Make a Statement with 13 Eye-Catching Black and White Nail Designs (2024)

Bold, dramatic, and forever chic – black and white nail art never goes out of style.

As a fashion designer, I’m always looking for new ways to make a statement with these classic non-colors.

Black and white designs are striking yet versatile, allowing you to easily dress them up or down.

They work for any occasion and complement any outfit.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 13 of my favorite black and white nail ideas.

I’ll provide step-by-step instructions so you can recreate these dazzling nails yourself.

Get ready to make a statement with black and white!

Checkerboard Nails

Let’s start with a classic – the checkerboard nail design. This black and white pattern is bold and eye-catching, perfect for making a graphic statement.

Start by painting your nails with a black base coat.

Once dry, use a small piece of tape to section off squares or rectangles on each nail.

Paint the exposed sections white and wait for it to dry fully before removing the tape. For neat lines, apply the tape carefully and complete each coat of polish.

The checkerboard look works best on short to medium length nails so the pattern is visible. Make them as big or small as you like – variety adds visual interest.

Add a layer of topcoat to smooth and seal the design. These retro checkerboard nails will get you noticed!

Striped Nails

Next up, bold black and white stripes! Vertical stripes are especially striking and elongate the nails.

Begin with a base coat, then use striping tape to create stripes on each nail. Apply black polish, let it dry, then carefully peel off the tape.

Repeat with white polish for clean crisp lines. Make the stripes different widths for a dynamic look.

You can put a modern twist on this striped design by making the stripes diagonal or chevron-shaped. Place the tape at an angle across your nails before painting.

Stripes work well on any nail length and make a statement on short nails too. Top off your striped nails with a glossy topcoat.

Black and White Marble/Agate Nails

For a mesmerizing, natural stone look, try black and white marble or agate nails.

These earthy designs are more subtle than graphic patterns but still eye-catching.

Start with a base coat, then dab small drops of black and white polish close together near the base of the nail. Before it dries, run a toothpick through the drops to swirl them together.

While wet, continue making swirls and twists up the nail to create veins and a marbled texture.

For a glossy agate look, swipe the polish more minimally so it creates thin streaks rather than blending together. Marble and agate designs look best on longer nail shapes.

Finish with a shiny topcoat to really make the colors pop.

Geometric Nails

If you want to make a bold geometric statement, try this angular black and white design. Combining shapes and lines creates visual interest and dimension.

Start with a black base, then use striping tape to mask off different sections on each nail. Create triangles, trapezoids, diamonds or other shapes – mixing up the patterns adds excitement.

Fill in each exposed area with white polish. Wait for it to fully dry before removing the tape.

You can add even more graphics by painting on straight and diagonal white lines to accent the shapes. These high-contrast geometric nails make an eye-catching statement. Seal in the design with a clear topcoat.

Black and White French Tips

For a fresh take on the classic french manicure, try black and white tips! The contrasting colors give this look a modern edge.

Paint your nails with either a black or white base coat – this will be the main color showing on most of the nail.

Once dry, use striping tape to mask off the tip of each nail, leaving just the area you want for the contrasting tip color exposed. Paint over the tape with the opposite shade – white over black or black over white.

Let it dry fully before peeling off the tape to reveal the crisp french tip.

For a creative touch, make some tips thicker than others or use black on some nails and white on others. Finish with a clear topcoat to protect the bicolor tips.

Cow Print Nails

Unleash your wild side with black and white cow print nails! These textured animal print nails are eye-catching and on trend.

Start with a white base, then use a makeup sponge to dab on black polish. Lightly bounce the sponge on your nails to transfer little dots of color for a cow print effect. Apply polish sparingly and build it up gradually for the right amount of speckling.

Use striping tape to section off different patterns on each nail if desired. For instance, make some nails solid black with white speckles and others primarily white with black dots.

Get creative with your cow print combinations! Top off your textured animal nails with a shiny clear coat. Moo-velous!

Panda Nails

Cute and playful panda bear nails are a black and white design you have to try! Painting on panda faces and other details makes for a fun look.

Start with a white base coat. Once dry, paint on black polka dot noses and round ears near the tips of the nails. Use black striping polish to draw arched eyebrows and add cute blushes with red polish.

Get creative painting on other panda features like smiles, bows or bamboo. Keep the designs minimal for the best results. These panda bear nails are both adorable and artistic.

Seal in the details with a glossy topcoat. Your inner child will smile every time you see these playful nails!

Houndstooth Nails

Make a mod style statement with black and white hounds tooth patterned nails.

This classic textile design creates a bold optical effect on your nails.

Paint your nails with a black base coat first. Once dry, use a makeup sponge to dab on white polish, twisting as you blot to get an uneven, broken-up texture.

Apply in small sections to create abstract white shapes against the dark background.

You can also use striping tape to create houndstooth diamonds, triangles or chevrons if you prefer a more orderly look. Mixing up patterns and angles makes each nail unique.

Top off your houndstooth textured nails with a high-shine topcoat. These optical black and white nails are positively mesmerizing!

Yin Yang Nails

Find your zen with these calming yin yang designed nails. The black and white symbol of balance looks equally striking on all nail lengths.

Start with a black base coat, then use striping tape to mask off a circle near the cuticle. Fill in the exposed section with white polish.

Once dry, carefully peel off the tape to reveal a clean circular shape. Use black and white polish to paint on the signature teardrop shapes within the circle, meeting in the middle.

Place the yin yang symbol on different fingers for a spread out look, or create one large graphic by painting across several nails.

The ancient symbol looks modern and mystical combined with the black and white palette. Top it off with a shiny topcoat. These centered yin yang nails promote inner calm and outer style.

Damask Nails

For ornate nail art, create elegant black and white damask patterned nails.

The contrasting shapes and flourishing curves make a regal statement.

Start with a white base, then use black striping polish to paint on bold scrolling damask designs. Keep them minimalist and flowing, like an intricate lace pattern.

For romantic damask roses, paint on curved leaves, flower petals, and stems using short brush strokes.

You can also incorporate glitter or rhinestones for added allure. Focus the damask patterns near the tips and cuticles to let the white base show through and accent the artwork.

Top off your romantic damask nails with a shiny topcoat to lock in the dazzling details. Fit for a queen!

Polka Dot Nails

What’s classic black and white without polka dots? These playful speckled nails are a timeless look that instantly brightens your day.

Start with a black base coat, then use different sized dotting tools dipped in white polish to create polka dots. Dot on circular, oval and freehand splotch shapes for variety.

Focus dots near the tips, clustered together or trailing off the nail.

For a creative twist, make some nails polka dots on black and others reversed with black dots on a white base. You can also accent with glossy black dots on matte white nails or vice versa.

The polka dot possibilities are endless! Finish off with a clear topcoat to seal in the speckles. These peppy polka dot nails will put a smile on your face.

Zebra Print Nails

Unleash your wild side with sleek black and white zebra print nails. Painting on stripes makes for exotic looking nail art anyone will notice.

Start with a white base coat.

Once completely dry, use a striping brush and black polish to paint on vertical stripes of different widths to mimic zebra fur.

Focus the striping on the ends of the nails and use a light hand so the white shows through.

For a varied look, make some nails zebra striped and others solid black or white. You can also add metallic silver striping for extra dazzle.

Complete the untamed look with a high-gloss topcoat over your zebra nails. Pounce on this eye-catching nail trend!

Ombre Nails

Lastly, ombre nails provide a softer take on black and white nails.

The gradient effect is elegant and flawlessly transitions the two shades.

Apply black polish starting mid-nail and work down to completely coat the tip.

Next use a makeup sponge, working in light layers, to dab white polish from the base down toward the black tip. Blend the two colors together so they seamlessly fade between black and white.

The ombre effect works beautifully on long coffin or square shaped nails but also looks chic on shorter nails. Finish with a clear shiny topcoat to enhance the blended color effect.

Sophisticated ombre nails are the perfect modern take on black and white polish.

As you can see from these 13 dazzling designs, the non-color color combo offers endless artistic possibilities.

Graphic, minimalist, playful, or ornate – take your pick from these ideas and show off your own black and white nail art style. Stay bold, stay memorable, and make a statement with your nails!