17 Black French Tip Nail Ideas to Inspire Your Next Mani

French tips are forever a clean and classic look. Traditionally, they include a white, curved tip that mimics the shape of the nail atop a sheer pinky-nude base. If you want this design without going too conventional, you can switch things up with black French tips.

"A French tip manicure is one of my favourite nail looks. It’s simple yet cool, and you can play around with any colour and combo that you want to achieve different vibes," says celebrity manicurist Brittney Boyce.

"It gives the look an edge! It’s also less harsh than a full black nail look." To get in on the trend, we tapped Boyce, along with manicurists Mabelyn Alva and Sonia Sanchez, for their expertise.

If you want to give black French tip nails a try, browse 17 inspo pics below to get some ideas percolating.

Cherries

After a manicure you'd see on Instagram's explore page? These Black French tips pair extraordinarily well with the Y2K-inspired cherry design. The rhinestone embellishments are the cherry on top—literally.

Separated Squiggles

The nice thing about a black French tip nail design is that it eliminates some of the harshness you'd get if you were to paint your entire nail black. "We love making the French tip the design element by keeping the base sheer or clear, which also elongates your nails,” says Alva. This design is perfect proof.

Classic French

Simple and clean, this look features a thin black French tip with a sheer base. It's the most delicate option on this list. Plus, it makes the edgy black nail polish feel the most wearable.

Thick French

If you want a French tip with more weight, you can make the tip thicker. “To achieve [a similar] look, I used Aprés Nail’s Soft Gel Builder in a Bottle to get a natural, clean base and then used the Aprés Nail’s French Manicure Gel in shade French Black for the design," says Sanchez.

Asymmetric Tips

“These French tips are more asymmetrical to flow in nicely with the rest of the design,” says Sanchez. “It’s the perfect look that screams elegance and pairs nicely with dainty jewellery! To get the look, I again applied the Soft Gel Builder in a Bottle and completed the look with Aprés Nail’s French Manicure Gel in French White and French Black.”

Abstract Tips

These black French tips have a pop of red on one side to add some dimension, but the look is taken a step further with the addition of pink abstract blobs. It's reminiscent of leopard print with some flattering, bright colours that help tone down the black.

Blinged Out

Craving a set of Y2K-inspired nails? Look no further. Make black French tips super dramatic by putting them on duck-shaped nails. The super-wide shape of the tip provides lots of room for some serious bling.

Short and Square

If you want to add another layer of edge to a French manicure, you can do it on a square-shaped nail. The sharp edges of the tip contrast the delicate shape of the art. Plus, a shorter nail shape means you can type and button your jeans with utmost ease.

Overlapping Tips

Overlapping shapes are a fun way to add interest to a French tip design. In this look, black and white are used to create this two-toned look.

Moondust Tips

Add some glitz to a black tip by using an iridescent polish or chrome powder. This one reflects light in a way that picks up tones of blue, green, and red.

Pink Crocodile

Crocodile has become popular for nail art because it's super easy to replicate. This look uses a baby-pink shade to create the croc print on these black French tips. If you want to recreate this look at home, make sure to use gel polishes and blooming gel—it will help to create the spread-out crocodile print effect.

Snakeskin Tips

Furthering the reptile theme, you can add a snake-print effect to a few of your nails to make your black French tips even more interesting and edgy.

Metal French

This look was created using two CND polishes: Negligee, a pale pink, and Powerful Haematite, a deep shimmery pewter. The look reads like an elevated French mani that's perfect for a night out. Photo evidence shows it looks great on almond-shaped nails, but a square nail shape would also be striking.

Down the Middle

Complete the half-and-half look in a more straightforward way by just splitting the tip down the middle. Choose black and your favourite colour, or opt for this black-and-white monochrome variety.

Spooky Accents

Black French tips are the perfect base for your spooky manicure. This adorable look was painted with three Lights Lacquer polishes, including Tuxedo Mask, Dream St, and Hide the Rum. Try Deco Beauty's Nail Art Stickers to easily recreate the ghost and flower drawings.

Midnight Sparkle

This look uses a single French tip to add some air to the shimmery and saturated polish. It was created using Lights Lacquer polish in the shades Clueless, Tuxedo Mask, and City of Stars.

Swirled Ghost Tips

Another ghoulish look, this one features a mix of black and white French tips and one nail with swirled ghost etchings. This manicure is an easy choice for Halloween, but if you're one for spooky themes, the art is simple enough to wear year-round.