14 Best Black Nail Polishes to Soothe Your Gothic Heart

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
Black Nail Polish to Soothe Your Gothic Heart
Black Nail Polish to Soothe Your Gothic Heart
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If you think red is the most dominant color for a manicure, hold your brushes, because black just entered the chat. The best black nail polish for you, will not just redefine all your power looks, but it will have you wearing this bold color every day everywhere. Whether it is an office lunch that requires you to be in charge or a date that can use a boost of mystery; whether you want to add some zing to a boring evening, or match the cool punky vibe of an evening bike ride- a black manicure is your best friend for all these occasions. 

America’s celebrity fitness guru, Mary Helen Bowers once said, “Nail polish is like the icing on the beauty cake”, and we definitely agree with her. A good set of nails can amp up any look. You can add that extra pop of color to your minimalistic outfit, or make your sunny outfit look badass with just a few strokes of the right shade. And if your choice of color is bold black, then you have found the right list! Let’s find you your next favorite nail polish.

14 Best Black Nail Polishes

When it comes to nail polish and creating a unique design, nail aficionados always vouch for OPI. This chip-resistant nail paint easily lasts up to 7 days even amid excessive use of water or skincare serums. The glossy finish makes it suitable for every occasion and allows you to flaunt your nails in style. Lacquer offers effortless application and instantly dries too. Sans any harsh chemicals, this classic shade is an absolute game-changer. Whether you try the staple single coat or opt for fancy nail art, you will never be disappointed with OPI. 

Pros
  • Value for money
  • Doesn’t harm nails
  • Easy application
  • Chip-resistant
Cons
  • None
  • Beetles 20 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Kit

    Beetles 20 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Kit
  • Get those fantastic salon-finish nails without worrying about the toxic ingredients harming your skin and nails. The Beetles Nail Polish Kit has just the right things needed to achieve salon-level quality at home. Whether you are looking for sophisticated mattes or stunning shine, this product has both finish options. Plus, it's chip-resistant and easy to apply with the included base and top coats. You can create solid or glitter nail designs to match any outfit you style your nails with.

    Pros
    • Alcohol-free
    • Non-toxic
    • Easy to apply
    • Chip-resistant
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last very long
  • Most Stylish

    Essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish

    Essie Salon-Quality Nail Polish
  • Get ready for the perfect at-home manicure with this Essie black nail polish! The brush is designed in the perfect size and proportion, making it very easy to apply. Plus, the finish gives you an even, ridge-free, bouncy look that will make your nails look like they were done at a salon. But that's not all - while this nail polish gives you that stunning finish, it doesn’t expose you to harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. You won't even need a base coat! All you need to do is just apply two coats of the polish to your nails. Then follow them with the topcoat and you will get that gel-like color payoff and shine you have always wished for.

    Pros
    • One-stroke application
    • Easy glide brush
    • Not tested on animals
    • No harmful ingredients
    Cons
    • Comparatively expensive
  • Best for at-home Manicure

    Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit

    Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit
  • Beetles 6pcs fall winter gel nail polish kit is made from 9 Toxin Free Ingredients, making it safe and low odor. It's perfect for anyone who's looking for an odor-free nail kit. With good tenacity and high pigmentation, Beetles premium gel material brings you brilliant shine, smooth appearance, and flawless coverage. Plus, with proper application, your manicure can last up to three weeks! The consistency of this gel polish is one to fangirl over. While at it, it's also easy to apply. Get ready to turn heads and make a statement with this amazing gel nail polish set!

    Pros
    • Good consistency
    • Easy application
    • Lasts long
    • Odor-free
    Cons
    • Only lasts 12 months after opening
  • Most Long-lasting

    Vishine Gelpolish Professional Manicure

    Vishine Gelpolish Professional Manicure
  • Say goodbye to the hassle of grinding, filing, and drying time with Vishine Gel Nail Polish! The high-quality polish is color resistant, flexible, and shiny resistant to any test. This long-lasting formula stays by your side and gives your nails that high-gloss, no-chipping finish for up to 21 days. Our exclusive glide brush fits every nail size for quick, even, and professional application. And best of all, the product is easy to use and easier to remove! With this Vishine product, the possibilities for your manicure are endless.

    Pros
    • Low odor
    • Rich in color
    • Chip resistant
    • Minimal drying time
    Cons
    • Paste-like consistency
  • Best for Daily Wear

    KISS imPRESS Color Press-On Nails

    KISS imPRESS Color Press-On Nails
  • The KISS imPRESS Press-On Nails give you salon style manicure finish without going to the salon! And if by any means, you are worried that such amazing press-ons must come with some damage to the environment, you are wrong! This amazing product is cruelty-free, plus all the ingredients are synthetic, so neither does it harm animals, nor does it take from them. The best part- they're easy to apply, quick to put on and last a good amount of time. The imPRESS nail kit even comes with handy instructions and a small wipe to clean your nails. These nails are even waterproof and can last up to three weeks!

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Easy to remove
    • Quick application
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May damage nails if not removed properly
  • MEFA 23 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Set

    MEFA 23 Pcs Gel Nail Polish Set
  • Get ready for gorgeous nails with the amazing MEFA gel polish! The polish has great consistency, high pigmentation, and great coverage will give your nails a smooth and shiny finish. Plus, it's easy to use and only requires 2-3 coats for a rich color. It's suitable for natural nails, false nails, acrylic nails, and nail tips. This product is not just of high quality but also doesn’t harm your health while giving you those stunning nails. It is kind to the environment too and doesn’t have an irritating odor. It even has good tenacity and can last up to two weeks! Just be sure to apply thick coats, as thin coats can be hard to cure fully and may peel off easily.

    Pros
    • Good tenacity
    • Eco-friendly
    • Good coverage
    • Rich pigmentation
    Cons
    • Long drying time
  • Most Durable

    Modelones Gel Nail Polish Kit

    Modelones Gel Nail Polish Kit
  • The Modelones Gel Polish is glossy, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan, so you can feel good about using it. This gel polish works best for natural nails, LED gel nails, artificial nails, acrylic nails, nail tips, and more. Newly developed with nanotech, this amazing formula has no harsh ingredients or adhesives that could damage your nails. The upgraded brush makes it easy to glide on smoothly and pigmented, without chipping, clumping, or leaving traces. This high-quality soak-off gel polish has a superior smooth formula and gloss that never fades away.

    Pros
    • Toxin-free
    • Low odor
    • Affordable
    • Doesn’t clump
    Cons
    • Thick formula
  • Instant Salon-like finish

    Venalisa 15ml Gel Nail Polish

    Venalisa 15ml Gel Nail Polish
  • Say goodbye to toxic nail polish and hello to the amazing Venalisa Gel Nail Polish. The polish is non-toxic, long-lasting, and comes in a convenient 0.5 fluid-ounce bottle. It's made of natural resin, which is harmless and environmentally friendly. Plus, it has a high quality and low smell that won't bother your nose. This gel polish is durable and has good tenacity, lasting at least 3 weeks! And even if you're using it for the first time, it's easy to learn and apply.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Easy to carry
    • Low smell
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Top and base coats needed for good results
  • Best for Nail Art

    BORN PRETTY Nail Art Stamping Polish

    BORN PRETTY Nail Art Stamping Polish
  • Stamp your way to stunning nails with Born Pretty Nail Art Stamping Polish. This amazing nail polish is alcohol-free and long-wearing. It's brilliant and fully opaque, with a nice consistency that allows you to make crisp, clear images and get a clean transfer. Only environmentally friendly materials like natural resin and colorants are used in the formula, and it does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, plasticizers, or heavy metals. The travel-friendly packaging makes it easy for you to take your favorite black nail color with you wherever you go. Say goodbye to boring nails and hello to beautiful designs with this one.

    Pros
    • Eco-friendly
    • Fully opaque
    • Alcohol-free
    • Long-wear
    Cons
    • Doesn’t come with a stamper
  • Best for Short Nails

    wet n wild Shine Nail Polish, Black Crème

     wet n wild Shine Nail Polish, Black Crème
  • Gorgeous nails are just a few brush strokes away with the wet n wild  Shine black nailpolish. The brush has nice and soft bristles that apply the polish very evenly and smoothly. It's very creamy and smooth, and not too thick. Plus, it doesn't gunk up around the neck of the bottle, making it easy to use. It's a 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free formula with an opaque finish that gives you a flawless look in just one swipe, giving you a luminous shine. It doesn't chip easily and stays on the nail for at least 1 week without reapplying.

    Pros
    • Opaque finish
    • Affordable
    • Travel-friendly packaging
    • Creamy and smooth
    Cons
    • Long drying time
  • Born Pretty Black Gel Nail Polish

    Born Pretty Black Gel Nail Polish
  • The Born Pretty Black Gel Nail Polish makes getting stunning nails a child’s play with its vegan and toxic-free formula. This polish is easy-to-apply, giving you a high gloss shine that's perfect for any occasion. It's glossy, long-lasting, and suitable for all seasons and daily routine life. With proper application, it can last for 21+ days with perfect shine! You can count on the high durability and intense pigmentation to stay on your nails for a long time, and keep shining like the brightest star in the sky.

    Pros
    • Glossy
    • Fit for daily use
    • Vegan
    • Intense pigment
    Cons
    • Runny consistency
  • Best for Special Occasions

    Aillsa Gel Nail Polish 15ml Black Gel Polish

    Aillsa Gel Nail Polish 15ml Black Gel Polish
  • This Aillsa nail polish is the real deal! It's glossy, long-lasting, quick-drying, and best of all, non-toxic, biodegradable, and vegan. Plus, it's natural and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. Just make sure to cure it under UV light and follow the instructions to make it last for up to 28 days with a shiny finish. The ingredients are safe and healthy, so even pregnant women can use this polish without worry. And don't worry about tricky application—the upgraded brush makes it easy to get every corner of your nails. Plus, it won't break the bank!

    Pros
    • Biodegradable
    • Quick drying
    • Shiny finish
    • Safe for pregnant women
    Cons
    • Requires multiple coats
  • YTD Likomey Reflective Glitter Gel Nail Polish

    YTD Likomey Reflective Glitter Gel Nail Polish
  • With the YTD Likomey Reflective Glitter Gel Nail Polish, your nails will seriously sparkle! It's glossy, quick-drying, and contains crushed diamond glitter and fine sequin glitter for a bright and intensive sparkle. The slightly thicker gel texture is perfect for creating nail art, especially in professional salons. Plus, the black frosted bottle with a small transparent round hole makes it easy to see the gel color inside. Just remember to cure and dry under a UV/LED lamp with a gel base and top coat, and each step takes just 60-120 seconds.

    Pros
    • Lasts longer than normal gel polish
    • Dries quickly
    • Professional finish
    • Sparkly effect
    Cons
    • Formula may irritate

    These were some of the best black nail paints you can find on the market today, but like many other beauty products, a nail polish that is great for someone else might not be so good for you. Read ahead to find out what you need to look for, to find the perfect black nail color for yourself.

    What to Look For in a Black Nail Polish?

    Everyone likes a sophisticated yet bad-ass look. A black manicure is just what you need if you want your nails to exude confidence while also capturing the attention of anyone who dares to sneak a look. The good-old bold black can be the star of your punk outfit or the queen of your classy date night look- you just need to pick the right shade and finish. This is what you might need to keep an eye out for when choosing a black nail paint for yourself:

    No One Wants to Meet Chippy
    If you are new to the whole black nails craze, we are letting you in on a huge secret. The only thing that can crack a black manicure’s confidence is unwanted chipping. Go for formulas and consistencies that are known to stay chipping-free for as long as possible. And if at all, you notice any cracks, fix them immediately. 

    Matte or Gloss
    Black is a versatile color, and at the same time, it is very dominating. If you don’t pick the right finish you can run into fashion hazards. No one wants to walk around a dangerous vampire at a kid’s birthday brunch! If you are looking for something to wear in a professional setting, go for the matte finish. And, if you want to manicure to stand out, go for gloss. 

    Mix and Match as You Like
    If you are not fully comfortable with bold black nail color yet, you may want to try out ombre. To make that possible, you also need to go for formulas that blend seamlessly and do not clump up in fear, at the sight of another shade. 

    To sum it up, finding the best black nail polish may be a tough nut to crack. And if you ask us, the difficulty of the task suits this beautiful bold color. On some days, black is the color of dominance. You walk into a room with a black manicure and people are already aware that they have someone to be intimidated by. On other days, it spells mystery. A corporate boss with a set of stunning black nails is a force to reckon with, for sure! Regardless of what vibe you carry your black nails with, one thing is for sure- no one can miss the magnetism of this bold color. So, the next time you want to capture the spotlight without making a run for it, pick a beautiful black gel and be the powerful person you were always meant to be.

    FAQ's

    Is black still a popular nail color?
    Black is a classic nail color that never goes out of style.
    Do black nails look classy?
    Not only do black nail colors look classy, but also sophisticated.
    Why do people prefer black nail polish?
    People prefer black nail polish because they add a pop of power to any basic outfit.
    How many coats of black nail polish should you apply?
    The number of coats you might need to apply will depend on the pigmentation and coverage of your black nail paint.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    For Sayantani, who is our in-house makeup guru, every nail polish color has a different effect on her mood. And on days when you’re feeling vulnerable, she recommends wearing a black nail polish to make you look and feel a little badass! Besides, the nail polish recommendations she has listed in this article are great picks to adorn your nails for an emo, mall goth, or streetwear aesthetic! Sayantani evaluated each product carefully and noted their viscosity, finish, application, drying time, and lasting power before finalizing the article. You can count on her reviews before making a purchasing decision. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More