Quick! Name a spring nail color! Chances are you immediately thought of robin’s-egg blue, petal pink, or butter yellow—something airy and delicate that reflects the gentle nudge toward warmer weather. Pastels are classic, no doubt, and I certainly find myself craving brighter colors as soon as the temperature inches above 40ºF, but allow me to convince you of a much edgier spring look: licorice French nails. Seen on A-listers and backed by celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec, this “anti-trend” design is here to stay all season—just you wait.
What are licorice French nails?
The licorice French is essentially just a black French mani with an emphasis on shine (like a piece of juicy licorice candy—get it?). “It’s a clean nail look that has a striking contrast,” notes Kandalec, as the dark hue looks stunning against a nude or white base. Consider it the “little black dress” of manicures. “Like an LBD, it looks good on everyone and matches everything,” she adds.
Here’s the thing. Black nail polish remains highly contested in the nail space. Even the chicest beauty fans remain fervently divided on the topic! That said, those who shy away from a full coat of inky lacquer might be more inclined to try the licorice French (especially the minimalists among us), as it requires just a stripe of dark polish at the tip.
Are black French tips trendy?
They’re at once classic and edgy, I’d say. See, French manicures are always an elegant choice, but swapping a white tip for glossy black makes the result look even more luxe. Dark French tips—be it black, brown, or burgundy—have also been trending since the fall (as vampy, moody colors typically do), so it makes sense why we’ve seen an uptick in the licorice mani on the red carpet lately.
Case in point? Raye, Kehlani, and Cardi B all sported black French tips at the 2025 Grammys, albeit in slightly different iterations. Kehlani opted for a classic black French manicure, while celebrity manicurist Yoko Sakakura secured elegant nail crowns to Raye’s licorice tips (pictured in the photo below!). Cardi B debuted a much bolder take at the event, showing off extra-long stiletto nails with a black “V” French atop an icy purple base.
As you can see, the trend is super versatile; you can get as grungy or polished as you please. It also suits every nail shape, from elegant almond to modern square to striking stiletto tips.
Why are they trending for spring 2025?
Now, is black nail polish the most on-theme choice for spring? Not by a long shot, but that’s exactly what makes it so chic. “It’s an anti-trend,” says Kandalec. “Like, ‘I know pastels are usually the trend, but I want to stand out.'” And there’s arguably no better way to make a bold nail statement than with a pitch-dark shade.
“I think it will stay on trend for the season,” Kandalec agrees. “It matches everything and is an excellent base for nail art of almost any colorway.” This means you could technically swirl a butter yellow or pale blue hue on top for a pop of springy color. But a licorice French on its own will always look elevated, and it’s a striking choice as we head into warmer weather.
Kehlani’s nail look for the Grammys, created by Johana Castillo
How to Get the Look
The most important aspect of the licorice French is the glossy black lacquer, so you’ll want to ensure the polish looks as slick and shiny as possible. Below, find all the steps you need.
- Create a liquid-like base: No matter which base layer you choose, Kandalec suggests making it perfectly smooth. In the salon, “this means asking for a structured manicure, a layer of structured gel beneath the gel polish to smooth any dips or imperfections,” she adds. “You should see a perfectly straight or slightly curved line of light (it depends on what overhead light you are under) when you hold your nail up to see the reflection.” Here’s an example you can use as a reference. “If that line breaks, that means the gel is not even and the gel polish color will mimic that unevenness as well (either dip or have a bump),” she explains. If you’re using regular polish, just make sure your nail plate is as smooth as possible; you may need to spend an extra minute buffing.
- Paint the tips: Using your black polish of choice (catch our recs below!), paint the free edges of your nails to create the French tips. Slow and steady is the name of the game here. Feel free to use a remover-soaked brush to clean up any jagged edges once the pigment dries.
- Choose your topcoat wisely: “The top coat should be a no-wipe or no-cleanse topcoat for the liquid look,” says Kandalec. “They are non-porous topcoats, so they are extremely shiny and resilient to future scratching from wear, too.” This is particularly relevant when it comes to gels, but your top coat matters for regular polish, too. Make sure to choose one that’s extra shiny for a liquid effect.
Shop the Trend
Gelish
Getting Reddy Cream Gel Polish Palette
Kandalec personally recommends this cream gel palette by Gelish. It features six buttery shades—including a high-gloss onyx—and a handy application brush for precise nail looks.
Aprés
French Manicure Gel – French Black
Here’s the exact gel polish used on Raye and Kehlani for their Grammys nail looks. It has an angled brush specifically created for detailed French manicures.
Chanel
Le Vernis – Le Diable En Chanel
A Chanel nail polish is always a good investment, but especially this classic inky confection. The possibilities are endless with this luxe shade.
This black gel polish has the perfect mirror finish.
JinSoon polishes are also the epitome of chic. They also last quite a while for regular polishes; I’ve worn this one for over two weeks.
Essie
Gel Couture Nail Polish – Like It Loud
If you’re looking for a regular polish that rivals gels, you can’t go wrong with Essie Gel Couture. It has some serious staying power.
Addiction Tokyo
The Nail Polish – 007C Pitch Black
This gorgeous, pitch-black shade is 10-free, 72% natural, and richly pigmented.
OPI
Mirror Shine Top Coat
As discussed, an ultra-shiny topcoat ties the entire look together. You can’t go wrong with OPI’s Mirror Shine!
Seche Vite
Dry Fast Top Coat
“For a thick topcoat that won’t smudge, Seche Vite still reigns supreme in my book and is super shiny!” notes Kandalec.
Aprés
Non-Wipe Glossy Top Gelcoat
For those partial to gels, this non-wipe Aprés number is divine. There’s a reason it’s praised time and again by celebrity manicurists.
