buuk.top / Amelia Manley
There’s something to be said about the perfect deep, dark nail color. It makes an impact, turns heads, and if applied precisely, can look like a work of art. What I love the most? Dark polishes aren’t just different shades of black. In fact, there’s almost always a moody counterpart to your favorite bright. "Think emeralds, midnight blues, rich browns, and more," says Syreeta Aaron, salon owner and LeChat Nails educator.
To get a gorgeous finish, it takes some special prepping when it comes to dark shades. First, make sure your nail beds are clean, free of any polish, and are filed. The next step, and possibly the most important, is to apply a base coat. Because bold colors can potentially stain your nails, you want to protect them with a barrier, advises Aaron. When it’s time to start applying your color, thin layers are the way to go for smooth, even results.
Ready to go dark? Find the best dark nail colors, below.
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Essie Nail Polish in Licorice
Amazon
$10
Buy on Ulta
$10
Buy on Walmart
$9
What We Like
Long-lasting
Opaque in one coat
Affordable
What We Dont Like
Doesnt dry fast
Classic, creamy, and chic—this jet-black polish goes with everything. Think of it like an LBD for your nails.
Price at time of publish: $10
Size: 0.46 oz. | Finish: Gloss | Cruelty-Free: No
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Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro
Nordstrom
$20
Buy on Nordstrom
$20
Buy on Deborahlippmann.com
$20
What We Like
Strengthening
Vegan
10-free
What We Dont Like
Pricier than other options
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OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx
$11
Buy on Ulta
$11
Buy on Cloud10beauty.com
$17
What We Like
Long-lasting
Doesnt bubble
Streak-free
What We Dont Like
Not opaque in one coat
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China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Star Hopping
$7
Buy on Sallybeauty.com
$8
What We Like
Long-lasting
Wont thicken in bottle
What We Dont Like
Reviewers note it is difficult to remove
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OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine
$11
Buy on Ulta
$11
Buy on Sallybeauty.com
$11
What We Like
Streak-free
Wide brush
Fast drying
What We Dont Like
Reviewers note it chips easily
Is your nail polish collection even a collection without a wine shade? A sophisticated version of classic red, this deep burgundy is a winner all on its own. Juicy, rich, and pigmented, it’s a best-selling color for a reason.
Price at time of publish: $12
Size: 0.5 oz. | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top / Lisa Paltuny
What Our Testers Say
“OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Malaga Winewas a treat for my usually neglected nails. Testing it reminded me of why I used to sport red polish all the time—it makes every outfit look infinitely chicer.” — Lisa Patulny, Product Tester
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Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Creature of the Night
$18
What We Like
Strengthening
Biodegradable caps
Vegan
What We Dont Like
Pricier than other options
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Orly Nail Polish in Air of Mystique
$10
What We Like
Vegan
12-free
Opaque in one coat
What We Dont Like
Ingredients arent disclosed online
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Triple O Nail Polish in Nok
$11
What We Like
Smooth application
13-free
Vegan
What We Dont Like
Not as readily available as other options
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Bernadette Nail Polish in Conflict Diamonds
$18
What We Like
Opaque in one coat
5-free
What We Dont Like
Pricier than other options
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Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in Brolly
$18
What We Like
Chip-resistant
Long-lasting
Strengthening
What We Dont Like
Pricier than other options
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LeChat Nail Polish in Maroonscape
$8
What We Like
Versatile
Long-lasting
What We Dont Like
Not opaque in one coat
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Zoya Professional Lacquer in Willa
$19
What We Like
Opaque in one coat
10-free
Versatile
What We Dont Like
Reviewers note the polish thickens quickly
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Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish in Wild for Violet
$10
Buy on Walmart
$10
What We Like
Long-lasting
No UV light necessary
Smooth application
What We Dont Like
Reviewers note color doesnt match online picture
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Nails Inc. Plant Power Vegan Polish
SEPHORA
$25
Buy on Nailsinc.com
$10
Buy on Sallybeauty.com
$11
What We Like
Eco-friendly
21-free
Long-lasting
What We Dont Like
Reviewers note it is difficult to remove
What to Look For in a Dark Nail Polish
Nail-strengthening ingredients
Look for ingredients that promote healthy, stronger nails when choosing a polish. Key players include biotin, which strengthens nails.1
Undertones
Weve said it before and well say it again, undertones matter. When it comes to nail polish, we fully support you wearing any shade you please, but when looking for a dark polish that compliments your skin best, defer to your tones and undertones. For cool undertones, opt for a blue or purple dark polish. For warm undertones, opt for a dark red or orange polish. And for neutral undertones (the lucky ones) you can grab just about any nail color off the shelf.
Brand
Once youve decided on the perfect color in your mind, its important to make sure you choose the right brand. Defer to our Complete Guide to the 14 Best Nail Polish Brands Out There to ensure that you pick a brand that works and will keep your nails healthy and beautiful before and after the polish.
Are there different types of nail polish?
Yes, more than you think. Polishes can vary from matte to holographic, crème to magnetic. Other popular formulas include chrome, glitter, gel, foil, and pearl.
What is best way to do manicure at home?
Prepare the nails by cutting, filing, buffing, and pushing the cuticles back for a fresh base. Follow by adding your basecoat, and then your polish. Add a topcoat, dry your nails, and admire your work of art. Check out our complete guide to the perfect DIY mani.
Are nail strengtheners helpful?
Yes, nail strengtheners can be helpful when needed. Fragile nails, which often stem from the use of gel, acrylic, or other damaging manicures need a break from time to time, and during that break, a strengthener can be your nails best friend. Often infused with essential vitamins, proteins, and other ingredients to make your nails both harder and stronger, applying a strengthener is one of the best ways to help your nails recover.2
Article Sources
Lipner SR, Scher RK. Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? J Dermatolog Treat. 2018;29(4):411-414.
Chessa MA, Iorizzo M, Richert B, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical signs and treatment recommendations in brittle nails: a review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020;10(1):15-27.
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