The 14 Best Dark Nail Polish Colors For Making a Bold Statement

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.

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.

Undertones

We've said it before and we'll 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 you've decided on the perfect color in your mind, it's 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.

FAQ

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 nail's 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.
  

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8XRnaCeZpOkunCuxKyrZpqclrCsec2aoKVloKS5qr%2FHnqo%3D