When it comes to classic manicure colours, the obvious come to mind: red, pink, nude. But what about black? Once a hot trend of the noughties, the shade experienced a mild dip in the decade that followed. But now, it’s making a comeback – and with a fruity twist, no less. As far as trends go, blackberry nails are ripe for the picking.
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What Are Blackberry Nails?
‘Blackberry nails encompass a polish shade that is an intensely deep, dark purple, closely resembling the colour of ripe blackberries,’ explains manicurist and Senior Mylee Ambassador, Tinu Bello. ‘This hue is so dark that it often appears nearly black, especially in low lighting, but reveals its rich purple undertones in brighter light. It’s a sophisticated, edgy choice for those who want a bold, dramatic look that still retains a touch of classic elegance.’
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And if the trend seems familiar, it’s for good reason. The blackberry manicure harks back to the late noughties – and the hybrid chic-grunge aesthetic that encapsulated the era. The style set stuck to short, rounded black (or almost-black) nails that were almost an exact replica of the mobile devices clutched between eager fingers (no iPhones here, the noughties were strictly a BlackBerry affair).
And, with nostalgia rife within the trend sphere, the look is making a massive comeback this season. ‘Charlie XCX has been rocking blackberry nails throughout her Brat era, which has enhanced the manicure’s popularity,’ highlights Tinu. ‘I’ve also spotted Kate Beckinsale, Blake Lively and Kendall Jenner sporting darker nails recently.’ So, XOXO meets XCX?
But other than nostalgia, this dark-toned manicure remains a popular choice for its timeless appeal. ‘Blackberry nails have a unique ability to balance boldness with sophistication,’ says Tinu. ‘The deep, almost-black purple shade is versatile, offering a chic alternative to classic black nails while adding a subtle twist. Its popularity also stems from its suitability for various skin tones, providing a flattering contrast that enhances the overall appearance.’
How To Ask For Blackberry Nails In The Salon (& What To Expect)
‘When you’re at the salon and want to request blackberry nails, you can ask for a very dark purple shade that’s almost black, like the colour of ripe blackberries,’ recommends Tinu. ‘If the salon has several similar shades, ask the nail technician to swatch them for you. There’s no need to prep your nails before your appointment (your tech will take care of this for you), but try to avoid using any hand lotions beforehand.’
Then it’s simply a matter of letting the nail tech work their magic. ‘To create blackberry nails in the salon, your tech will start by prepping your nails, which includes cleaning, trimming, and shaping them,’ begins Tinu. ‘They will then apply a base coat to protect your nails and ensure the polish adheres smoothly. Next, they will apply a deep, dark purple nail polish in thin, even layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next to build up the rich colour. Depending on the polish, they may apply two or three coats to achieve that almost-black, blackberry payoff. Lastly, a glossy or matte topcoat will be applied to seal in the colour and add shine or texture, while also helping to extend the life of your manicure.’
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How To Recreate The Look At Home
Thankfully, this a fairly simple trend – one which can easily be recreated at home. ‘To create blackberry nails at home, I recommend using a gel kit,’ suggests Tinu, who also shares her step-by-step guide to the look below:
- Prep: Start by prepping your nails. Clean, shape, and gently buff them to ensure the gel adheres well.
- Build Layers: Begin with a thin layer of gel base coat, then cure it under an LED lamp according to instructions. Next, apply a deep, dark purple gel polish in thin, even layers, curing each layer under the lamp for the recommended time. Depending on the depth of colour you want, apply two or three coats until you achieve a rich, blackberry shade.
- Topcoat: Once you’re satisfied with the colour, finish with a layer of topcoat, and cure it to seal in the colour and add shine.
- Finishing Touches: Finally, wipe off any sticky residue with a lint-free wipe and gel polish solution, leaving you with a salon-quality, long-lasting manicure.
What Next?
Can we improve a classic? While this iteration of blackberry nails moves on from the short, oval manicures of the noughties (we’re a big fan of the square nails take), Tinu thinks there could still be room for another evolution. ‘I think we will see more creative finishes and textures as the blackberry nail trend evolves over the coming season,’ she suggests. ‘We might start seeing a move to matte topcoats, which adds a velvety, modern twist to a classic look. Nail art can also work well – think metallic accents, ombre effects, gradients, and minimalist line designs, to add depth and dimension to the rich colour. Seasonal adaptations will also become popular, such as incorporating glitter or shimmer for a festive touch.’
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Featured image: Getty Images
