30 Black-and-Gold Nail Designs You're About to See *Everywhere* (2024)

These black and gold nails are the most luxe cow print you could imagine, and the white nail polish base adds a whole new level of depth to this design. Though it looks hella complex, you can definitely DIY this manicure by painting one layer at a time (neutral base, then the white tips, then the black and gold spots), making sure to let each coat dry thoroughly.

Recreate it with: Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Under the Covers

The best thing about slanted French tips is how they truly elongate the nails, especially if you’re already working with a coffin shape. When you get tips, you really want to work on protecting them for as long as possible so they actually last (think: wearing gloves to do the dishes and being extra gentle when opening the car door—IYKYK).

Recreate it with: OPI Infinite Shine Long-Wear Nail Polish in Black Onyx

The key to making this gold foil pop on these black and gold nails is to lay it on top of a matte nail polish. Start with a neutral base, paint black French tips for a third of the nail, and let it dry. Then, carefully place the foil flakes on a layer of still-wet matte top coat and cover with one last layer to seal it all up.

Recreate it with: Modelones Matte Gel Top Coat

I love this very simple and very cute black and gold nail idea. You just need black nail polish and gold glitter nail polish, and you’ll paint the gold halfway down the nail to create this pretty glitter ombré effect.

Recreate it with: Gucci Vernis À Ongles Nail Polish in Black Crystal

If you’re a shiny nail person through and through, swap out your mattes for all of your glossy shades and try this black and gold nail idea. After you’ve applied the neutral base and let it dry, you’ll need some fine nail brushes to paint on these wavy lil shapes with black polish. The final step: taking that same small nail brush to trace gold glitter polish around the border of the shapes. Pro tip: To avoid the result looking super bumpy and uneven, hold back on painting too many coats of each color.

Recreate it with: People of Color in Anacoana

For anyone who was never good at coloring inside the lines, welcome to your black and gold manicure. Use a warm-toned neutral base (like this peachy shade), and have your gold, black, and white nail polish bottles nearby, so you can paint like the little free spirit you are and get this cool artsy result.

Recreate it with: Essie Celebration Moments Nail Polish Collection in Mani Thanks

I get it, you’re Type A, so abstract painting on your nails literally gives you the sweats. DW, this black and gold nail idea is full of clean lines and sharp angles. But before you dive in, make sure you have some nail tape on hand and wipe your nails with acetone or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any oils that will prevent it from sticking.

Recreate it with: Bruekelen Polished in Paid and Full

If you haven’t played around with gold flakes or foil on your nails, WYED? This nail trend is legit all over my feed, and it’s pretty clear why. The flakes add such a pretty touch to the sharp black color while still being subtle. Plus, squoval nails (square-shaped nails with rounded corners) happen to be my favorite shape.

Recreate it with: Ulta Gel Shine Top Coat

The best thing about black and gold nails? You don’t have to deck out the full nail to get the chic effect. These black and gold layered semi-circles are so sweet and pretty while still being lowkey.

Recreate it with: Heroine NYC Gold Metallic Nail Polish in Golden Hour

This black and gold nail design literally makes me feel like I’m in the ‘20s rocking a silver headband and a tassel-y dress. The thing that will take this round manicure to the next level is making sure the lines between the neutral part of your nail and the black and gold design are sharp and clean.

Recreate it with: JoyJuly 20pcs Nail Art Design Tools

Truth: I am a major sucker for a manicure where the ring finger stands out. It’s like an accent wall for your hands, and I believe there is no better way to approach a manicure than with the keen eye of an interior decorator. The best part about this black and gold nail idea? You can easily recreate with—yes—matte black polish and glitter rose-gold polish. Perfect for holidays, graduation, or really any ol' day.

Recreate it with: Ella + Mila Elite Collection Nail Polish in Drippin’ Gold

ICYMI, chrome nail polish is having a major moment right now. And I get it, it’s very shiny (always a plus) to the point of being reflective like a mirror. And in this black and gold manicure, it basically looks like liquid gold spilling on the nails.

Recreate it with: Orly Breathable Treatment in Moonchild

Looking to try something simple? This matte black and gold nail idea is great because it’s really unique but very subtle. All you need is a neutral matte base, a few black curvy lines, and a tiny bit of gold foil to nail this trend (sry).

Recreate it with: Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat

Incorporating another color into your black and gold nails, like this soft pink, is such a fun way to brighten up the whole manicure. Once you have the black and pink fully painted and dry, add a few swipes of a top coat, and then with tweezers or your hands, gently tap small pieces of gold foil on the tacky polish until flat. Follow up with another layer of top coat to seal it in.

Recreate it with: Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

There’s something about matte polish that just makes a manicure look so classy, and I’m fully here for it. Plus, the gold contrasts with the matte and creates this muted but very upscale manicure. If you don’t already have these colors in matte shades, DW—you can also just pick up a matte top coat and convert your glossy colors in just a few strokes. This black and gold mani will also be so cute for this fall—Thanksgiving nails, anyone?

Recreate it with: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat

This black and gold manicure lowkey reminds me of every fancy lamp I’ve seen in all the furniture stores I one day hope to shop in (Restoration Hardware vibes, anyone?). I’m honestly in love with the different textures on each nail, especially the matte black with gold stripes, which you could totally recreate on all ten nails. Or, if you want this exact set, screenshot this pic and take it to your manicurist.

Recreate it with: Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Above It All

When it comes to French manicures, the limit truly does not exist, as evidenced by these stunning black and gold nails. The key to getting that gold to pop is by starting with a black matte nail polish and choosing an ultra shiny gold polish.

Recreate it with: Golden Rose Matte Nail Polish in Nero Black Gray

If you like to leave the majority of your nails neutral, this black and gold nail idea was made for you. Start with your favorite neutral shade and then, using a small nail brush, alternate the black and gold polish along your cuticles. PSA: Before you get started on this one, make sure your cuticles are in tip-top shape—meaning moisturized and gently pushed back with a cuticle stick—so your mani looks super clean.

Recreate it with: Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Consequence of Fame

This is another one for the minimalists out there, or anyone who just wants to dabble in the black and gold nail trend without fully committing. And honestly, I can’t blame you, because these dainty black and gold hearts are actually the cutest. Instead of gold nail polish on these ones, you’ll want to order yourself a pack of gold sequins or glitter to gently tap onto the black polish before it dries.

Recreate it with: JinSoon in Bijou

NGL, the seamless blend between the neutral and shimmery gold polish is very impressive and might require the skills of a pro (not to mention those charms). Either way, these black and gold nails are an excellent pick, esp if you like long nails. Heads up, though: When working with a neutral shade at the base of your nails, your manicure is only as good as your cuticles, so slather those bbs with a good cuticle oil.

Recreate it with: OPI Nail Lacquer in Glitzerland