classic Matte
The classic matte black manicure really does stand out all on its own. Whether you’re attending a gala or looking to express yourself at school, matte black delivers on drama, boldness, and beauty with every design, even the most subtle. After all, you can’t go wrong with the classics.
2. Unique Shapes
If you want to take your matte black manicure to the next level, then you might want to consider trying a new nail shape. There are so many different styles and shapes to pick from that you’re sure to get a look you really love, and different nail shapes allow for new decals, designs, and color combination options.
If you like more range of movement and easy-care nails, short nail shapes like square, round, or squoval are a good option, and if you want to go for a manicure that really makes a statement—or leans into the Halloween spirit—consider coffin or stiletto style nails.
3. Gloss Combination
Who says you have to stick to all matte? One gorgeous way to make the most of a matte black manicure is to pair it with gloss polish, which you can do in many different ways. Go for an inverse French manicure with a matte black base and gloss tips, or embrace lines and shapes with a combination matte and gloss chevron. The final look will be subtle and bold all at once.
4. Tips
Your nail tips are one of the easiest things to customize in your next manicure, and gloss polish isn’t your own only option. Go for another shade of matte to match your personal style, rock a metallic design tip, or even try out something really bold like a bright yellow or pink. It’s all about your favorite looks and styles and the only limit is your imagination.
5. Metallic Accents
What looks better with matte black than a shimmer? You can’t go wrong with metallic accents on your matte black manicure, and you have lots of different ways to showcase a little shimmer.
Add metallic tips in silver, gold, or bronze, thin vertical and horizontal stripes to break up the single shade, or even an accent nail to complement the whole set. One really unique way to add metallic to your matte black manicure is with a brush effect, which gives spooky and vintage vibes that really stand out.
6. Starlight
Bring the starry night home with constellations and star designs right at your fingertips. You can add a bold look like cascading stars from the tip or base, embrace subtle with a few micro-constellation looks, or try to recreate the night sky outside with shooting stars and sparkling planets. These looks can be bold, beautiful, or fun, but you’re sure to fall in love with the finished product, no matter what.
7. Moon Phases
Witches and scientists alike are sure to love a changing of the moon manicure, which stands out in bold and beautiful glory against a matte black background. It’s easy to add decals in the different stages of the moon cycle, but you can also try creating the look freehand in shades of grays and silvers. If you want to go for a really subtle design, consider picking your favorite moon phase for an accent nail.
8. Marble
Marble pairs and matches well with matte in many colors. You can use a matte shade to make your marble pattern or add a marble accent nail to pair with the matte set. Use neutrals for a subtle and chic design or add a little bit of brightness and boldness with marble in metallics and shiny colors or even bright hues.
9. Geometric
You’ll maintain that elevated and high-classic matte black aesthetic when you try out geometric patterns and shapes on your matte black nails. That can mean something low-key and light, like a few thin lines to cut through the single color or decals and designs on every nail. Try out straight-line patterns like chevrons and plaids or go for a more abstract look with unique and stand-alone lines on different nails.
10. Dark Florals
Matte black already has a beautiful and romantic vibe and if you want to take that spooky, seductive style up to the next level, then dark florals are the way to go. Pick them jewel tones like reds, greens, and purples, and apply them as accent nails or longer designs running the length of the whole set. They’re chic and vintage and add a little mystery to complement the whole look.
11. Halloween Patterns
Of course, you can’t talk about matte black nails without talking about Halloween, and with so many amazing Halloween designs and styles to pick from, you’re sure to find a look you really love.
Try out some classy and spooky looks like hidden ghosts or melting candles or add a little fun with pumpkin patterns and witches’ hats. Whatever your Halloween style might be, there’s a perfect matte black manicure design to really fit.
12. Neon Dots
Take your matte black manicure to the next level with a touch of brightness that you won’t see just anywhere. Neon dots are still subtle and won’t distract from your overall look, but they’ll really make your matte black nail designs stand out.
Add them vertically or horizontally or try them out on just one nail, depending on your preferences. You can add neon in all one color or go for the full set.
13. Base Design
It’s classic to decorate the tips of your nails, but another way to get a really cool and unique style that stands out from the rest is to apply decals and decorations to the base, instead. That might mean a touch of metallic paint, gemstones, and decals, or even stamps in your favorite bright shades. It draws the eye somewhere different and boosts up the boldness of your matte black manicure.
14. Running Design
Matte black nails make a great canvas for more involved designs and prints, which is why you might want to consider a running illustration or art that takes up more than one nail. For the spooks and scares, a long snake looks gorgeous against matte black, but creeping vines and bright flowers are more good options.
Try Matte Black Nails Today
Matte black is a beautiful design for your nails and there are so many ways to dress it up and really make it your own. You can mix and match different colors, add a touch of metallic for a really bold design, or take inspiration from the night sky, and your final look is sure to stand out every time. And, of course, you have plenty of options when it comes to the spooky season and Halloween manicure ideas.
For more unique and stylish nail art inspiration and to get the nail care resources you deserve, turn to the team here at Nailboo. We make it easy to try out the dip polish process with glitter nails, neon colors, and more, and we’re sharing some of our favorite manicure ideas and looks. Explore our growing library of guides to get started.
Sources:
Learn the Constellations | Astronomy
Moody Blooms: How Dark Florals Became the New Breton Stripes | The Guardian
