AlixaNails

Glossy Black Nails, Done Right

Sleek, confident and timeless: the black nails every gothic manicure starts with.

What you need

A base coat, a true black cream polish, a small brush, nail polish remover and a thick, high-shine top coat.

Step 1: Base coat first

Use a base coat to stop the black nail polish from staining your nails.

Step 2: Two thin coats

Apply two thin coats of true black cream polish. Thick coats take longer to dry and smudge easily.

Step 3: Clean the edges

Clean around the cuticle with a small brush dipped in remover. Black shows every mistake.

Step 4: High-shine top coat

Finish with a thick, high-shine top coat. Seal the free edge of the nail to prevent chips.

9 more gothic nail ideas to try

Matte black, oxblood velvet, spider webs, moons and stars: dark nails for Halloween and beyond.

10 gothic nail ideas