Fall manicure trends always favor moody-chic shades, but black cherry nails are in a league of their own. The color supports a high-gloss finish like no other, and its not-quite-red, not-quite-purple tone has a way of demanding a closer look.
“A black cherry nail has a depth and vibrancy that is sleek, elegant, and adds a little mystery,” says OPI North America Brand Education Manager, Lia Smith. It’s a great way to add some drama to your natural nails, especially if you’re joining certain celebs (and most of Gen Z) in a short, square nail fall. But the color also complements length: extended black cherry tips give major dark feminine energy.
Ready for a black cherry refresh? We’ve compiled everything you know about the trending shade, and how to make the most of it in your mani.
What are black cherry nails?
Like the name suggests, black cherry nails mimic the color of black cherries. They fall somewhere between a dark red and a deep purple, so within the trend you can tailor the perfect shade to your skin tone and desired aesthetic.
To maximize the elusive “something in-between” quality of the black cherry color, Smith layers OPI’s ‘Got the Blues for Red’ over a ‘Black Onyx’ base. For a one-and-done black cherry mani, she reaches for the cult-loved OPI Dark Cherry Chutney.
One of the most famous examples of a black cherry nail color is Chanel’s Rouge Noir, but there are plenty of other renditions, including salon-only shades like Love Potion, Pinotage, and Beauty of Perfection from Bio Sculpture. Other favorites include CND Black Cherry (in gel form from the salon or in a traditional nail polish to use at home) and Essie’s Bordeaux.
OPI Black Cherry Chutney Nail Lacquer
Chanel Le Vernis in Rouge Noir
CND Black Cherry Longwear Polish
Essie Bordeaux Salon-Quality Nail Polish
Why choose black cherry nails?
“A black cherry mani is so classic that it works with anything, like a little black dress,” Smith says. Black may be the ultimate fall neutral, but black cherry adds a little extra warmth while still keeping things versatile. It picks up on the colors of the leaves turning dark in autumn, and it lends itself to festive shades while still feeling very chic.
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How to wear black cherry nails?
“Black cherry nails are a fall staple because it’s such a chic, modern look each time,” Smith says. We love the color worn solid and extra glossy on any nail shape, but if you’re into nail art, there are plenty of ways to remix it as an accent. You can sub it in for a classic French tip, combine with with a style trend, like polka dots, or get literal: cherry nail designs have been on the rise all year. For a more done-up look, you can bring in a glittery element or a shiny chrome finish—you might even beat Hailey Bieber to her next food-themed glazed nail moment.
