Gone are the days a when deep, moody mani brought to mind the evil witch from your favourite childhood fairytale. Nowadays, gothic-leaning, dark nails are among the most favoured by a crop of the world’s coolest girls. Beauty mogul Hailey Bieber? Tick. Oscar-winning actress [Olivia Coleman]{href="https://graziadaily.co.uk/beauty-hair/nails/olivia-colman-negative-space-manicure/" target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}? Tick. Gucci’s runway-ready models? Also, tick. The list goes on to prove black gothic nails are not just having a moment, they are taking the beauty world by a storm.
Undeniably, there is a growing appetite for goth-glam. Look to Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2027 show for proof, where models traversed the show space in bourgeois fur coats with sultry, smoked out lids and long sheer dark nails. Without going full goth, they added just the right dose of drama while remaining chic.
‘Gothic nails have that perfect balance of attitude and sophistication,’ says Daisy Kalnina, founder and CEO of The GelBottle Inc. ‘There’s something really timeless about a deep, moody manicure, whether it’s glossy jet black, rich burgundy or an almost-black plum. It feels confident, fashion-forward and perfectly suited to the moodier months.’
While we often think that a gothic manicure equals lots of intricate nail art or something more Halloween-coded, Hailey Bieber’s recent appearance at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala begs to differ. Clad in a custom bubblegum pink Chanel gown, the supermodel sported a contrasting, ultra-glossy black mani with an almond base. For Kalnina, the finish you go for is key. ‘A glossy top coat gives darker shades that expensive, almost patent-leather effect, while a velvet or chrome finish can add a more contemporary twist,’ she adds. Bieber would agree.
Making goth-glam nails wearable can be as simple adding a few touches of embellishment. ‘I love the idea of subtle, asymmetric detailing, such as a fine black French tip that sweeps further down one side of the nail,’ says Kalnina.
A similar look was spotted on Olivia Colman earlier this month, when the actress made her appearance promoting Elsinore, a heartfelt drama about actor Ian Charleson preparing to play Hamlet at the National Theatre, with a negative space mani featuring small, structural triangular windows at each tip. This glossy, inky black detailing creates a striking contrast, lending the negative-space manicure an architectural feel, with a subtle nod to the glamour of the 1920s and the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
As for colour, while the first instinct is to go for a jet black shade, there is now an increasing appetite for a whole spectrum of less-traditional rich, vampy shades. Think: deep burgundy, oxblood, black cherry and inky plum. ‘Jet-black nails are still a classic, but adding dimension through chrome, magnetic cat-eye effects or a velvet finish makes them feel fresh for the season,’ says Kalnina. ‘Black French tips are another great option if you want something slightly softer, especially over a sheer nude or milky BIAB base.’ Noted.
Ultimately, there is a certain mystique about the mani – whether that means moody, minimalist or even a touch unpredictable. We are here for it.
Jet black almond nails
Hailey Bieber debuted jet-black nails at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala. Created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, the bold look featured a glossy black polish over an elongated almond shape.
Image credit: @nailsbyzola
Peacci Jet Black Nail Polish
'For an at-home version, Peacci Jet Black is perfect for achieving that deep, true-black finish; apply two thin coats and finish with a high-shine top coat for a salon-inspired result,' says Kalnina.
7.20
Lace gothic nails
What we are predicting to be this autumn's sexiest manicure, lace nails are taken up a notch in a black iteration. Because who said that sensual can't come with a touch of drama?
Image credit: @chummy.nails
Sheer gothic nails
Drama was hard to miss during Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2027 show, as models made their way down the catwalk in hip-slung jeans, with smoked out lids and long sheer dark nails in full bloom.
Image credit: @chummy.nails
Metallic black nails
A short, soft-square shape with a metallic black finish can look just as striking, but in a much more understated way. This mani created by manicurist Mateja Novakovic makes a case in point.
Image credit: @matejanova
Loewe Tomato Leaves Hand Cream
Soften hands with a scent grounded in the earthiness of tomato vine leaves.
46
Negative space mani
Spotted on Olivia Colman, this negative space mani features small, structural triangular windows at each tip. Replicate the look by applying glossy, inky black detailing.
Image credit: @robbietomkins
Cat-eye nails
This cat-eye set glimmers as it catches the light, revealing a silver hue and dainty stars. It's all about adding a little attitude to your mani.
Image credit: @chummy.nails
Black French tip mails
Are you after something slightly more subtle? Black French tips would be a great option if so. Especially over a sheer nude or milky base.
Image credit: @harrietwestmoreland
Black floral nails
There is just enough edge to make a statement without overcomplicating the look.
Image credit: @chummy.nails
Kiko Milano Nail File
This professional-grade nail file features a metal grain, with diamond-shaped micro reliefs, which allow you to trim, file and shape the tips of your nails with maximised precision.
3.99
Maria Papakleanthous is Grazia’s beauty assistant. Originally from Cyprus, she moved to London to chase her dream of working in magazine journalism. At Grazia, Maria writes about the newest beauty launches, wellness trends and everything designed to help you look and feel your best self. Follow her on Instagram @mariapapakleanthous
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