Top 10 Black and Gold Nails

For spring and summer nail colors, our brains often go right to pastels and bold brights—and rightly so, as those are warm-weather classics. For fall and winter, we have a different color scheme in mind, which is a little less traditional and a bit more opulent for the season. This season, we’re painting our nails a rich and luxurious combination of black and gold. It’s a classically chic look that we’ve been seeing all over Instagram and at the salon. Think of it as a much-needed change as the temperatures drop—and maybe even as they rise, as some of these designs are so inspiring that you’ll want to embrace them year-round.

This Cow Print Black and Gold Nail Idea

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 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.

These Slanted French-Tip Nails

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

These Black and Gold French Tips

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.

These Glittery Black and Gold Nails

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.

This Wavy Black and Gold Nail Idea

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.

Artsy Black and Gold Nails

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.

This Geometric Nail Idea

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.

Ultra Glossy Black and Gold Nails

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.

Half Moon Black and Gold Nails

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.

These Art Deco Black and Gold Nails

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.