40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (2024)

Acrylic nails offer women from all walks of life the opportunity to rock stylish and strong nail designs that celebrate womanhood. But Black women and acrylic nails go hand and hand. From ancient times to the current day, our ability to set trends, and push the envelope is unparalleled.

Fake nails date back to ancient Egypt originally worn by Egyptian royals as a symbol of wealth and high status. Acrylic nails as we know them now were invented accidentally by a dentist who used his dental acrylics to mend his own broken nail in the 1950s. Fast forward to the 1980s when a Black woman, The fastest woman alive, Ms. Florence Griffith Joyner wore them and popularized them as part of her trademark style while racing for Team USA in the Olympics.

Even with centuries of historical and cultural impact, acrylic nails (like many other Black cultural inventions) are still often devalued and described as unprofessional or “ghetto,” when worn by Black women, meanwhile applauded and praised as chic and trendy when worn by others.

This post celebrates everything that is bold, beautiful, and undeniably Black about acrylic nail styles. From short to long, nude to bedazzled every look brings with it fierce, fashionable femininity, Enjoy!

Are acrylic nails unprofessional?

No. Acrylic nails, like natural, polished, or gel nails are professional and appropriate so long as they are clean, not chipped, and not impeding your ability to perform in your professional role.

How many nail shapes are there?

There are approximately 8 nail shape variations: Square, Round, Oval, Squoval, Almond, Stiletto, Coffin, and Ballerina. An additional 5 shapes are Mountain peak, Arrow Head and Edge (similar to Stiletto), Lipstick, and Flare.

Are acrylic nails expensive?

A full set of acrylics can range from $25-$55 depending on where you live and the reputation of the nail technician. Researching your nail tech’s work including online reviews and referrals can help you avoid unsatisfactory results, infections, or long-term damage.

If you’d like to reduce the cost by doing your own nail set at home, all you need are:

Please only attempt to do your own acrylic nails if you already have some knowledge of nail application. If you’ve never done your nails at home, please go to a nail salon near you.

But if you’re up for the challenge and insist on doing your own nails at home, then I suggest watching this video to see how to use all of these tools and products to create the perfect nail set at home, please watch the video below.

RELATED POSTS

35 French Tips Nail Art on Black Women of All Skin Tones

30 Metallic and Chrome Nail Designs on Black and Brown Skin

40 Glamorous Glitter Nail Designs on Black Girls

40 Creative Square Nail Designs on Black Girls

35 Showy Short Nail Design Ideas On Black Skin

Will acrylic damage my nails?

Over time, acrylic nails can leave your natural nails dry and prone to breakage. Removing acrylics improperly can worsen this damage. Leave it to the professionals when it is time to remove your acrylics. Staying hydrated, taking breaks after 3 months of acrylic applications, and taking supplements can help combat potential damage.

If you´re a DIY queen and would prefer to take down your own nails at home, please watch the video below to see how to safely take down your nails without damage.

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (1)

These pictures are all sourced online. To be credited for your personal picture, please contact me with the exact picture, and I’ll be sure to credit you. This post also contains affiliate links which means that I earn a small commission if you make a purchase with my link, at no additional cost to you.

1. Natural pink crystal bling

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (2)

Iridescent rhinestones and diamond-like encrusted nail jewelry take these pink nails to the next level.

2. Burnt orange gold foil stilettos

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (3)

Matte top coat and nail foil complement gold and bronze jewelry.

3. Black and natural crystal flaming hearts

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (4)

Gemstone nail jewelry and rhinestones use the full length of this acrylic canvas in this chic handpainted design.

4. Fall-Themed Nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (5)

Play around with colors, textures, and designs with these playful nail designs.

5. Abstract Art Stiletto Nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (6)

This nail design is perfect for a woman who is into abstract art and creative designs. You can either recreate this design or come up with your own.

6. Assorted French tip designs on square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (7)

Variety is the spice of life. Here the indecisive can have it all; pink and white, cow print, rhinestones, and cartoon faces. No holds barred.

7. Pastel cartoon French tips

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (8)

Pretty pastels take a page from a comic strip, borrowing dimension, shading, and shadow techniques from cartoon illustrations. A simple but unexpected design.

8. Classic French tip freestyle square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (9)

Classic pink and white is beautiful with freestyle sweeping swooping lines for added interest.

9. Just Desserts sparkly square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (10)

Sweet tooths only. Here dessert-themed charms, jeweled appliques, rhinestones, and magnetic nail pom poms scream birthday girl season.

10. Baby blue variations on long square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (11)

The baby blue color palate will pair perfectly with blue denim of any shade. The combination of nail jewelry, gems, texture, and glitter is giving big date night energy

11. Rhinestones and glitter and bears oh my! Long mauve square and stiletto nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (12)

If you can dream it, then you can wear it. Nail charms come in every shape, size, and gummy bear flavor. Glitter sand adds sparkle and dimensions to this flirty look.

12. Mint and lilac short stiletto nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (13)

Stiletto? Mountain peak?, Sharp almond? No matter what you call the shape, these pastel pretties are a Spring fever dream.

13. Chocolate love on white square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (14)

She’s got her eyes on you! These freestyle chocolate hearts are serving up Black Love in a whole new way.

14. Sesame after dark, cartoon art on long square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (15)

Elmo? Cookie Monster? Is that you?? The artist puts a new adult spin on our favorite childhood characters. Every neighborhood has an after-hours scene!

15. Mirror French manicure on short square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (16)

Acrylic styles can be short and cute, especially when long glamorous nails impede your work. This short mirrored manicure is great for newbies who need to type or perform precision tasks.

16. Simple nude and white coffin nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (17)

This subtle white outline emphasizes the coffin shape without overpowering the monochromatic nude paint.

17. Shades of pink and assorted gemstones on long square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (18)

A pink color palette showcases floral, freestyle designs, and jewels for a most feminine style.

18. Purple reign on long ballerina nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (19)

Majestic purple hues, regal nail jewelry, ombre paint, and freestyle accents make for a royal style fit for a queen.

19. Hand-painted French tip in pink and white on ballerina nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (20)

Softly sweeping white paint accents are understated and elegant.

20. Pink and gold variety coffin nail “press ons”

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (21)

These ready-made designs are easily applied at home. Press-on kits make mixing and matching super easy.

RELATED POSTS

50 Gorgeous Gel Nail Designs on Natural Nails for Black Women

35 Designer Square/Coffin Nail Designs on Black Girls

30 Unique Matte Nail Designs On Dark Skin Women

30 Stiletto Nail Designs on Black Women That Are Stunning!

35 Artistic Oval/Almond-Shaped Nail Designs On Black Women

35 Trendy Black Girl Nail Designs For All Skin Tones

21. Green gradient stiletto nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (22)

These wicked green stiletto nails are frighteningly fierce.

22. Candy shop long square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (23)

Meet your boyfriend at the candy shop in these summertime sweet nails. Colorful charms are youthful and fun.

23. Minimalist natural square nails with pink and white accent and acrylic strengthening

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (24)

Here acrylic is layered upon natural nails to reinforce the natural length. A subtle powder and hot pink angular accent design emphasize natural nail contours.

24. Powder blue mountain peak (short stiletto) nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (25)

Prom perfect, masterful maid of honor, fine in formal wear. This perfectly posh look demands a closeup.

25. Gray sky pearl coffin nails with rhinestone accents

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (26)

White? Gray? Clouds? Sky? No matter the color name this mystery gray sky color is always a conversation starter.

26. Under the sea, mermaid jewels and glitter on coffin nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (27)

Black girl mermaids are all the buzz here lately. This mermaid tail color palette will turn heads.

27. Pretty in pink and gold on coffin nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (28)

Glitter makes everything better. Use whatever color that suits your fancy

28. Skin tone neutrals on coffin nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (29)

Gold foil, marbling, and ombre effect showcase how neutrals are everything right about this style.

29. Natural and nudes on medium almond nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (30)

Nail stencils will guarantee a precision gold line every time.

30. Tropical bright freestyle on long square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (31)

These beach-ready acrylics boast bright tropical colors and designs. Is it summer yet?

31. Short Bridal Nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (32)

These minimalistic stripped nails are perfect for brides and the bridal party.

32. Golden drip on nude almond nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (33)

The gold drip is a sexy addition to neutral matte nails. This design is alive with movement.

33. Shady French-tipped coffin nails with jeweled accent applique

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (34)

Diamond studded nail jewelry is just the statement piece to turn heads. The gray contour shadows add depth and nuance to this classic design.

34. Clear and white heavenly square acrylic nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (35)

This angelic look is soft, sweet, and innocent. The white petal art is cloudlike and as weightless as an angel’s wings. Perfect for weddings and graduations.

35. Sandy gold textured square nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (36)

Nail glitter powder adds visual interest and texture to this neutral color palette. The large Gucci logo charms are an unexpected nod to luxury.

36. “I Do,” Wedding day french with pearl studded tips on pink and white coffin nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (37)

Nothing says “going to the chapel” like a classic pink and white manicure. The pearl studding is symmetrical and stunning.

37. “Out of this world” glitter, marble, and ombre technique on space-themed coffin nails

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (38)

Here various paint techniques combine to bring the night sky alive right at your fingertips.

38. Just peachy short coffin acrylics

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (39)

A simple peach color palette gets a boost with opaque glitter paint.

39. Nude Subtle Nail Design

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (40)

If you’re into long nails but not so much into bright colors, you can choose a subtle color and design such as this one.

40. Classy claws matte black stiletto nails with polka dots

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (41)

This final look is EVERYTHING. Black matte claw-like stiletto nails are powerful, strong, and sexy. This design is perfect for someone who is into so many things but can’t decide. Choose a unique design for each nail and you can wear 5 different styles all at once!

40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (42)
40 Artistic Acrylic Nail Designs on Black Women - Coils and Glory (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6168

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.