Prom season is in full swing, and many young women are picking out dresses, doing their hair and makeup, and getting ready for a night of fun. An essential part of any prom look is the nails, as they can really pull an outfit together or stand out in photos. In this post, we will share 60 of the hottest black and red nail designs that are perfect for prom. Black and red is a classic color combination that never goes out of style.
From understated French manicures with pop of color to full-on glitter designs, these nails feature the timeless colors of prom in edgy, elegant and glamorous styles. Whether you want something subtle or a real showstopper, you’re sure to find the perfect prom nails among these 60 black and red designs. Get ready to be prom queen with these on-trend manicures that will have everyone talking on your big night.
3D Floral Coffin Nails
These nails feature 3D floral designs in red and black that have been applied on a long coffin shaped nail bed. Small flower motifs are scattered across the nails starting from the tip flowing towards the cuticle in an elegant pattern. The intricate 3D artwork makes the flowers appear to be popping out of the nail surface.
Abstract Oval Nails
These creative nails sport abstract art in black and red colors. Geometric shapes such as triangles, squares and circles are blended together randomly across oval shaped nails. The overlapping patterns and blended colors come together to form distinctive modern designs on each fingernail.
Acrylic Red Black Nails
These show-stopping nails opt for an all-over color scheme. A bright crimson red has been used to coat the entirety of the almond shaped acrylic nails. Intricate black lace-like patterns have then been painted in an ornate design across the red canvases. The crisp contrast of the bold red backdrop against the delicate black floral accents allows this edgy look to shine whether hitting the dance floor or posing for photos on prom night.
Ballerina Marble Nails
These unique nails take inspiration from ballerinas with their swirling marbleized design. Dancing maroon and ebony swirls flow across the natural oval shaped nails like ballet dancers pirouetting on stage. The colors smoothly blend together without any harsh lines, reminiscent of intricate ballet movements.
Black Red Pearly Nails
These show-stopping nails put a pearly twist on the classic black and red color combo. A base of opaque black paint has been applied to the almond shaped nails. Shimmering rubies and garnets then cascade down the nails like waterfalls of precious gems. The rich crimson shades truly pop against the cool inkiness of the black base.
Black Tip Red Gel Nails
These statement nails strike the perfect balance of edginess and elegance. A vibrant crimson is painted on the stiletto shaped nails, but is brought together with a dramatic flair by black tips. The tips come to fine points, accentuating the lengthened nail beds. The crimson and black color-blocking pops against each other, particularly when catching the light.
Black Tips On Red Coral Nails
These coral nails take on a modern update with black tipped accents. A warm flushed coral coats the almond shaped nails, evoking the vibrant colors of tropical reefs. Then, like the delicate branches of coral, black lacquer is intricately brushed onto just the nail tips. The colors mesh beautifully like sea and sand, making for an eye-catching yet lovely look.
Black Tips Square Nails
These edgy square nails get a touch of dark drama with black tipped accents. A fiery crimson has been painted onto the blunt square shaped nail beds. Then, just the top 1/3 of each nail gets a sharp coating of high-gloss black lacquer, forming precise pointed tips. The contrasting bold colors and graphic design make a vibrantly stylish statement.
Blood Drip Nails
These punk rock inspired nails tell a gothic tale. Darkened almond shaped nails play the part of a brooding midnight backdrop. Crimson droplets appear to drip from each tip as if from a gruesome scene, streaking downward towards cuticles. Applied with expert precision, the visceral blood red “drips” take nail art to the edge of macabre.
Baseball Square Nails
Sporting an unexpected sporty twist, these square nails take their design cues from baseball. The home base is a deep red square canvas. Then, a curved black square sits centered like a baseball resting on each nail bed. Small dots surround the “ball” mimicking the stitching.
Cherry Black Red Nails
These deliciously cherry-themed nails add a playful twist to black and red polish. A sweet ripe cherry hue sweeps across the almond shaped nail beds. Black accents are then brushed onto cuticles and nails like stems and leaves, making each finger seem crowned by a plump chocolate cherry.
Christmas Ballerina Nails
These holiday inspired nails channel both Christmas and ballet. Almond shaped nails play the part of satin ballet slippers, adorned with swirling yuletide details. Icy blues and silvers dance across nails like shimmering snowflakes floating through the air. Finishing touches include tiny fabric pointe shoes appliquéd on, tied with crisp red ribbons as if fresh off the most enchanting Christmas tree.
Elegant Stripped Nails
These nails exude sophistication through their stripped back elegance. A glossy black base has been painted onto the almond shaped nails, setting the stage for simplicity. Then, thin parallel stripes of bright crimson are precisely painted down the center of each nail.
Flamy Black Red Nails
These fiery nails take their inspiration from dancing flames. Bold crimson sweeps across stiletto shaped nails as if licking tongues of flame. Then, flickering wisps of smoky black and grey are brush-stroked atop like fuel being consumed. The blend of colors and textures create the illusion of real flames flickering across the nails.
Floral Square Nails
These blossom-inspired square nails combine black, red and nature’s beauty. A moody black polish coats the blunt nail beds as the stems and night backdrop. Individual blooms then emerge, each nail a different type of flower. Red roses and tulips pop against the ebony, their delicate petals brought to life with expert shading.
French Gel Nails
These understated nails let classic French manicure styling take center stage. A sheer pink gel polish coats the oval shaped nails, leaving the delicate half-moons bright and bare. Precision application ensures the glossy white smiles shine through without a single chip or smudge.
French Tip Gel Nails
These sophisticated nails serve up timeless French manicure vibrancy with a modern twist. A vibrant crimson gel lacquer coats oval shaped nails, exuding rich color against complexion. A glossy white half-moon sits crisp at each tip, standing out in gleaming contrast. meticulously placed with expert precision, every slivered smile sparkles bright.
French Tip Square Nails
These edgy square nails put a modern spin on classic French manicure styling. A rich crimson lacquer coats the bluntly filed nail beds. Then, the tips are precisely painted with flawlessly straight, high-gloss white half moons. Applied with laser focus, each smile stands out in striking contrast atop the bold red bases.
French Tips Poker Nails
These one-of-a-kind nails take inspiration from card games of chance and style. Oval shaped nail beds play host to poker chip-inspired designs in crimson and ivory. Half-moons sit proudly at tips like stacks of chips, painted with expert precision. Between, drips of rich red create the illusion of spilled winnings.
Gel Heart Nails
These sweet nails serve up love and glossy vibrancy topped with couture gel hearts. A rosy pink gel lacquer coats oval shaped nail beds to perfection. Then, precise crystalline hearts applied with artist’s touch adorn each tip in shimmer. Varied designs include layered petals, ornate cut-outs and glittering accents.
Gel Polished Nails
Red and black squared nails polished smooth with gel lacquer. The blunt nail beds defined in rich crimson while precise black tips stand out in high-gloss contrast. Applied with expert precision, the dual-tone colors coated in super shiny gel ensure an attention-grabbing manicure that demands a second look.
Halloween Coffin Nails@dulcesnailsx
These spooky square nails take their design cues from all things cryptic. Jet black lacquer coats the coffin-shaped nail beds as a haunting backdrop. Then, ghostly red designs emerge like streaks of blood dripped from bony hands. Tiny silver accents add shimmer like full moons gleaming off dark tombstones.
Leafy Round Nails
These nails have round shapes. The nails are painted black. On each nail is a red leaf design. The black polish covers the whole nail. The red leaf shapes are painted on top. The leaf designs look like real fall leaves. Wearing these nails would be pretty for an autumn dance. The red leaves pop against the black polish.
Love Hearts Round Nails
These round nails are painted black all over with little red love heart shapes painted on some nails, and some nails have black love hearts on the red nails. The black is the main color on the nails and the red love hearts and black love hearts stand out against the different color background. .
Matte Flame Nails
These rounded nails have a matte black polish coating them. Bright red designs have been painted on the nails that look like flames licking up from the bottom. Some nails have flickering wisps of red at the tips like real fire. The black matte polish makes the red flame designs really stand out nicely.
Matte Red Black Nails
These nails have a square shape. The nails are painted with a matte red polish on some nails and a matte black polish on other nails. No other colors are used, just shades of red and black in their matte finishes. The mix of the deep red and black polished nails paired together looks very stylish and moody.
Matte Rose Coffin Nails
These nails have a coffin shape that is long and tapered. Some nails are painted a matte rose pink color while others are a matte black. No other colors are used. Thin red lines are painted vertically on the black nails to add detail. The matte finishes keep the focus on the two colors without shine.
Metallic Red Black Glitter Nails
These nails have a round shape and are painted with red and black metallic polishes. Some nails have a red metallic polish with black glitter mixed in. Other nails use a black metallic polish with red glitter mixed in. No colors other than red and black are used. The red and black metallic finishes make the colors very glamorous and the glitter adds sparkle.
Mountain Peak Fruity Nails
These nails have a square shape. They are painted with black polish at the bottom like a mountain. On some nails, red fruit designs are painted at the top, above the black mountain part, like berries growing on a mountain peak. On other nails the fruit is black with red mountains. No other colors are used besides red and black.
Ombre Gel Nails
These nails have an almond shape. They are painted with an ombre gradient effect using only red and black colors. The nails start dark black at the bottom and fade into a bright red at the top. No other colors are incorporated. The smooth transition between the red and black makes for an eye-catching design.
Ombre Nails
These nails have a rounded shape. They are painted with red and black colors that fade into each other in an ombre effect. At the bottom of the nails is a dark black shade that slowly changes into a bright red at the top of the nails. No colors other than red and black are used.
Overlay Gel Rose Nails
These almond shaped nails start with a fresh pink rose-colored base coat. Then an overlay of dimensional squares is applied using just red and black gel polishes. On some nails the squares are red with black outlining, and on others the pattern is reversed with black squares outlined in red.
Poker Nails
These square shaped nails are painted with red and black polish to resemble playing cards. Some nails are painted red with a thin black border around the edge like the spades and hearts suits. Other nails are black with a red interior like the clubs and diamonds suits. No other colors are used besides red lining the edges of some nails and black filling in others.
Polka Dots And Strips
These nails have a squoval shape. Some nails have a black background with round red polka dots painted on. Other nails have horizontal red and black stripes painted across the nail. No other colors are incorporated besides red and black. The polka dots and strips patterns keep the nails eye-catching while respecting the limited color request.
Poppy Red With Black Leaves
A closeup shot of a woman’s hand holding a flower. The nails are painted a bright poppy red color. Intricate black leaf designs are painted on each nail, adding natural beauty to the vivid color. The leaves look very realistic and flow across the nails like they are growing from the fingertips. It is a striking and eye-catching natural design.
Printed Black Red Nails
This photo shows a woman’s fingernails who has had an edgy black and red manicure done. Each nail has been painted a matte blood red color and features a different printed black design. Ranging from zebra stripes to leopard spots, the designs give the normal red nails a stylish and rebellious twist.
Printed Stiletto Nails
This close-up shot displays a set of elegantly shaped stiletto nails that have been given an artistic printed design. Each long, tapered nail has a white or nude base with a graphic black pattern precisely painted on. Flowers, dots, and geometric shapes cover the tips, adding a touch of creativity.
Prom Gel Red Black Nails
This photo shows a stunning red and black ombre gel nail design perfect for prom. The nails start dark red at the cuticle and fade into rich black at the tip, creating a smooth gradient effect. Small metallic flecks are mixed into the polish adding subtle sparkle. The elongated almond shape and flawless application make the manicure look professionally done.
Raspberry Red Black Crystal Nails
This close-up shot features nails painted a vivid raspberry red color and adorned with delicate black crystal accents. Tiny black crystal flowers have been precisely placed atop the red polish on each nail for an elegant design. The crystals catch the light and make the nails sparkle subtly.
Red Black Glitter Nails
This photo shows a eye-catching set of nails displaying a red and black glitter design. The nails each have a base of rich crimson polish topped with a mix of holographic black and red hexagonal glitters. The glitters twinkle and dance as the light hits them, adding dimension and flair. It’s a festive manicure that will shine and stand out.
Rhinestone Square Nails
This up-close photo exhibits nails with an artistic and geometric rhinestone design. Each square-shaped nail has been carefully affixed with precisely placed clear rhinestones arranged into varying patterns. Straight lines, grids and more create optical illusion-like effects on the light-catching surfaces.
Shimmry Floral Nails
This hand displays beautifully designed nails with delicate floral accents. A light silvery shimmer polish coats the nails as a backdrop. Small pink and purple flower pieces have been strategically placed on the nails, resembling a blossoming garden. Their light catching petals add an ethereal natural touch.
Shiny Gradient Nails
This photo shows a set of nails with a show-stopping color gradient manicure. Each nail has a base color that smoothly transforms into the next, going from pale pink to coral to tangerine to ruby. The seamless transition makes for an eye-catching effect. A high-gloss topcoat adds vibrant shine that magnifies the vibrant palette.
Short Funky Nails
This hand sports a unique set of short nails with quirky styling that pushes boundaries. Each nail is kept short in length but stands out with its own bold design. Splattered paint, polka dots and zigzags create a playful yet eclectic look. The unexpected mix of motifs and colors bring an individualistic scruffy coolness.
Short Oval Nails
This photo features beautifully groomed short oval nails given a sheer polish. The nails showcase their subtle natural shape which is elongating yet softly rounded. A clear or pale polish allows the natural pinkish-beige color of the nails to shine through subtly. It’s a fresh spring like style that is polished yet understatedly pretty.
Sketchy Almond Nails
These nails sport an artistic almond shape and unique sketch-inspired designs. Each nail presents a different hand-drawn motif brushed on in delicate strokes of black. Florals, leaves and script add a bohemian touch. The freehand nature lends an impromptu quality whilst maintaining the elongation of the flattering almond shape.
Smooth Gel Nails
This photo features a pristine set of nails with a flawless gel manicure. The natural almond shaped nails have been enhanced and elongated with a layer of shiny, clear gel polish. Their smooth surface reflects light like glass, highlighting their perfect contours. Small details like cuticles and skin imperfections disappear for the illusion of seamless, salon-quality nails.
Spiral And Star Nails
This hand shows off artistic nails with intricate designs painted freehand. Each nail sports either a winding spiral or collection of tiny stars in different colors. Delicate brushstrokes create compositions ranging from neo-classical to dreamlike. Subtle placement and blending of hues like blues, pinks and white give the symbols depth.
Square Web Nails
This photo features nails shaped into modern square tips and enhanced with woven thread designs. Intricate black lattice patterns resembling cobwebs have been carefully applied across the nails. Lines crosshatch and weave meticulously within the borders. The geometric crispness of the squares is offset by the delicate curvature of woven thread.
Squared Oval Geometric Nails
These nails showcase a squared off oval shape and graphic geometric designs. Each nail is polished in a neutral cream color as a clean backdrop for black lines. Triangles, hexagons and grid patterns cover the surfaces. The sleek angular motifs are accentuated by the modern square nail tips. Precise application lends the designs a high-tech crispness for a striking yet elegant look.
Stary Almond Nails
This photo features nails with an eye-catching stary almond shape and sparkling blue finish. The nails taper inward sharply before flaring out into points. Tiny flecks of glitter dot the smooth midnight blue polish, resembling stars in the night sky. When caught in the light, they twinkle playfully.
Stiletto Glitter Nails
These long, lean nails portray an elegant stiletto shape enhanced with glittering glamour. Their sharp tapered tips and precise edges accentuate length. A clear base allows vibrant iridescent glitter flecks in shades of teal, fuchsia and gold to flake off dramatically with every move.
Straight Lines On Square Nails
These squared nail tips showcase geometric graphic designs through precise line work. Straight black lines intersect perpendicularly across each nail, segmented into uneven grids and patterns. The bold linear formations stand out against the clean white backdrop. Thin brushes ensured razor-sharp edges for a high-tech avant-garde look.
Tapered Square Nails
These nails show off an edgy tapered square shape complemented by subtle shimmer. Their sleekly angled sides lead to delicate points that elongate the look. A pale rose polish enhances the organic curves within the architectural angles. Scattered micro-glitter specks catch the light as the nails shift, adding just a kiss of luminous sparkle.
Tomato Red Black Swirl Nails
These nails paint a colorful scene with spiraling hues. A rich tomato red base dance with thin stripes of black that gracefully wind and curl around each nail. The dynamic swirls form individual works of art against the bright backdrop. Subtle movement stirs up the pigments into new arrangements. It’s a standout modern manicure that stimulates the eye.
Trendy Ghost Nails
These trendsetting nails feature a pale, ethereal style fitting for hauntingly chic ghost nails. Each nail sports a milky white coat and delicate elongated oval tip. At the center of the nail bed, an abstract smoky silhouette creates an illusion of a wandering spirit. The barely-there motifs deliver spooky vibes in a subtly alluring way.
Valentine Square Nails
These square nails celebrate Valentine’s Day with a sweet design. A rosy pink polish dresses the nails as a Valentine’s palette. Upon each is a delicate white heart with intricate lace detailing inside. Applied with an ultra-fine brush, the hearts appear almost embroidered. They add just the right romantic touch to the sharp nail edges.
Velvet Red Coffin Nails
These nails elongate the fingers dramatically into pointed coffin shapes. A rich velvety red wraps around the nails, resembling blood-colored satin. The inky hue intensifies towards the tips of the subtly almond-shaped ends. When caught in light, the texture gleams like the sumptuous pile of lush fabric.
Warm Wine Glitter Nails
These nails sparkle with the colors of a cozy winter drink. A rich burgundy creme polish acts as the base, evocative of a warm wine. Embedded in the layers are ruby-toned glitter flecks that catch the light like floating embers. Swirls of pigment create a dreamy ombre effect from deep plum onto dusky rose at the tips.
Conclusion
Black and red nails are a striking way to feel glamorous and confident for prom night. Whether you prefer a classic red manicure or a more intricate design incorporating black accents, these powerful colors can instantly amp up any outfit. The designs showcased here offer a variety of modern and stylish takes on black and red that will photograph beautifully.
No matter which design you choose, you’re sure to turn heads on the dance floor and make lasting prom memories with a manicure that exudes bold sophistication. Red and black nails are a timeless combination that will add just the right pop of drama and edge to your prom look.