Why Black Is the Only Color of Nail Polish You Need

But I'm not alone in my obsession with noir nail polish — it can be seen on models and beauty bloggers as well as used in YouTube tutorials. To learn more about how to rock this moody lacquer, I chatted with Sarah Gibson Tuttle, the founder and CEO of luxury Los Angeles nail salon Olive & June.

When it comes to nail shape, Sarah said that black works on all geometric angles (round, square, etc). But, if you're unsure about trying out this statement hue, she advised to do it on a shorter nail that is either round or squoval (square with rounded edges). Because this is one of the most common and natural nail shapes, it will make your mani look more understated.

If you're tackling black nail polish at home on your own, Sarah emphasized the necessity of maintenance.

"It's important to touch up the polish frequently while applying, as it will bleed," she said. "It's a darker color and chips will be more obvious, so apply a topcoat every other day to preserve the look for as long as possible."

She also emphasized that you should apply a solid basecoat or else the highly pigmented nail polish could stain your digits.

In terms of choosing a specific polish, it's hard to go wrong. Sarah said she prefers "very inky, dark black[s], like Essie Licorice." She added that her clients love black fused with hints of gray, such as RBG Nail Color in Black.

All black nail polishes have characteristics and nuances in texture, tone, and shine: they can be mixed with specks of other colors, have a shimmery finish, or dry totally matte. According to Sarah, "no two black polishes are the same." But that's what keeps things exciting!

If you previously thought that black was boring, experiment with the subtle differences in polish shades to satisfy your need for variety. I'm personally a huge fan of the way matte black adds a high-fashion edge to this bold look — and I'm not alone. Matte black is also an especially great option for guys, and Sarah deems it the "coolest" look for gents.

If you're not completely ready for grungy nails or simply still feel that going with one solid color is boring, there are plenty of ways to incorporate festive details. Sparkles atop the black base — either on one nail or the entire set — can add texture and shine. A two-toned matte and shiny french manicure offers variation within the singular color scheme. Painting small graphic details in white polish creates a minimalist graphic look.

Finally ready to get behind my favorite nail color? There's no better time than party season and New Year's Eve. Shop the black polish picks ahead!

NARS Nail Polish in Night Breed ($20)

Nails Inc Nail Polish in Alexa Leather ($15)

JINsoon 'Pola Black' Nail Lacquer ($18)

Givenchy Beauty Nail Polish in Noir Satin ($20)

Deborah Lippman Nail Color in Fade to Black ($18)

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Union Jack Black ($15)