Nail Colors for Dark Skin
If anyone’s told you to stick to neutrals, ignore them. Dark skin gives you the most range of any tone: brights land hard, pales show up properly, and deep shades gain richness instead of going flat.
All 403 shades are here on a dark-skinned hand. Blues, reds and greys give you the most that will really stand off your hand — but nothing here is off-limits, so try the ones you’ve always been told to avoid too.
Set your nail shape and length, then work down the color bar until something stops you.
By color family on dark skin: red · pink · nude · plum · purple · blue · green · orange · yellow · black · grey
Questions people ask before they buy
What nail colors look best on dark skin?
Blues, reds and greys give you the most that will really stand off your hand — but nothing here is off-limits, so try the ones you’ve always been told to avoid too.
Should I avoid any colors on dark skin?
No — every one of the 403 shades is here to try on dark skin, including the ones you might assume won't work. Try before you rule anything out.
Can I see one color family on dark skin instead of everything at once?
Yes — dark skin has its own page for every family: red, pink, nude, plum, purple, blue, green, orange, yellow, black and grey. Start with red or pick any of the others above.
Does nail shape or length change how a color looks on dark skin?
Yes. Set your shape and length while you're comparing colors — the same shade reads differently short and round than it does long and stiletto.