Step aside rosewater nails and nude BB cream nails because this season, black nails are set to become the uniform of cool-girls everywhere. The understated inky shade, which conjures up glossy liquorice sweets, is a classic neutral that works for so many situations. Depending on how you wear it, it can read tailored, glam, grungy or edgy. Not to mention, it taps into the Brat cultural moment, too.

“Black manicures are definitely the ‘winter nude’ of this season,” confirms pro nail artist Julia Diogo (known as @paintedbyjools on Instagram). “They’re super chic, elegant and timeless. It’s also a shade that flatters all skin tones.”

It’s been a favourite among the street style set and celebrities such as Selena Gomez and Dua Lipa for years, largely because the shade is so versatile. It can be worn matte, glossy, with glitter or metallic accents. Also a great choice for minimalist nail art, black details work so well with a neutral or bright base, too.

From solid blocks of glossy black to a black micro French manicure, there are several ways to experiment with this trend. Julia’s advice? Play around with the finish. “Using a matte top coat gives the nails a slightly edgy feel – my favourite is Chanel’s Matte Boy de Chanel,” she says.

Keep scrolling for all the black nail inspiration you need ahead of your next nail appointment and the best black nail polishes to create a DIY manicure.

1.Silver sliced black nails