13 Nail Colors and Styles that Enhance Tanned Skin

We share with you a list of 8 colors and 5 nail styles that enhance the beauty of the hands of women with dark skin, check it out now!
13 Nail Colors and Styles that Enhance Tanned Skin

Last update: 15 July, 2023

Find out which nail colors and styles will best highlight your dark skin color. Contrary to what you might think, the options are endless. So the invitation is to step out of your comfort zone, and take the risk of trying new colors and styles that will make you look elegant and beautiful.

Want to know more? Then keep reading, because we will give you 13 options divided into shades and styles that can highlight your skin color.

8 nail colors for dark skin

The 8 nail colors that we’re going to recommend look great on those with dark skin. This is because they generate contrasts with the skin, adding elegance, freshness, glamour and modernity to the manicure, enhancing the beauty of the hands and nails.

Check out this article for more tips: Wavy Nails: Why it Happens and How to Fix Them

1. Deep red

Nail colors.

Deep red is a nail polish color considered a classic that never goes out of fashion. It can be worn by women with different skin tones; but it enhances the beauty of the hands of  women with dark complexions.

This is a shade that is considered bold and risky, so many women don’t like it. However, the color adds a lot of sophistication to the nails, which will be the center of attraction. Therefore, the right thing to do is to apply the color in a very neat way, taking care of the edges.

2. Coral

Nail polish.

Coral is a bright and cheerful option that brightens the overall look of nails on dark skin. This warm, vibrant color creates a beautiful contrast to darker skin tones and adds a touch of freshness and vibrancy. This shade can be used in its more pastel or brighter version and equal results will be achieved.

3. Cobalt blue

Blue nails on a lovely girl.

Another nail color that stands out the most on dark-skinned women is cobalt blue. It doesn’t matter if your nails are long, medium or short, this tone is sober and bright; at the same time it will turn your hands into the center of attention. As with the red shade, its application should be applied very neatly.

4. Emerald green

Emerald green nails.

Emerald green is an exuberant and luxurious tone that has become a trend applicable to home decoration, clothing and even nail color. Particularly, it is a color that stands out on women with brown skin, who will sport a glamorous pedicure.

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5. Deep purple

Purple nails.

Most deep purple shades, such as eggplant or plum, are ideal for brunettes. These colors create a beautiful and elegant contrast, bringing a touch of mystery and sensuality to the nails. They have an advantage over the other colors, and, being darker, they become a modern, but safe option.

6. Fuchsia pink

Pink nails.

If there is one thing that Barbie taught us for decades, is that you can be whatever you want to be. A premise that reminds us of the fuchsia pink color that is back in trend due to the release of the live-action film of the most famous doll in the world.

Although it’s also a bit of a risky choice, this is one of the nail colors that stand out the most on dark skin. It doesn’t only add femininity, but also fun and a lot of attitude.

7. Metallic shades

Silver nails.

Nail polish in metallic shades is a great option when we talk about brunette women. Both gold and silver, and other shades in their metallic version, are synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and elegance. They are avant-garde colors that never go out of style.

8. Warm nude

Colores nude para las uñas de mujeres con piel morena.

Warm nude tones, such as beige and earth tones, are excellent choices for women of any skin tone. However, we can’t lie, they look great on those with dark complexions, because they highlight your hands in a much more natural and neutral way.

Another great article about nails picked for you: Dot Nails: The Latest Trend in Minimalist Nails

5 nail styles that enhance brown skin tone

Now that you know which nail colors most enhance brown skin, it’s time to know which are the styles that fulfill this same objective. Remember that you can always adapt the recommended styles to your personal taste, until you find the one that makes you feel confident, elegant and beautiful.

1. Nails with gold details

Strange nails.

Adding gold details, such as lines, dots or ornaments, to dark skin nails creates a striking and luxurious contrast. Gold stands out beautifully against the dark background of the skin. This shade can be used in subtle details, as we see in the reference photo, or with a more leading role, you decide.

2. Nails with floral design

Flowery nails.

Floral designs on nails, whether in the form of prints, stickers or hand-painted details, add a feminine and romantic touch on dark skin. Bright colors and delicate details complement the warmth of the complexion. As you can see in the image, it’s the orange hue that enhances the decor, something you could achieve with any color you choose, as long as it’s eye-catching.

3. Nails with marble design

More strange nails.

The marble design on the nails, is an elegant and modern option that goes great on brown skin. The soft and subtle patterns of marble create a sophisticated and high-contrast look on the nails. This finish can be achieved with light shades, as you see in the image, or darker ones, depending on your preference.

4. Stiletto nails

A sexy woman with red nails.

Claw or stiletto nails are a bold and daring option that stands out on dark skin. This elongated, pointed shape, usually achieved with techniques such as acrylic, adds a touch of sensuality and glamour to the hands. It’s a style that works well in solid shades, such as the deep red we see in the image, and also with designs that mix shades and shapes.

5. Nails with shiny stones

Black nails.

Finally, we conclude this list of colors and styles of nails that enhance dark skin with a manicure that includes shiny stones, which are an ideal option when you want to innovate, without risking too much. We’re referring to the stiletto nail style in shiny black, something very classic, whose level is elevated with the small shiny stones, joined together to form a heart.

Which of these colors and nail designs that enhance brown skin do you prefer?

As you can see, there’s a wide range of colors and styles that you can use on your nails to enhance your brown skin, through manicures. From classic shades to more daring ones, from short nails to long and pointed nails like stilettos, they will make your hands stand out with elegance and a lot of glamour.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.