AceShowbiz - Hailey Bieber is setting the tone for this fall’s biggest beauty trend with her striking black manicure, turning what some might consider an edgy choice into a chic, versatile statement. At the 2026 Academy Museum Gala, she stunned in a bubblegum-pink Chanel gown paired with glossy jet-black nails, showcasing how this shade can effortlessly balance sweetness with a touch of glam goth allure.

Hailey Bieber’s nails, crafted by her trusted artist Zola Ganzorigt, featured an elongated almond shape finished with a lacquer-like shine using OPI Intelli-Gel in Black Onyx. This choice marked a departure from her usual barely-there manicures, proving that black nails can be polished, sophisticated, and anything but basic. The contrast of the dark nails against her soft, feminine dress highlighted black polish’s ability to ground and elevate any look, making it a major player in autumn beauty wardrobes.

The resurgence of black nails goes beyond Hailey Bieber. Icons like Dua Lipa and Kylie Jenner have long embraced black polish as a year-round staple rather than a seasonal whim. Jenner’s glossy black, almond-shaped nails paired with a playful, feather-trimmed pink dress at a recent holiday event echoed the same theme of mixing dark polish with light, fun fashion to create a striking visual balance. This inversion of the traditional approach—using black nails to anchor pastel outfits—has become a defining style move among tastemakers.

Adding dimension to the classic black manicure, Selena Gomez has explored textured finishes, opting for a black velvet manicure that brings a soft, light-catching quality to the deep shade. Crafted by her nail artist Tom Bachik using Chanel’s Le Vernis in Le Diable En Chanel, this approach adds a tactile richness that transforms the simple black polish into an elevated accessory. The velvet finish introduces a subtle sophistication, demonstrating black’s versatility beyond the high-gloss shine.

Black nails continue to evolve with the season, adopting finishes like chrome or magnetic cat-eye effects to inject drama during the festive months. Nail shape also plays a crucial role: longer almond nails, favored by Hailey Bieber and Jenner, project sleek glamour, while shorter, squarer shapes offer a more understated yet edgy vibe. Across skin tones and personal styles, black polish has proven itself a universal “winter nude,” effortlessly pairing with everything from casual knits to couture gowns.

This trend’s staying power lies in its adaptability and timeless appeal. As Hailey Bieber and her contemporaries model, black nails are no longer just a statement of rebellion or goth chic—they’re a fashion-forward essential that can be tailored to any mood or occasion. Expect to see this minimalist yet bold manicure dominate red carpets, parties, and everyday wear as the go-to finish for the season.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Vogue.