This "Intimidating" Shade Is Pretty Much the Chicest Way to Elevate Your Nails

There’s no doubt that black nail polish used to represent a certain type of vibe. In the past, it was affiliated with goths, punks, and rock ’n‘ roll badasses or something that could be worn by "normies” during Halloween. But times have surely changed—black nails can be worn by anyone, any time of the year, and with any outfit, whether it’s business- or party-related. The shade has even won Hollywood over, as celebs like Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Blake Lively, and Kendall Jenner have sported black nail polish on the red carpet in recent years. (Meghan Markle also famously wore black nail polish, allegedly breaking royal protocol, and Harry Styles has even sported a black nail or two). 

Because this once-shocking shade is more common these days, it brings along a whole world of possibilities for nail polish lovers everywhere. Aside from a slew of brands offering their own take on the classic shade, you have your choice of a shiny or matte finish. Better yet, get creative and paint your tips black for a spooky French manicure, or incorporate it in some intricate nail artChrome and metallics add a futuristic twist, and glitter options are readily available if you’re feeling festive.

It’s time to put your bright polish shades away and embrace the darkness. Ahead, you’ll find 15 of the best black nail polishes to try right now, from low-cost to luxury options. Keep scrolling!

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

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(Image credit: @themaniclub)

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

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(Image credit: @imarninails)

Up next, 26 of the Best Red Nail Polishes of All Time

Marie Lodi
Freelance Beauty and Fashion Writer/Editor

Marie has covered beauty, fashion, and lifestyle for almost 15 years. She contributes to the beauty section here at Who What Wear. Previously, she was the Looks Editor for Bust Magazine, built the beauty vertical at HelloGiggles as its beauty editor, and was a founding staff writer at Rookie mag, giving fashion advice to teens. Her bylines have appeared in The Cut, Allure, Glamour, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. She was born and raised in Southern California and is based in L.A. Marie is a self-proclaimed costume design nerd and a co-host of Makeover Montage, a podcast about fashion in film and costume design. You'll see her writing about her beauty obsessions: red lipstick, winged eyeliner, pink hair, nail art, and skincare for people over 40. When she's not working, she's playing with her dog, Gnocchi, and writing her style newsletter, Overdressed.