Matte black nails: They're dramatic, vampy, totally badass, and yet, incredibly versatile. They're the mani equivalent of your favorite leather jacket or your go-to LBD – the things we wear to look effortlessly chic. And like these closet staples, matte black nails can be worn with basically everything.

However, there are a few things to know about pulling off flawless matte black nails. First, your matte black mani is only as good as your matte black nail polish (we like Orly Matte Fx Nail Polish, in Iron Butterfly, $10). Or you could simply apply a matte topcoat, like Base Coat Matte Top Coat, $20, over your favorite shade of black nail polish. Then, you'll just need acetone, a detail brush and a steady hand (matte black nail polish is unforgiving when it comes to mistakes). Plus, a little design inspo – which we can provide. From unexpectedly feminine designs to edgy-AF matte black nail art, keep reading to discover gorgeous matte black nail art in patterns, textures, and color combos for every taste.

Trimming little and often is usually the best approach. Trim the sharp ends off the nails (usually no more than 1-2mm in length) at least monthly. If you do catch the quick and make the nail bleed, it will clot on its own. Opinions vary on whether you need to assist the clotting by stemming the flow of blood using flour, styptic powder etc., but even applying them doesn't always fully stop the bleeding.

You know those beauty trends that look really, really cool, no matter who's wearing them? (Lookin' at you, hair cuffs, shaggy bangs, and red lipstick.) Welp, you can officially add matte nail polish to the list; it's the only thing I'll be using for the next, uh, eternity.

Soft, hazy, and definitively understated, matte polishes turn any basic manicure into a legit beauty lewk. And to get you inspired to try the trend out immediately, I handpicked the prettiest, most screenshot-worthy designs to DIY at home.

To get these segmented, three-shade nails, place two pieces of tape over your nail, leaving a thin strip between the two. Paint the empty space with white nail polish, then (after it fully dries), cover half of the stripe with another piece of tape and paint the rest of the stripe red. After that polish dries, move the tape again to section off another part of the nail and paint it black. Finally, mattify the whole look with a matte top coat.

Fun fact: you don't have to shell out $20 every week to get a salon-worthy manicure — nor do you have to spend 30 minutes painstakingly polishing your nails at home. The much cheaper, easier, and less time-consuming solution? Press-on nails. Though the concept might seem nostalgic, press-ons have come a long way since the ones you used in middle school. And whether you're into short, minimalist manicures or long, intricately designed tips, you can find an impressive selection of the best press-on nails right on Amazon.

But before you get to the fun part (shopping), one important tip. For press-on nails that last, it's all about using the right glue. Use a cheap one, and your nails might fall off within a day or two. The best glues for press-on nails, on the other hand, can last up to a few weeks. And while many packs of nails will come with their own glue, it's much better to stock up on a higher quality formula, especially if you plan on doing your own press-on manicures frequently.

Matte Black nails are the ultimate form of sophistication, with just a little bit of edge. Keep it simple with no embellishments or patterns for a sleek and elegant look. Matte black nails: They're dramatic, vampy, totally badass, and yet, incredibly versatile. They're the mani equivalent of your favorite leather jacket or your go-to LBD – the things we wear to look effortlessly chic. And like these closet staples, matte black nails can be worn with basically everything.