Of all the polarizing beauty products out there—cherry perfumes, collagen creams, frosted eye shadow—I’d argue none receives more heat than black nail polish. Some deem it cool and timeless; others wouldn’t dare reach for an inky lacquer. The truth of the matter is that there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to adorn your digits, so go ahead and paint them whatever color you please, dissenters be damned.
It is worth pointing out, though, that even the chicest beauty fans remain fervently divided on the topic. Case in point? When playing a quick game of “hit or miss” with style icon Victoria Beckham (you know, as one does), I discovered she’s not the biggest fan of the mani. “I’m not really into black nail polish,” she tells Who What Wear. “I prefer either a deep, deep red or chocolate brown.” Then on the other hand, you have moguls like Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber donning pitch-dark nails at A-lister events.
I won’t try to put an end to the love-it-or-hate-it debate of black nail polish—again, you do you!—but I will share some alternatives for those looking for an equally elegant mani. Below, browse the moody, dark nail polishes fashion people are choosing over jet black, plus some onyx options at the end for those (self included!) who will always adore the edgy hue.
The Best Black Nail Polish Alternatives
1. Merlot
A moody, dark red is perfect for fall, so it’s no surprise the term “deep red nails” is up 5000% in Google searches over the past month. Chanel’s Rouge Noir is such a year-round staple (it just looks expensive), but the rich wine hue is even more swoon-worthy for fall.
Chanel
Le Vernis – Rouge Noir
