Solid black manicures might have shed their goth association long ago, but they still aren't for everyone. Maybe you think they're too stark; maybe you think they're too neutral; maybe you just want to switch things up. Whatever your rationale, if you're looking for a different way to wear black polish, we have a suggestion—a wash of sheer black. Whether you buy it off the shelf or mix your favorite black polish with a bit of base coat to create that jelly finish, it's a great way to breathe new life into a tried-and-true mani shade.
And while translucent black nail polish looks intriguing on its own, it's even more head-turning when incorporated into trendy nail art concepts. Just see for yourself. Scroll on for 15 black nail ideas we'd happily recreate this fall.
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Jelly Polka Dots
When you think of jelly nails, you likely envision juicy shades of pink, orange, or maybe even cobalt blue. Here's proof that black jelly nails can be quite fun, too. To recreate this look, apply clear gel tips to your nails. Then, paint on a base layer of black jelly polish. Next, use a dotting tool or nail art brush to add opaque dots in varying sizes. Finish with a high-shine top coat.
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Abstract Layered Dots
This creative sheer black nail idea has an almost trippy effect, taking on the appearance of an abstract art-deco oil spill. It brings together sheer and opaque black polishes beautifully.
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Heart Accent Nails
We love how nail artist Dayanna I. Sapiens intermixed opaque jet-black nails with sheer black accent nails in this moody, love-filled look. If you don't want to book an appointment to recreate this mani, you'll need sheer and opaque black polishes, clear gel tips, and a dotting tool or nail art brush to perfect the hearts.
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Earthy Black, White, and Terracotta Velvet
This earthy layered nail look reminds us of star-filled skies over Red Rocks. To DIY it, start with a terracotta base. Then, sponge sheer black polish from mid-nail to tip. Use a nail art brush to outline the edges of the tips in opaque black and white, and add subtle white splatters for the cosmic effect.
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Hearts Swirls
Sheer black nail ideas come in all shapes and lengths. With its swirl details, this short sheer black manicure is especially fashion-forward.
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Black and White Cyber Skittle Nails
Speaking of fashion-forward nail art ideas, check out this black and white cyber skittle manicure. It looks both nostalgic and futuristic with mixed finishes, aura accents, swirl details, and French tips.
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Blonde Tortoiseshell Nails
Tortoiseshell is easily the most iconic design—both in hair accessories and nail art—for fall. If you want a more unique take on the print, opt for a blonde iteration, which you can create with cream and black polishes.
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Sparkly Chrome Heartbreak Nails
These glittery black and silver aura nails are eye-catching even without the broken heart accents. That said, if you want to add another layer to the high-shine sheer black nail idea, opting for silver chrome nail art or stickers will certainly make an impact.
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Matte Floral Fishnet Nails
Here we have another short sheer black nail idea for your perusal. The nude base, floral accents, fishnet designs, and center stripes give this short manicure a sexy allure.
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Sheer Dotted French Nails
This sheer dotted French is also giving boudoir vibes. To recreate the look at home, start with clear gel tips. Layer them with black polish—sheer on some nails, opaque on others. Apply French tips to a few and dots to all. Finish with a glossy top coat.
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French Tip Hearts
This sheer black heart manicure is slightly easier to create. Since the hearts are so small, you can easily perfect them with a dotting tool.
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Minimalist Hearts
Of course, sheer black hearts look lovely even without French tips. For this mani, start with a milky nude base and use a dotting tool to create a few black hearts on each nail.
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Half-and-Half Dots and Glitter
This half-and-half manicure was inspired by Chanel's Spring/Summer 2021 haute couture collection. To get the look, start by painting a sheer black base. Then, use a fine-lining brush and opaque polish to add your polka dots. Once dry, add a line of opaque black polish down the middle of each nail. Paint on a layer of glittery polish to one-half of each nail, et voilà.
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Negative Space Swirls
While many swirl manicures feature a single wavy accent, there's always the option to go all out for a groovier effect. You'll need a nail art brush and a steady hand to DIY this one.
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3D Black Bows Cyber Nails
For a bolder sheer black nail idea, check out this ombré set topped with 3D and silver chrome accents. It's giving Y2K goth.
We've get you ready for your nails! The Shampoo Lounge has been attending to an international and Indonesian clientele since 2012 so check out our our website and our TripAdvisor reviews! We can’t wait to have you in.
Article and photo taken from Byrdie
Article written by Rebecca Norris
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