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May the Ray

A lifestyle blog for the dream chasers

Beauty, Nails · April 24, 2024

25 Gorgeous Nail Colors for Dark Skin Tones

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy for more.

This post is a showcasing of inspiring nail colors for dark skin tones.

We all know the struggle of finding the perfect nail polish shade, right ladies?! Nowadays it seems like we’re only seeing nail designs and trends on fairer skin tones, it’s kinda rare to see darker skin tones in the mix.

Because of this, it can be hard to gauge if what looks good on someone with fair skin will look good on someone with dark skin. Usually it’s not that deep and the nail art translates well. But there are times when the results are a disaster.

Don’t worry though because here this blog celebrates beauty in all its shades, which is why I’m going to spill the tea on colors that will compliment your skin, not compete with it. Maybe even take away a little bit of that stress that comes with picking out a new nail idea to try out.

Let’s be honest, it can be frustrating looking for inspiration for manicure ideas and then not seeing as much diversity when it comes to skin tones. And then having to rely on what looks good on others to pick out something to try on yourself.

But the good news is that there is a whole world of gorgeous gorgeous colors waiting to be discovered that flatter dark skin tones perfectly.

So, let’s ditch the stress and embrace the fun! Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your next mani:

Be Willing to Experiment: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new! That’s how you discover fun new nail colors or designs you might have thought could never suit you,

What Colors Compliment Dark Skin?

Now, let’s get down to the good stuff – colors that will have your nails looking fierce!

  • Deep Burgundy: A classic for a reason! Deep, rich burgundies are universally flattering and add a touch of sophisticated elegance to your fingertips.
  • Sunny Yellow: Don’t underestimate the power of a bright yellow! This cheerful hue is surprisingly versatile and pops beautifully against darker skin tones.
  • Chic White: Clean white nails are a timeless choice that exudes effortless style. They’re perfect for highlighting nail designs or simply for enjoying as the classic elegant shade.

20 Gorgeous Nail Colors For Dark Skin Beauties

1. Classic Red Nails

red manicure
@humbliztic_nailz

We’ll start this post off with a classic red manicure. With darker skin tones red is always a good choice.

red nail polish
SHOP

2. Yellow and Gold Nails

yellow and gold swirly french tip
@_byalyssa_

Yellow is another great choice for darker skin tones no matter the shade and you can take a simple yellow manicure and take it to the next level by adding a touch of gold.

3. Black and White Manicure

black and white french tip nails
@prettyndivine

Okay, black and white is universal, the type of color combination that would honestly look good on anyone no matter what. Which is why this black and white swirly french manicure could be great inspo for your next manicure.

4. Shades of Brown Nails

brown gradient french tip nails
@byjaex

There is something to be said about how different shades of brown look good on manicures on dark skin. This trendy 3d french tip nail design paired with the gradient shades of brown make this a stunning manicure to recreate.

5. Pink Nails

pink french tip nails
@nailedby.jo

Deeper shades of pink look stunning on dark skin, or shades that are closer to a nudish color. You can spice up a pink manicure like that with a brighter shade of pink on the tips to make a look that pops.

6. Turquoise Nails

turquoise manicure
@prettyndivine

When it comes to dark skin, sometimes it’s the most unexpected colors that look good, I mean who would turquoise could be one of the colors that absolutely slays.

7. Shades of Green

green nails
@nailzzbysteph

Green can be a hit or miss, it’s all about choosing the right shades. And I’ve seen that if you want an interesting results go for shades of green that fall within the sage, mint or olive green umbrella.

8. Nude Pink Nails

pale pink square nails
@nailedby.jo

Nude pink shades always look so so good on nails on dark skin tones. They make for such soft, cute and feminine manicures, especially if you go for the almond or coffin nail shapes but clearly square nails get the job done just as well, so it all depends on preference.

9. Classic French Tips

classic french tip nails
@lovelynailspot

No matter who you are, a classic french tip is a classic french tip. It’s always going to look good. It’s just about picking the right base color for your white tips sometimes. If you have dark skin pick a base color for your french tip that is on the darker side, so a darker beige or a darker pink nude.

10. Brown Triangle French Nails

brown rectangle french tip nails
@avaishlanails

I’ve already said that shades of brown always look good on dark skin. And if you’ve been eying a classic french tip but kinda want something a little bit more interesting then switch it up with a triangle french tip design.

11. chrome red french tip nails

chrome red french tip nails
@aphrodite_fix

Red is always going to be a fantastic choice, but chrome red!? Totally next level fun and eye-catching if you’re willing to give it a try.

12. Peachy Nails

peach manicure
@lolo.nailedit

You know what, you can’t go wrong with peachy or light, creamy orange colors for your nails. This is the type of manicure that is easy, fun and perfect for those warm, sunnier months.

peach nail polish
SHOP

14. Blue Almond Nails

blue almond manicure
@melanated.mani

Need inspiration for a color to pick that is bright, fun and playful? Try this light yet electric shade of blue.

15. Yellow and White Nails

yellow and white nails
@brushedbyb_

It shouldn’t be a surprise that yellow nails look so good. But there is just something about the combination of yellow and white that makes you think of good thing like sunny days and melty popsicles.

16. Funky Swirly Nails

Funky Swirly Nails
@brushedbyb_

I always say that you never discover good things if you’re not willing to try new things. There are some pretty fun and crazy colors like this that are sometimes to intimidating to try but look how stunning they turn out when you actually try them out!

17. Brown Nails with Gold French Tip

brown nails with gold french tips
@lelo_thenailtech

A unique color combination that actually works. Who knew a combination of brown and gold would pop off like this.

18. Orange French Nails

orange french tip nails
@lelo_thenailtech

Orange is such a scrumptious color when it comes to nail art. Try a fun design with orange like this 3D bubble french nail design.

19. Gold Nails

3D gold nail design
@lelo_thenailtech

Gold is such a delicious color to incorporate into any type of manicure. It gives elegance and luxury.

20. Black Manicure

black square nails

Just in case you forgot how good a simple, classic black manicure can look, I thought I’d remind you.

black nail polish
SHOP

21. Brown French Tips

brown french tip nails

A cute brown french manicure in the almond shape with a little twist, each french tip is a different shade of brown. The effect is simple, fun, unique and cute.

22. Burgundy Nails

burgundy nails

Deep burgundy shades of red always look absolutely gorgeous on nails.

burgundy nail polish
SHOP

23. Light Blue French Nails

light blue french manicure

A cute light blue moment. Try this color combination if you want something cute and light. This manicure would be really perfect for the spring time.

24. Beige Nails

neutral nails on dark skin

These could be just about one of the prettiest neutral colors for a manicure. This is a shade to try out if you want a clean, feminine manicure.

25. Forest Green Nails

forest green nails
@niniheartsnails

There is something so satisfying to look at about a good forest green color for your nails.

green nail polish
SHOP

Posted By: ngozamay · In: Beauty, Nails

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May is a twenty-something year old lifestyle blogger who likes travel, food and spends inordinate amounts of time reading. Her life motto is "try everything at least once!" Read More…

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Hi there! I'm May and welcome to May the Ray, a young adult lifestyle blog where I share tips about lifestyle, food, fashion (+ so much more!), and where I try to inspire people to live life to the fullest!

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