Six Striking Black Gel Nail Designs

Six Striking Black Gel Nail Designs


Black nails don’t have to look dull, bland, and dark. It’s possible to create beautiful black gel nail designs that turn heads. Check out these black gel manicures that will amp up your digits in a flash!

Why Choose Black Gel Nail Color?

When it comes to selecting a nail color, black probably isn’t the first one that comes to mind. Did you know that black is an achromatic color, meaning it lacks a hue? That’s right, black absorbs all of the visible colors of the spectrum. Achromatic colors have a lightness and no saturation. So, it’s no wonder the color black is associated with mystery and edgy vibes.

Choosing the nail color black is wise because it matches any and all attire. Prominently worn in the fall and winter seasons, black nails are a classic color representing sophistication and glamour. Whatever your age, when applied correctly, black nails are simply fabulous. After all, Kourtney Kardashian and Adele have confirmed that black is the nail trend of the season.

Classy Black Gel Nail Designs

This achromatic color represents class at a formal black-tie event and confidence when worn on a little black dress. Here are a few classic black gel nail looks that you can create at home or in the nail salon.

1. The Black French Tip

This modern take on the classic French mani is anything but ordinary. Celebrity nail artist Kim Truong designed the ebony-tipped micro French manicure for Kourtney Kardashian. Add a thick or thin black French tip to a nude nail, and you have a manicure that easily transitions from day into night.

2. Ebony Golden Swirl

Opt-in for a black and gold marbled swirl, the perfect minimalist chic mani. Everyone knows that gold lies beautifully in contrast to solid black. 

Class up your nails by applying a black gel polish all over, followed by a sparkly metallic gold swirl. Use a nail brush or dotting tool to create whirls of gold all around the nail. Seal it all in with a glossy gel top coat for a mani that gives your digits extra sovereignty.

3. Red-Bottom Ebony

Nothing screams sultry louder than a pair of red bottom heels. Why not create the look on your claws as well? A long, stiletto-shaped nail with a red underside is simply killer. Create this alluring nail set easily by following these steps:

  1. Build a long gel extension on each nail using a nail form and clear gel, or use a transparent stiletto nail tip and cure until dry. 
  2. Paint each nail extension with red gel polish from the area that the extension meets the natural nail and down to the nail tip. Cure to dry.
  3. Build the apex and upper half of the nail and sidewalls with hard gel and cure.
  4. File to shape the sidewalls and top of the nails.
  5. Paint the nails in black gel polish, cure, and apply a glossy gel top coat. Cure one last time.

Edgy Black Gel Nail Designs

The color black is historically famous for its moody rock-n-roll vibe. It represents the rebel in all of us, it’s the darker side of all the fluff. So what if we want an edgier black nail that yells, flirty free spirit? Check out these rockin’ black gel nail designs and envision yourself soon clawing your way to the top.

4. Matte Black Ice

A matte black mani looks super mod. Top it with crystals, and you have one spicy little number. 

  1. Paint the nails all over in black gel polish and cure. 
  2. Use the V Beauty Pure V Diamond Gel adhesive and a nail art brush to adhere clear icy crystals on one or all nails. Apply a small amount of the V Gel adhesive where you want to apply the gems. Press the gems into the bed of V Diamond gel adhesive. Cure for 60 seconds under LED light or two minutes under a UV lamp.
  3. Apply a glossy gel top coat on the nails around the gems. Do not apply the top coat on top of the crystals. Cure until dry.

5. B&W Pop Art

Get graphic with black and white graphic gel nails. By adding accents of white, you are creating dimension to solid black nails. Paint every nail in black gel polish and cure until dry. Next, grab white gel polish and outline each nail in a fine, white detailing line. The white line will give the black an elevated floating effect. Cure once more and finish with a matte gel top coat. 

This mod black and white combo looks divine and makes a solid statement. 

6. Black and White Floral

If a feminine vibe best suits you, try a black and white floral design. This style is easy to create with inspiration and gel polish, of course. 

  1. Paint the thumb, middle, and pinky fingernails in all-over black gel polish and cure.
  2. Paint the pointer and ring fingernails in white gel polish and cure.
  3. Use a nail art brush to paint black flowers onto the white nails and white flowers on the black nails. 
  4. Cure again under the UV or LED lamp.
  5. Apply a glossy or matte top coat and cure one last time.

Tips To Create Flawless Gel Nails

The key to designing the perfect manicure is educating yourself. Make sure you have all the necessary gel products and tools to complete the nail session. Here are a few more suggestions on things to do before getting started.

Do the Research

Whether you know which design you want to create or not, don’t hesitate to research it online. Find tips, tricks, and answers to your questions before you get started. Doing this will help you avoid making mistakes midway through a problematic design you thought you had figured out. Many online blogs and video tutorials walk you through the steps to create beautiful gel nail sets.

Properly Prep the Nails

Nail prep is essential in designing manicures that last and wear well without chipping. Gel polish needs a dry, clean surface to achieve maximum adherence. Nail dehydrator and primer are two steps that you should not skip. These products assure the client’s nails are ready for the long haul.

Prep Your Tools

Make sure you have all the necessary nail products and tools to create the nail set of your dreams. Keep the manicure tools sanitized and disinfected. Remember, gel nail applications require certain products such as:

  • UV or LED nail lamp
  • Nail Dehydrator
  • Nail Primer
  • Acetone
  • Nail file
  • Cuticle nippers
  • Gel base coat
  • Gel top coat
  • Gel polish
  • Hard or soft gel (depending on the nail set)
  • Nail brush
  • Crystals, charms, glitter, or nail art
  • Cuticle oil and hand cream

Don’t Apply Thick Layers

Gel polish is thicker than regular nail polish. Applying thick layers will result in a messy application. Opt instead for thin gel polish layers and make sure to cure the nails entirely between each coat. Wipe your brush clean if necessary. 

Follow Proper Gel Removal Procedures

Remove gel polish properly to maintain the integrity of the natural nails. File the top coat of gel from the nails and buff the color. Then soak the nails for 10-15 minutes in pure acetone. Use a cuticle stick or pusher to lift any remaining gel from the nails. If needed, re-soak the nails in acetone until the gel easily slides off the nails. 

Since acetone dehydrates the nails, applying cuticle oil after the removal process is essential. Apply paraffin wax or warm towels and hand cream as a bonus for your client. Allow them to relax while you do the work. Remember that this is the client’s time to be pampered.

To Sum It Up

Dressing your claws in the achromatic color of black is flattering on any hand. The secret is knowing how to apply and remove the gel properly. Black gel polish looks sleek and classy, or edgy and on-trend depending on how you design the manicure.

V Beauty Pure helps you rock that black gel mani. We provide you with every professional nail product and tool you need to create the beautiful, glossy manicures you crave. Check out our IG @valentinobeautypure for up-to-date nail trends, product information, and available classes.

Sources:

  1. MAU ART & DESIGN GLOSSARY|Musashino Art University 
  2. Adele and Kourtney Kardashian just confirmed the nail color of the season | Cosmopolitan
  3. Celebrities Are Obsessed With Black Nail Designs This Season | Grazia
  4. 23 Stylish Black Nail Designs for 2021 | Trend Spotter
  5. 60+ Best Nail Designs of 2021 - Nail Art Trends to Try This Year | Seventeen