The Top 20 Black and Gray Nails for 2023

Are you looking for some lovely gray and black nails? You’re here for the right reason!

Our team has curated this collection of over 20 of the prettiest black and gray nail ideas, from the most talented nail artists. Whether you have short nails, coffin nails or pretty almond-shaped nails, you will find lots of different ideas that will work for any nail shape and nail length.

Black and gray are one of the most popular color palettes for the winter season. These nails can be beautifully embellished and elevated for a special occasion with the use of gemstones, rhinestones or simple glitter nail polish. You can take a simple everyday manicure in these two colors and instantly transform it into something that looks party-ready just with a few extra touches.

No matter what’s your reason for choosing this color palette for your manicure, you will find lots of beautiful ideas across a full range of different nail design styles.

20+ Prettiest Black and Gray Nails Ideas

Here is our selection of the pretties black and gray nail designs and ideas we found on Instagram. If you would like to see even more ideas, we have added plenty more into our dedicated Pinterest board.

1. Black and Gray Nails with French Tip Outlines

Instagram glamnpressed

These coffin nails are just out of this world! Beautifully embellished with pretty rhinestones, with just enough bling without looking overdone. The nails feature a French tip style design outlined with black glitter nail polish, to create a beautiful contrast. One-of-a-kind nails for one-of-a-kind lady.

2. Black and Gray Nails with Rhinestones

Instagram beautybylizia

If you prefer a little more simple look, you can use the rhinestone at the base of the nail for some extra shine, especially when you’re using matte nail polish. Add a nail sticker of your choice to the middle finger for some added interest.

3. Black and Gray Nails with Marble Design

Instagram nailscia_

This manicure combines two pretty styles – simple ombre nail design and custom nail art that will transform your nails into works of art.

4. Black and Gray Alternating Nails

Instagram obeauty.time

A pretty geometric pattern that looks like stained glass is the star of the show for this pretty manicure.

5. Geometric Black and Gray Nails

Instagram the5thcloud

Another version of the geometric nail design that anyone with zero skills can master.

6. Black and Gray Web Nails

Instagram nailsbylizelle

If you want something out of the box, this spider web look will certainly catch anyone’s attention. As a bonus point, these nails will double up as the perfect Halloween manicure.

7. Black and Gray Nails with Cross

Instagram nailsby_margo

Sunday best? Don’t forget to match your outfit with these perfectly shaped and decorated nails.

8. Black and Gray Botanical Nails

Instagram behr_beauty

Add a touch of nature to your nails – a simple black branch with leaves is all you need to create a custom nail art.

9. Black and Gray Heart Nails

Instagram ksi_nails_96

If you’re looking for some alternatives for Valentine’s Day nails, this black and grey option will certainly stand out among the pink and red nail designs.

10. Black and Gray French Tip Outline Nails

Instagram beautique.nails.lashes.byemily

Make your mountain peak nails extra pointy by using the black color as an outline on your gray nails.

11. Black and Gray Marble Nails

Instagram diamond_nails_beauty_studio

Elegant marble nails beautifully complemented with a simple silver foil line.

12. Black and Gray Silver Glitter Nails

Instagram klawed_by_katey

For ladies who love the extra bling, these nails will certainly deliver on the promise. Glitter ombre coffin nails combined with 3D rhinestones for the extra shine if the occasions asks for it.

13. Black and Gray Designer Nails

Instagram mechenails21

Love designer stuff? Your nails can be a true testament to that.

14. Gothic Nails

Instagram @fangtabulousnails

Not just for Halloween, for those who love everything Gothic, these are the nails that capture the style perfectly.

15. Short Black and Gray Nails

Instagram @_daniellesbeauty

Got only very short nails to work with? You can still make them count by using an outline on the side to make them optically longer.

16. Glitter Black and Gray Nails

Instagram julietsaphira_nailartist

A touch of glitter will instantly transform even the most simple manicure.

17. Short Geometric Black and Gray Nails

Instagram aryianni_nails

Another version of the geometric nail design this time showcasing that it works really well even on the shortest nails.

18. Outline Black and Gray Nails

Instagram mei_znailslashes

Make your long coffin nails optically even longer by using the black color as an outline for the whole nail.

19. Ombre Black and Gray Nails

Instagram beautytimebyeva

Pretty and very dark ombre effect for those who love to add some drama to their nails.

20. Black and Gray Nails with Swirls

Instagram beautytimebyeva

A minimalist look that has plenty of contrast, with a bit of glittter.

21. Black and Gray Comics Nails

Instagram makeupxmayo

Love the current trends? In that case comics nails probably didn’t escape your attention. In the color palette of gray and black they look especially striking!

22. Black and Gray Light Marble Nails

Instagram beti_nailsart

A lighter version of marble nails that looks just like the real thing!

23. Black and Gray Gradient Nails

Instagram nailsbyszandii

Love the ombre look and want to achieve it at home? While seamlessly blending two colors is not easy, this gradient look is something anyone can do very easily, with the right color palette choice.