13 Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas That Are Sophisticated and Spooky

black and white halloween ghost nails

@disseynails / instagram

There are so many color combinations associated with Halloween manicures (black and orange, for example) but black and white polish is definitely one of the most popular. The contrasting color mix is found everywhere during spooky season, and it's especially prevalent in the nail looks that emerge this time of year. Black and white nails are perfect for Halloween, as you can customize them in so many festive ways. You can opt for a classic ghost-inspired manicure or keep things more minimalist with black-and-white French tips—your options are endless. Ahead, we've rounded up 13 black and white Halloween nail ideas that range from sophisticated to spooky.

01 of 15

Black and White Ghost Swirl Nails

Black and White Ghost Swirl Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@disseynails / Instagram

Ghost nails will forever be a go-to design during Halloween, and this take is so cool and cute. From the chic swirls to the friendly little ghost eyes, this adorable manicure is bound to make you smile.

02 of 15

Spider Web Nails

spider web nails

@lolo.nailedit / instagram

Spider webs fit in with Halloween's creepy vibes, so this manicure is absolutely perfect for the occasion. Bring this look to life using Pearnova's Classic Lacquer ($14) in Absorb and Reflect.

03 of 15

Spooky Mismatch Nails

mismatched black and white halloween nails

@overglowedit / instagram

There's so much to appreciate about this mismatched manicure. The black drippy French tips, Frankenstein stitching, and googly eyes make this a Halloween nail design worth recreating.

04 of 15

Black and White Checker Nails

Black and White Checker Glitch Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@tinybrushes / Instagram

Looking at this manicure, you likely think your eyes are deceiving you. Rest assured, it's not your eyes. The nail artist purposefully painted these checker nails to look like a glitch. It's one of the most interesting black-and-white nail designs we've ever seen.

05 of 15

Black and White Ghost Nails

Black and White Ghost Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@disseynails / Instagram

Nail artist Dayanna l. Sapiens is the queen of cute mix-and-match French tips. Here, she paired black French tips with black daisies and a cute little ghost. It's the most adorable Halloween nail look.

06 of 15

Trippy Glitch Nails

Trippy Glitch Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@bhambnails / Instagram

Glitch manicures are clearly growing in popularity, so if you're intrigued by the trend, here's another way to rock it. The black and white squiggly lines create such a dynamic, abstract design.

07 of 15

Black and White Art Deco Nails

Black and White Art Deco Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@amyle.nails / Instagram

We love the look of these sheer white art deco nails. With such a unique design, this manicure can work well for spooky season or even a black-tie affair.

08 of 15

Zodiac Nails

Zodiac Nails - Byrdie Halloween Black and White Nail Ideas

@nails_of_la / Instagram

If you're into astrology, channel your zodiac love on your nails. This magical black and white mani is fit for Halloween and beyond. We love how the example above features a matte finish, as it creates an even starker contrast.

09 of 15

Spooky Almond Nails

Spooky Almond Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@bhambnails / Instagram

Prefer to be more literal? These matte black nails that say "spooky" in bone lettering are right up your alley. No doubt, these will require a professional's steady hand to recreate.

10 of 15

Black and White Smoky Nails

Black and White Smoky Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@bhambnails / Instagram

Sometimes, leaning into the Halloween season is as simple as bringing back the smoky marble technique of the mid-2010s. While this example is on the sheerer side, you can go as high-contrast as you'd like.

11 of 15

Beetlejuice French Tips

Beetlejuice French Tips - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@betina_goldstein / Instagram

Leave it to celebrity manicurist Betina Goldstein to create the tiniest, most head-turning black and white nail look. This black and white micro French tip design immediately makes us think of Beetlejuice.

12 of 15

Minimalist Ghost Nails

Minimalist Ghost Manicure - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nail Ideas

@heluviee / Instagram

If you're looking for a subtler take on ghost nails, this is for you. Simply paint small white ghosts on the tips of your nails and along your cuticles. Use a dotting tool to add the bold black eyes.

13 of 15

Skeleton Nails

skeleton nails

@amyle.nails / instagram

Skeletons are often a popular Halloween costume, so why not bring the look to your nails? Start with a glossy, black base, and then add bone designs across the middle of each nail.

14 of 15

Unexpected Mismatched Nails

mismatched black and white manicure

@amyle.nails / instagram

This is black-and-white manicure is beyond exciting because each nail features a different design. You've got squiggles, striking eyes, stripes, and spots—it's truly one of a kind.

15 of 15

Black Shimmer Nails

Black Shimmer Nails - Byrdie Black and White Halloween Nails

@lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Love a little shimmer? Copy this look, which features a sheer silver shimmer base with hand-drawn black stars and white dots. While the stars may seem daunting to DIY, all you need to do is use a mid-size dotting tool to achieve the design.

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