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Black and white is probably the only color combo that's as modern as it is retro. Because of that, black-and-white nails are one of those looks you're going to want to come back to over and over (and over) again, so you're going to need lots of style inspiration. Take this time to go grab a bottle of white nail polish and a black nail polish so you can get started ASAP trying one of the below designs. And if you don't already own the right shades, no worries—I've got plenty of polish recommendations linked throughout for you to shop. So with that said, keep scrolling for 23 black-and-white nail designs you can wear all year long, along with all the products and tips you need to copy them yourself.
1
Abstract Nail Designs
Combining opposite shades, like black and white, can create some really cool, balanced looks, even when the design is asymmetrical. Take the abstract shapes on these ballerina nails, for instance.
2
French Tips With Fine Lines
Does a line this thin still count as a French manicure? YUP. Use a striper brush to get a super-duper thin line like this, but switch your shades halfway through.
3
Black-and-White Cartoon Nails
Instead of using a high-shine lacquer, stick with all matte polishes and use your white polish to create faux shine marks for a cartoon-like look.
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4
Plaid Prints
Plaid = the best winter nail art inspo. To pull off this print, grab that striper brush we talked about and maybe some nail art tape while you're at it.
5
Black-and-White Curved Lines
What pairs perfectly with a sharp, pointy stiletto nail shape? A soft, curvy design over the top of subtle pink polish. Remember, it's all about ~balance~.
6
Black-and-White Polka Dots
If you've advanced past the newbie stage, try this look that uses spots and dots in an interesting way for a modern take on the classic polka dot print. Nail-art hack: Use the tip of a bobby pin to get the perfect dots each time.
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7
Scalloped Tips
Enhance the shape of oval nails with a lacy, scalloped design along the free edge. The trick to layering the shades without having to do a million coats is to start with the lighter polish (in this case, the white nail polish), then trace inside the lines with the black.
8
Outlined Edges
Okay, yes, the Frenchie nail decal is super-cute, but don't let that distract you from the super-cool nail art going on in the background. This otherwise plain nude nail look has a fun little peek-a-boo surprise along the sides that makes this design fun and unexpected.
9
Black-and-White Accent Nail Designs
Need I explain why these yin-and-yang symbols work so well with black and white nail polish? Yeah, I didn't think so.
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10
Floral Nail Art
We all know flowers for spring aren't exactly groundbreaking, but black-and-white flowers?! That ish is. Go with this unexpected color combo for a unique take on this throwback flower motif.
11
Star Designs
Normally stars feel a little seasonal, like designs inspired by Fourth of July fireworks, but this black-and-white version with just a touch of gold nail polish feels like something you could wear year-round.
12
Half-Moon French Manicure
Half French manicure, half half-moon nails, this black-and-white design is all about pairing opposites together and looking damn good while doing it.
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13
Astrology Nails
Your zodiac sign more than inspires these nails—this nail look straight-up slaps your constellation on an accent nail to let everyone know your sign (if they can't tell already).
14
Tortoise Shell
Replace the typical fall shades of browns and gold with black, white, and shades of gray nail polish for a unique interpretation of a tortoiseshell pattern.
15
Stormy Sky Design
Nature-inspired nails are always a good idea, but if rainbows and blue skies aren't really your vibe, maybe something a little moodier, like thunderstorms are. These little lightning bolts not only look cool, but they also help to elongate an almond nail shape like this one.
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16
Black-and-White Checkered Print
Not quite white, this cloudy, sheer color gives the checkerboard design on round nails a softer look that doesn't scream (screamo?) Vans Warped Tour '08.
17
Black-and-White Freehand Shapes
You might need a particular type of manicure with nail extensions to get these cool see-through tips, but the organic lines and abstract patterns you can totally do yourself.
18
Geometric Mani
You can apply a few coats of glitter nail polish to give texture to a few of the nails, but for this minimal look, the thinner and simpler, the better.
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19
Zebra Print Nails
If you don't know how to paint your nails and can't paint a straight line to save your life, you're in luck because zebra stripes are everrrywhere right now and super-easy to DIY. Squiggly lines FTW.
20
Cow Print Nails
What's another animal print that's been having a major moment? Cow print, but you already knew that. As it turns out, animal print is much simpler than you think to recreate.
Brooke Shunatona
Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.
