Umm, Black-and-White Nails Are the Inspo You Need RN (2024)

Combining opposite shades, like black and white, can create some really cool, balanced looks, even when the design is asymmetrical. Take the abstract shapes on these ballerina nails, for instance.

Does a line this thin still count as a French manicure? YUP. Use a striper brush to get a super-duper thin line like this, but switch your shades halfway through.

Instead of using a high-shine lacquer, stick with all matte polishes and use your white polish to create faux shine marks for a cartoon-like look.

What pairs perfectly with a sharp, pointy stiletto nail shape? A soft, curvy design over the top of subtle pink polish. Remember, it's all about ~balance~.

If you've advanced past the newbie stage, try this look that uses spots and dots in an interesting way for a modern take on the classic polka dot print. Nail-art hack: Use the tip of a bobby pin to get the perfect dots each time.

Enhance the shape of oval nails with a lacy, scalloped design along the free edge. The trick to layering the shades without having to do a million coats is to start with the lighter polish (in this case, the white nail polish), then trace inside the lines with the black.

Okay, yes, the Frenchie nail decal is super-cute, but don't let that distract you from the super-cool nail art going on in the background. This otherwise plain nude nail look has a fun little peek-a-boo surprise along the sides that makes this design fun and unexpected.

Need I explain why these yin-and-yang symbols work so well with black and white nail polish? Yeah, I didn't think so.

We all know flowers for spring aren't exactly groundbreaking, but black-and-white flowers?! That ish is. Go with this unexpected color combo for a unique take on this throwback flower motif.

Normally stars feel a little seasonal, like designs inspired by Fourth of July fireworks, but this black-and-white version with just a touch of gold nail polish feels like something you could wear year-round.

Half French manicure, half half-moon nails, this black-and-white design is all about pairing opposites together and looking damn good while doing it.

Your zodiac sign more than inspires these nails—this nail look straight-up slaps your constellation on an accent nail to let everyone know your sign (if they can't tell already).

Replace the typical fall shades of browns and gold with black, white, and shades of gray nail polish for a unique interpretation of a tortoiseshell pattern.

Nature-inspired nails are always a good idea, but if rainbows and blue skies aren't really your vibe, maybe something a little moodier, like thunderstorms are. These little lightning bolts not only look cool, but they also help to elongate an almond nail shape like this one.

Not quite white, this cloudy, sheer color gives the checkerboard design on round nails a softer look that doesn't scream (screamo?) Vans Warped Tour '08.

You might need a particular type of manicure with nail extensions to get these cool see-through tips, but the organic lines and abstract patterns you can totally do yourself.

You can apply a few coats of glitter nail polish to give texture to a few of the nails, but for this minimal look, the thinner and simpler, the better.

If you don't know how to paint your nails and can't paint a straight line to save your life, you're in luck because zebra stripes are everrrywhere right now and super-easy to DIY. Squiggly lines FTW.

What's another animal print that's been having a major moment? Cow print, but you already knew that. As it turns out, animal print is much simpler than you think to recreate.