"It’s no secret that French tips are the most classic and versatile manicure. I remember, as a teen, I begged my mom to let me get them for my first acrylic manicure (major grown-up vibes were felt that day). From that very first set, I was hooked. And to this day, I still opt for a French manicure when I want an effortlessly clean and chic set of nails. Recently, I’ve been leaning away from the classic white tips and toward bold colors, like black. Black French tip nails are a modern take on the traditional look but are equally timeless and versatile. And if you want something with slightly more oomph, you can use black French tips as a base for more involved designs—like metallic pearls, stars, or hearts. The possibilities for black French tip nails are endless.
Read on for 12 black French tip nail ideas and instructions for accomplishing this manicure at home.
How to get black French tip nails at home
Classic French tip nails have a nude-colored base with a sleek arched line across the top of the nail that covers just the tips or the lighter part of the nail. There are a few ways to accomplish this look at home. The most low-maintenance option, for our girls who need a quick manicure, is press-on nails. The best part? Press-ons give you a perfect manicure in minutes, and they give the illusion of longer nails without having to wait for them to grow out. Press-on nails also last much longer and look much more natural than they used to, making them a win all around.
Another option for black French tips, for the girls in their DIY era, is a classic polish and paint manicure. First clean and prep your nails to your desired shape (my favorite shape for French tips is rounded). Then start with your base color (usually a nude shade closest to your nail bed, but you can choose any color of your choice) and paint an even layer across the entire nail. Once your base coat is fully dried or cured, take your black polish and carefully paint a thin line across the top of the nail, following the shape of the nail in an arching motion. Pro tip: Use tape or French tip stickers (listed below) as a guide for your top line. These tools help ensure you get a clean arch every time. If you don’t use a guide, simply clean the edges of the arch of any imperfections with a Q-tip or brush dipped in nail polish remover. Apply your top coat, and voilà—you have the perfect black French tips!
Black French tip nail ideas
1. Black Micro French Tips
Micro French tips are the nail design for all of our clean girl minimalists. This style is simple yet the black polish adds the perfect amount of drama.
2. White & Black French Tip Nails
What’s more classic than a black-and-white color duo? This design takes the classic mani a step further by having each nail feature different French tip placements.
3. Edgy Black Tips With Pearls
These edgy black French tip nails, featuring 3D metallic pearls, are begging to be worn to a girls’ night out in a little back dress with matching silver jewelry.
4. Black French Tips With Heart Accents
Feeling a little romantic? Break up your black French tips with a heart design on one nail.
5. Black Tips With Shimmer Base
Not all French tips have to have a nude base color. Try a pop of shimmer for a little extra wow factor.
6. Black & White Micro French Tips
Want the minimalism look of micro French tip nails with a little something extra? Try these two-tone micro tips for a mani that will inspire double-takes everywhere you go.
7. Pyramid Two-Tone Tips
Pyramid French tips create a more sharp-edged triangular look rather than following the arch of the nail. This style screams cool girl, and the added shimmer is the cherry on top!
8. Chrome Black French Tip Nails
Do you ever get that one manicure that gives you a boost of confidence and makes you feel like that girl? This manicure is just that. The almond-shaped nails with the perfectly painted black chrome tips are… chef’s kiss. No notes.
9. Negative Space Black Tips
We all have that one friend who just oozes bad bitch energy. She always has the best outfits and even walks with a certain kind of radiant confidence. If you’re that friend (or want to embody that vibe), these black French tips are for you.
10. Non-Traditional Tips With Hearts
This mani’s sheer black base and swirling details make it the perfect twist on the classic French tip for someone who makes their monthly nail appointments their entire personality.
11. Stargazer Black French Tips
For our witchy or zodiac girlies, opt for this black and white French manicure that features cascading star details.
12. Funny Bunny With Outlined Tips
By now, we’re all familiar with OPI’s classic Funny Bunny shade, but have you ever seen it like this?!? The bright off-white base with the glitter-filled black tips is to die for. If you’re a Funny Bunny stan, revamp your next manicure with this design.
Isabella Kicklighter, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant at The Everygirl, Isabella provides support to the editorial team, contributing to content creation across an array of topics from lifestyle, beauty, and wellness to career and finance. Isabella undertakes various responsibilities such as writing and revising content, sourcing images, and assisting in collecting all necessary materials needed for stories.