21 Black Ombré Nail Ideas That Feel Glamorously Goth

Adding white to black will you give you grays, and if that’s not the look you’re going for, try blending it out into a clear top coat instead. This will give you that faded finish without totally changing the color.

Another way to get the cool color-shifting effect is with magnetic polish or cat eye gel polish that creates depth in the nail to give it an ombré look like the black and purple mani here. It takes a little practice or a trip to the salon, but worth it IMO.

Here’s a slightly subtler version of color-shifting nail polish, but you still get the overall ombré effect and velvety nail look. From some angles, the color looks black, but as you move your hand, the color transforms to blue or purple.

Gerstein says the easiest way to DIY the look is to go with a dual-tone, color-shifting polish (like LeChat’s Dare to Wear Metallux Hypnotic) that creates an ombré effect on its own. “How it paints on gives you a flawless application because of the way the particles are suspended in the formula,” Gerstein explains. “It goes on like lacquer versus chunky glitters, so it dries really well.”

Using black nail polish doesn’t mean your mani has to be moody: This multicolored design is proof black ombré nails can be fun and bright, too.

This dreamy ombré fades from purple to blue to black — aka all the shades of dusk. Add a twinkling star or two to really set the scene (and also hide any imperfections with your blending).

Instead of blending the colors on each nail, create an ombré effect across the nails as a whole for a unique take on the trend that Gerstein calls “Skittle nails.” Start with your darkest bnlack on one finger, and use a shade of gray that continually lightens from finger to finger to create a gorgeous gradient.

Looking for a beginner-friendly technique to try? Glitter is very forgiving and always looks good. Find a sheer glitter polish and gradually build up the layers on a black nail base as you move closer to your cuticle for an easy fade.

The closer your second shade is to black, the subtler the transition will be. These look like simple, solid black nails at first glance but on closer inspection, you can see the slight transition to burgundy red nail polish, which makes for a sultry color duo.

Add metallic accents to chrome ombré nails to add another cool element to the design. Gold streaks like these are not required but serve as an eye-catching pop.

Make your nails look like the night sky with a base of black-to-beige ombré and a layer of silver glitter blended on top — even better if you give the glitter a gradient effect, too.

This stiletto nail shape with a gold, black, and white ombré base and snake print motif on top is an animal print done right. With a longer nail that has plenty of room for blending, you can really let the ombré shine.

Combine two nail art trends into one by sporting ombré black on some nails and black-and-neutral checkerboard print on the others for a power clashing moment.

Instead of using a glitter top coat, grab a glittery black nail polish that has everything mixed together for a more consistent blend. Play up the starry sky feel with a few white twinkle stars on top.

Bright red to black ombré is a classic holiday nail choice because it works for so many different occasions, like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. But if you’re craving a vampy design, it works as a vibrant mani look any day of the year.

Pair black nail polish with a light pink for a color combo that serves the just-right amount of edge and softness.

As this IG user writes, black and purple ombré nails serve Disney villain vibes. Rock the mani design on sharp stiletto tips to take that effect to the next level.

Another way to channel the night sky is by combining black, gold, and super light silver — all in shiny chrome — for your ombré. Top it off with glitter and stars for the ultimate celestial effect.

When you add gold foil to a base of glittery black and sheer ombré nails, you wind up with a manicure that’s brilliantly gleaming.

This intricate design uses the ombré effect to create a smoky effect, complete with swirled puffs that fade — it’s so realistic that it looks like the nail beds actually captured smoke.

Paint some leopard-print spots atop black and white ombré for a snow leopard-inspired design. Dot the inside of your animal print with sparkling glitter for added texture and brilliance.