Black nails are commonly believed to be staples for a grunge, emo, or gothic look — but styles and trends are never set in stone.
So, if you want to look edgy and still maintain a feminine appeal, consider pairing black nails with the iconic leopard print. Now that’s a trend that will never go out of fashion!
Here, we give you the lay of the land and also throw in 30+ designs for black leopard print nails you can use to jumpstart your journey to creating the perfect manicure.
Why We Love Black Leopard Print Nails
Extravagant and artistic, black leopard print nails will stake a claim to your heart.
This stunning design features a heady mix of chic, wild, and effortless, giving us major heart eyes. It’s a simple way to establish anyone as “that girl” in a room full of fashionistas.
Plus, leopard print simply goes well with just about any outfit — how many nail designs can offer that versatility?
Give this animal print a chance with the extra-dramatic “black-as-your-soul” hue for a truly appealing nail design that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and sassy!
Video Tutorial: Black Leopard Print Nails
Nailing the classic leopard print can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Follow this video guide to create a wearable and chic black leopard print design like a pro — even with beginner-level expertise!
30+ Ideas for Black Leopard Print Nails
Black leopard print nails often conjure images of white leopard print spots on a black base.
But why stick to the basics when you have these 30+ magnificent designs to experiment with?
From minimalist to sexy and dramatic, these nail designs will help you match your nails with your outfit and still get to channel your inner Wednesday Addams!
1. Matte Black Leopard Nails

2. Black French and Leopard Print Nails

3. Black Nails With Glitter Leopard Print

4. All Black Nails With Leopard Print

5. Long Leopard Print Nails With Black

6. Leopard Print Nails With Black

7. Shiny Black Leopard Print Nails

8. Black Leopard Print Nails With Chrome

9. Orange and Black Leopard Print Nails

10. Rainbow Black Leopard Print Nails

11. French Tip Black Leopard Print Nails

12. Yellow and Black Leopard Print Nails

13. Colourful Nails With Black Leopard Print

14. Acrylic Black Leopard Print Nails

15. Glitter Black Leopard Print Nails

16. Nude Black Leopard Print Nails

17. Pink and Black Leopard Print Nails

18. Neon Nails with Black Leopard Print

19. Black Nails With French Leopard Print Tips

20. Purple Nails With Black Leopard Print

21. Short Black Leopard Print Nails

22. Coffin Shape Nails With Black Leopard Print

23. Red Nails with Black Leopard Print

24. Ombre Nails With Black Leopard Print

25. Black Leopard Print Nails on a Liquid Vinyl

26. Colourful Stripes with Black Leopard Print Nails

27. Half and Half Black Leopard Print Nails

28. Mint Green Nails With Black Leopard Print

29. Reverse French Black Leopard Print Nails

30. Heart Shaped Black Leopard Print Nails

31. Glitter Gold Black Leopard Print Nails

32. Abstract Black Leopard Print Nails

33. Flames in Black Leopard Print Nails

34. Monochrome Black Leopard Print Nails

35. Bling-Bling Black Leopard Print Nails

Trends for Black Leopard Print Nails
Black leopard print nails can turn heads with pretty much any type of design, but these ten designs reign supreme on TikTok and Instagram:
- Accent nails in leopard print — in beige and black, glammed up with gold foil lines. The rest are in black, some painted completely and some as a French tip.
- Black and brown glitter on a sweet and cool nude base.
- Black leopard print on a silver glitter base.
- Classic French tip in black, with patches of leopard print on one half.
- French tip leopard print, with the rest of the nail in black.
- Leopard print with/without negative space on the accent nail, with jet black matte on all others.
- Ombre base, with a gorgeous gradient shifting from the lightest hue of black to the darkest, elevated with brown and beige leopard print.
- Simple black base with matte/glitter/3D leopard print spots.
- Print mixing, with leopard print on one nail and zebra or zig-zag on another, with black on the other fingertips.
- White base on your two digits spruced up with black leopard print pattern, and plain black color on other fingertips for a dramatic look.
5 Shapes For Black Leopard Print Nails
Black leopard print nails are a moment, but they look better on some nail shapes than others. Get your nail file ready to grind your nails to one of these shapes for a look nobody will forget.
- Ballerina or Coffin Nails: This nail shape gives off both edgy and feminine vibes, perfect when you want to make a statement. However, you may need regular salon appointments for their upkeep.
- Oval Nails: This shape is a runway favorite for a reason. If you have a wide nail bed, create an egg-like shape at the tips to make your fingers look long and slender.
- Square Nails: This low-maintenance shape is best for long, narrow nail beds and is practically custom-made for those who spend their day clicking away at keyboards. Besides, it also gives you more surface area to work your charm on.
- Squoval Nails: This universally flattering, functional shape will help you pull off the sophisticated black leopard print design without much effort!
- Stiletto Nails: A dramatic pointed tip is the hallmark of this style. You can use it to create a statement, but you may need some acrylics for help.
So, which nail shape will you start your journey to black leopard print nails with?