14 Alluring Black Cherry Nail Designs for Your Ultimate Dark Manicure

Sometimes, a trend’s rise is as predictable as the seasons changing. This certainly rings true for black cherry nails—a luscious, dark red hue that has even found its way onto the fingertips of this very writer as we go to press. It all started with Megan Fox showcasing this style in the summer of 2023, followed by Selena Gomez flaunting them at the January 2024 Emmys. As we kept an eye on our favorite nail Instagram accounts, we saw this captivating color continue to flourish. Most recently, Jessica Chastain embraced the trend at Milan Fashion Week. We can confidently predict that black cherry nails will remain the must-have dark manicure for seasons to come. Ready to dive in? Here are 14 stunning black cherry manicures you’ll want to replicate ASAP.

1. Velvet Black Cherry

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Transform a classic single-color manicure by opting for a textured top coat. The subtle velvet finish adds a gorgeous twist, with the color beautifully shifting between deep red and rich black.

2. Black Cherry Girlie

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These adorable nails are simply irresistible. Featuring a mismatched design, this look elevates black cherry with an actual cherry motif. For that extra cute touch, the cherry stems are playfully tied into tiny bows.

3. Black Cherry Jelly Gradient

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A jelly manicure instantly takes us back to the early 2000s, and this particular design does not disappoint. The gradient flows from a dark black cherry to a lively magenta shade, with shimmering gold flecks adding a perfect finishing touch.

4. Ombre Black Cherry

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Embrace the sophistication of ombré nails, where you can showcase every shade of black cherry, from the deepest tones to the lightest. This striking set radiates a beautifully spooky vibe, making it perfect for the season.

5. Black Cherry Plaid

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Capture the essence of autumn with this plaid-inspired black cherry manicure. Ideal for back-to-school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and beyond, this design beautifully integrates a fine line of black cherry polish to pull the whole look together.

6. Magnetic Black Cherry

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Looking to elevate a classic black cherry manicure? The mesmerizing cat-eye effect from the magnetic finish adds a cosmic allure that draws the eye from every angle.

7. Black Cherry Croc

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This manicure combines three of the hottest trends into one. Merging French tips with crocodile print and a black cherry twist, it’s a daring yet fabulous way to make a statement.

8. Sparkling Black Cherry

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If the earlier French manicure didn’t speak to you, consider this sparkling alternative. The key here is to apply glitter polish sporadically for a more natural and free-spirited feel.

9. Checkered Black Cherry

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Achieve ultra-sharp lines in this chic checkered black cherry design using tape for guidance. Just make sure your polish is completely dry before removing each strip of tape to preserve the integrity of your artwork.

10. French Black Cherry

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Reinvent the classic French manicure by introducing exciting colors and elements. Here, the black cherry shade shines brilliantly, while the subtle outline beneath the French tips adds a delightful twist.

11. Black Cherry Agate

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The agate accent nails provide a vibrant pop to the entire manicure. This marbled black cherry color paired with hints of gold introduces a striking visual interest to an otherwise simple design.

12. Wild Black Cherry

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Step out of your comfort zone by pairing black cherry with a bold animal print. This manicure merges two different prints on the same nail for an attention-grabbing effect that’s sure to impress.

13. Modern Art Black Cherry

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Who needs to visit a gallery when you can wear art on your nails? This modern art-inspired design utilizes black cherry as its foundation, ensuring that your nails not only sport the trendiest hue but also become a focal point of interest.

14. Black Cherry Bow

Instagram/ @myprettyset

What’s more charming than black cherry nails tied up with a bow? This eclectic manicure features bows in various textures, colors, and sizes, blending multiple aesthetics into one cohesive look.