15 Bold Black and White Nail Designs That Play Around With Contrast

The Gist

• Black and white manicures always have a sense of depth and dimension, thanks to the stark contrast between the shades.

• Experiment with lines, shapes, florals, and more using this striking color combination.

Here’s the thing about black and white nails: They don’t need to rely on color to make a statement. The two bold shades stand out on their own due to their contrast. And when they’re paired to create designs, they have the potential to lean graphic and luxuriously cool.

All it takes is a black line on a white base or a white squiggle over a dark-toned polish to get a mani with instant dimension. After all, there’s a reason black and white outfits never go out of style, and the same logic applies to your manicure.

While summer nail shades seem to come and go every week, opting for this color combo ensures your set remains timeless. Ahead, the coolest black and white nail designs to bookmark for your next appointment.

Swirled Tips

These swirly tips look like dripping ice cream on a hot day—aka perfect for summer. Add a nude base underneath that peeks out for even more contrast.

Checkered

Playful and whimsical, these checkered nails bring back the joy to summer manicures without being too unconventional.

Geometric Mix

Adding shapes and different textures to your nails should not be slept on. This manicure adds 3D details in ovals and curved lines for a glamorous set.

Stripes

Like I said, all you need is a few lines for it to make a statement. This manicure has thin black lines across a milky white hue for a subtle approach.

Snakeskin

Blooming gel is a favorite in the nail world because of its simple application and high-reward finish. This one showcases the best neutrals have to offer.

Yin & Yang

When thinking about black and white nail ideas, yin and yang just feels right.

Black Aura

Aura nails rose to the top of manicure designs this year. This set takes the approach and adds blingy metallic charms on top for an edgy twist.

Clowning Around

Nails are a great excuse to show off your personality, and even perhaps clown a bit. Simply add an adorable clown face and checkered shapes.

Pretty Symbols

This press-on set combines several go-to motifs for nails like bows, flowers, and even butterfly wings.

Milky Base

On a milky white base, this avant-garde black nail design feels all the more special.

Hearts and Squiggles

Give your nails a squiggles effect and add a half-white ,half-black contrasted accent heart on one finger for an unexpected surprise.

Starry Night

You’re a star, so you might as well add them to your nails too. Just saying!

Florals

Tiny black florals on a white base might seem simple, but you can’t tell me this isn’t a fun, girly way to experiment with colors.

Gothic Chic

Calling all the girls who went to the Warped Tour on repeat. This gothic-glam set is calling your name.

Airbrush

With a 3D floral and metallic gems added atop an ombré black and white nail, this set has a bit of everything.

Read the original article on InStyle