'Black Cherry' nails look so classy and expensive - here are 6 ways to wear the shade this winter

'Black Cherry' nails are the latest dark red shade to claim the top spot this winter...

A hand with Black Cherry nails - by gel.bymegan, in front of a white linen background in a cream and burgundy template
(Image credit: @gel.bymegan)

Black Cherry nails are the latest burgundy manicure to top the trends and something tells us we'll be seeing this shade everywhere as winter continues...

When it comes to selecting both an expensive-looking nail design and a stylish, 2024 nail trend-approved look, there is one hue, in particular, that is currently out-ranking them all. Indeed, 'Black Cherry' is the latest iteration of dark red nails to seize the beauty world by storm and it's sticking around in the lead-up to spring. 

This shade is basically the nail equivalent to a swipe of red lipstick or a spritz of luxe perfume and whether you're planning on a new set of BIAB nails this season, or simply want a chic and easy manicure to recreate at home, here's why you should consider this Black Cherry hue for your next nail look... 

How to recreate 'Black Cherry' nails

What does Black Cherry entail exactly? Well, we've rounded up a selection of the best shades that perfectly echo this rich, juicy colour...

Quick picks to get Black Cherry nails at home

What are 'Black Cherry' nails?

The trend name refers to a specific shade of red nail polish, that is a dark, dark red - almost black colour, with a hint of purple. Think of a large glass of rich cabernet or a glazed cherry tarte and you've pretty much got the gist of it. 

Chanel's Rouge Noir is a famous example of a dark, cherry-red and regardless of your nail shape, it's the perfect, universally flattering shade to wear this season. Right now though, this colour is especially popular on short, more squared nails. So, if you're looking to ditch your long or almond-shaped talons in favour of shorter more minimalistic nails, this could be a great option for you.

Another key element of this look is the shine, so if you're planning to attempt this sophisticated mani at home, be sure to invest in one of the best nail strengtheners and a cuticle oil to help repair your damaged nails or just keep them in tip-top shape.

6 chic ways to wear Black Cherry nail polish

So, now that we've sussed out what this Black Cherry nail trend involves, here's a roundup of our favourite ways to wear it - from statement French tip designs to sophisticated nail shapes...

1. Short & squared Black Cherry nails

If in doubt, opting for a glossy, block nail colour - especially if you have shorter nails or are doing your manicure at home. This rich, black cherry shade looks so chic on its own and offers both a minimalistic feel, which will complement your capsule wardrobe, whilst also being a stylish statement.

Personally, we love short squared nails (as pictured above) as well as rounded nails. For the best colour pay-off, apply two to three coats of your chosen shade and follow up with a shiny top coat like this one from OPI, available at Amazon.

2. Black Cherry French tips

French tip is another stylish way to sport this wintery hue and while it's a very timeless look, you can actually have a lot of fun with it - take this black cherry nail with a navy tip look, for instance.

Of course, you can also opt for the classic design, with your natural nail topped with a clear coat of nude polish, with your black cherry colour applied to the tips of your nails in a half moon shape.

3. Negative-space Black Cherry nails

For those who love nail art, but still want to keep things chic and versatile, opting for just one colour and using negative space designs is a good way to avoid overcomplication. The dark red creates an eye-catching contrast with the natural nail, and you can create some really striking patterns and shapes this way.

To attempt this look at home, we'd recommend adding a few nail art brushes to your next online shop, like this nail brush set from Amazon.

4. Black Cherry and pearls

We're obsessed with this minimalist pearly look for the festive period! Simply recreate - or ask your nail artist - for a French manicure, using your chosen black cherry colour and then scatter a few tiny pearl beads to your nail.

Alternatively, you can also add these pearly decals to an all-black cherry look, or the above negative-space designs.

5. Almond Black cherry nails

If you prefer longer nails, this particular juicy shade also looks great on oval or almond shapes and will never fail to make the wearer look sophisticated and put together. 

If you opt for acrylics or gel extensions, we vote that you get this rich black cherry manicure scheduled in for before Christmas!

6. Square Black Cherry nails

If you prefer a slightly sharper, more angular look, this deep red also lends itself perfectly to a squared manicure.  If you have mid to long nails, this is a great shape to consider, more so with party season incoming because they just look so mature and sophisticated - especially when you factor in this Black Cherry hue.

Naomi Jamieson
Digital Beauty Writer

Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer from woman&home, where she covers everything from skincare to fragrance but specialises, particularly, in makeup and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi gets to share her trend expertise and share her own shopping recommendations and product reviews. Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products. 

Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, after always having a passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping...