22 Gothic Nails That’ll Make You the Envy of the Underworld
Dark, dramatic, and dripping with attitude—gothic nails are the ultimate way to show off your edgy side. Whether you’re a seasoned nail art pro or a beginner, these 22 designs will inspire your next manicure. Get ready to slay the night (or the grocery store) with these fierce looks.
1. Blood Drip Delight
Nothing says “gothic” like a little fake blood. This design is perfect for Halloween or just scaring your coworkers.
Start with a deep black base, then use red polish to create dripping “blood” from the tips. Pro tip: Use a thin brush or toothpick for precision. Bonus points if you add glossy topcoat for a wet look.
2. Cemetery Chic
Channel your inner Victorian ghost with this eerie graveyard vibe.
Paint your nails a matte gray or off-white, then add tiny crosses, tombstones, or even a full moon. Trust me, this one’s a conversation starter at parties (or funerals).
3. Spiderweb Sorcery
Simple but effective—spiderwebs are a gothic staple.
Start with a dark base (black or deep purple), then use white or silver polish to draw delicate webs. FYI, a striping brush makes this way easier. Perfect for when you want to look creepy without trying too hard.
4. Velvet Vampire
Matte black nails with a velvet finish? Yes, please.
Use a matte topcoat over black polish for that luxe, velvety look. Pair it with a glossy accent nail for contrast. Seriously, this one screams “I drink red wine and know things.”
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Ghoul
Why be gothic only in the light? Glow-up your nails for nighttime drama.
Paint your nails with glow-in-the-dark polish over a black base. Add subtle details like stars or bats that’ll shine when the lights go out. Ideal for raves or midnight strolls through haunted forests.
6. Shattered Glass Elegance
This look is all about broken beauty—literally.
Start with a dark base, then layer on iridescent cellophane or chrome flakes for a “shattered” effect. It’s edgy, glamorous, and surprisingly easy to DIY.
7. Poison Apple Red
Deep, vampy reds are a gothic classic.
Go for a high-shine finish or add black tips for a twist on the French manicure. Pair it with a black lace glove (optional but highly recommended).
8. Bones and Bats
Who says skeletons are just for Halloween?
Paint tiny bones or bats on a black or navy base. Use white or metallic polish for contrast. IMO, this one’s perfect for when you want to look morbidly cute.
9. Gothic Lace Romance
Lace nails are delicate yet dark—perfect for a gothic bride or anyone who loves drama.
Use lace stickers or freehand delicate patterns with a thin brush. Pro tip: Layer over a sheer black or red for a stained-glass effect.
10. Midnight Galaxy
Dark nails with a cosmic twist? Sign us up.
Start with a black base, then sponge on deep blues and purples for a galaxy effect. Add tiny stars or moons for extra magic. Ideal for when you want to feel like a dark sorceress.
11. Blackened Roses
Roses are red… unless they’re gothic.
Paint black roses on a deep burgundy or black base. Add thorns or vines for extra edge. Perfect for when you want to look like you’re in a Tim Burton movie.
12. Ouija Board Nails
Summon some style with this spooky design.
Paint tiny Ouija board letters or a planchette on a black or wood-grain base. FYI, this one’s a hit at seances (or girls’ night).
13. Devilish Dots
Polka dots get a gothic makeover.
Go for black dots on blood-red nails or white dots on black. Keep them uneven for a more organic, eerie feel. Simple but striking.
14. Gothic French Tips
Who says French tips have to be boring?
Swap the classic white for black, silver, or even blood-red tips. Add tiny spikes or studs for extra attitude. Perfect for when you want to keep it subtle but sinister.
15. Tarot Card Magic
Channel your inner fortune teller with this mystical design.
Paint tiny tarot cards (think: The Moon or Death) on a dark base. Use gold or silver accents for that vintage vibe. Ideal for when you want to look like you know everyone’s secrets.
16. Chains and Shadows
This design is all about metallic drama.
Paint delicate chains or shadowy figures on a matte black base. Use silver or gunmetal polish for contrast. Trust me, this one’s a head-turner.
17. Gothic Gradient
Ombré nails, but make them gothic.
Blend black into deep purple, red, or even green for a moody fade. Add glitter or chrome for extra depth. Perfect for when you want dimension without the effort.
18. Skull and Crossbones
Pirate vibes meet gothic glam.
Paint tiny skulls or crossbones on a black or navy base. Add rhinestones for a “treasure” effect. Ideal for when you want to look dangerous (but in a fun way).
19. Witchy Moon Phases
Celebrate the dark side of the moon.
Paint each nail with a different moon phase on a starry black base. Use white or gold for contrast. Perfect for coven meetings or brunch with your witchy friends.
20. Gothic Glitter Bomb
Glitter isn’t just for rainbows—dark glitter is everything.
Layer black or red glitter over a matching base. Go for chunky or fine glitter depending on your mood. Ideal for when you want to sparkle… but menacingly.
21. Razor-Sharp Stilettos
Stiletto nails are already gothic—amp them up.
Go for a glossy black or deep red with metallic tips. Add tiny spikes or studs for extra edge. Perfect for when you want to look like you could stab someone (but won’t).
22. Gothic Negative Space
Less is more—but make it spooky.
Leave parts of your nail bare for a modern twist on gothic nails. Paint black lace or spiderwebs over nude or clear polish. Ideal for when you want to keep it minimalist but mysterious.
Ready to rock these gothic nails? Whether you go full-on vampire or keep it subtly sinister, these designs will have you looking like the darkest, coolest version of yourself. Now go forth and terrify (or at least impress) everyone you meet.
