What's the best way to keep orange and black nail polish from fading?

While limiting the use of your nails to protect polish may not seem doable, keeping nails away from the elements—sun, rain, snow—will also help preserve your color.

How many coats of nail polish should you apply?

For polish that will stand the test of time, try first applying a base coat, then layer with two coats of nail polish. Finish off by adding an extra layer of topcoat.

How long will nail polish last on nails?

Traditional nail polish may last anywhere from one day to two weeks, though polish that's a long-wear formula (or a gel) might last upwards of two weeks.

23 Orange and Black Nail Designs You Can Wear All Season

black and orange nails — @nailartbyqueenie

Hello, fall! Whether you welcome this new season with autumnal nails (think pumpkins, leaves, and sparkles galore) or go all out with your Halloween costume or not, you can get in the spooky spirit with a manicure painted in the age-old traditional Halloween colors: orange and black.

We're willing to bet you'll be able to create many of these looks yourself—if not, simply take them to your favorite nail artist. Either way, don't forget to snap a shot for the 'gram. Adorning your nails with fun shades and shapes warrants so many compliments from onlookers, so why not make them super fun this October? We've got all the best nail inspiration below.

Ahead, scroll through for the nail designs to get you excited for the spookiest season of the year.

01 of 23

Picasso Print

Yellow-orange manicure with nude and black Picasso face accent nails — @eleven2six_

The line designs happening on each negative space nail here are like a modern-day nod to Picasso.

02 of 23

Pop of Papaya

Papaya green, orange, and black nail design on translucent neutral manicure — @sierrasnails_

These intricately hand-painted papayas are so cute, we want to wear fruit nails all year long. To keep the base clean and matte, go back in with polish remover to remove any color that's not in the tropical design.

03 of 23

A Trio of Ghosts

The nail art here looks straight from a story book. Abstract orange designs, nighttime moons, and three tiny ghosts give one hand a haunting vibe, while the other hand (click right on the photo!) seems to be dripping in slimy pumpkins and ghosts. It's scary-good.

04 of 23

Charlotte's Web

How cute are these black French tips accentuated with pumpkins? They remind us of the illustrations from our favorite childhood story by E.B White.

05 of 23

Abstract Nails

Abstract orange and black nail design — @the.nail.nest

These glossy shellac nails are adorned with splashes of milky oranges and black and white lines. If you look closely, there's a negative space line that cuts diagonally through each nail.

06 of 23

Geometric Nails

Geometric silver, orange, and black nails — @nailsbyolciak

Simple geometric shapes give this mani a fun, kitschy appeal. Once you've got your base coat done, use a detailing brush to paint as many designs as you please.

07 of 23

Simple and Sparkly

Black manicure with orange sparkle accent nails — @holonailink

These may be more simple than traditional nail art, but not everyone has time for an elaborate design. When you take a closer look, the dark polish is perfectly inky and edgy. As for the orange sparkly polish, somehow that's subtle, too. They're proof that you don't have to go all out or be a professional nail artist this October.

08 of 23

Beetlejuice Stripes

This easy nail design embraces the hit '80s movie Beetlejuice in a more polished fashion. Clean stripes and alternating orange and white nails are just really cool.

09 of 23

Accent Nails

White, gray, orange, and black nail design with waves and speckles — @paragonnails

This muted mani incorporates two accent nails for a fall-themed mani that's super pretty.

10 of 23

Creamsicle Chanel

@betina_goldstein

Subtle pastel orange half-moons and a beaded Chanel logo? Fashionistas, take note. To get a half-moon shape, paint around a circular sticker or piece of tape and use a brush like Olive and June's Clean Up Brush ($8) to fix any wonky edges.

11 of 23

Foil Nails

With various speckles against a soft orange base, not only does this mani incorporate mixed prints, but it does so in a freestyle, low-maintenance way that's easy to recreate at home. You don't have to stick to this exact design—instead, paint as you please.

12 of 23

Bowie Lightning Bolts

White, black, and orange lightning bolt nail design — @nailsfromnars

A black and white manicure with a striking orange lightning bolt in the middle? We're into it (and maybe also dressing up as Ziggy Stardust this Halloween).

13 of 23

Peach Waves

The orange is a tad on the peach side, but either way, these wavy nails are really groovy. Use a lot of tape on this design to get clean, colorful sections. Then clean up any mishaps with a brush and some polish remover.

14 of 23

Midnight Negative Space

Geometric negative space orange and black nails — @amyytran

Negative space design, but make it festive. To create this look, use Orosa polishes in Midnight, Clementine, and Star (all $12).

15 of 23

Spooky Spiders

We're not the biggest fans of creepy crawlies, but we can make an exception with this cool design. Just use a small detailing brush to create these fun cartoon creatures, and practice makes perfect, so don't give up if a spider doesn't turn out exceptional on your first go-around. Just keep painting.

16 of 23

Touch of Tortoiseshell

Orange and black tortoiseshell nail design — @paragonnails

While tortoiseshell isn't outwardly orange, when the light hits just right, this look gives off a spooky vibe perfect for the season. If you're not into hand painting, there are great stick on nails like the Urban Outfitters x Statica Tortoise Shell Set ($22) you can get for a great price.

17 of 23

Pumpkin Style

Negative space orange and black nail design with pale pumpkin accent nails — @joysedition

Carve out a space for these pumpkin-colored nails this October. A negative space manicure contrasts the detailed pumpkin accent nails, adding cool, modern ease to the overall design. Plus, a single black stripe below creates super clean edges. (Don't worry, you can always cut a piece of tape into thin strips to get a precise negative space design.)

18 of 23

Give Up the Ghost

Orange manicure with black bat and white ghost designs — @tinybrushes

If you're all about leaning into the thematics of the season, this ghoulish look might be right up your alley. Play it up by adding themed nail stickers to a classic orange mani or show off your artistic side by hand-painting the ghostly crew yourself. Either way, your nails are sure to look scarily fun.

19 of 23

Graphic Orange

White and black graph patterned nails with orange splotches — @tinybrushes

Splash some orange on top of a boxed background—it's that easy. We're kidding: This nail design takes talent and a steady hand, so you may want to bring it to a professional.

20 of 23

Pumpkin Patch

Nude nail design with pumpkin design near cuticle — @karanailedit

Cartoonish pumpkins painted along each cuticle couldn't be cuter. (Say that five times fast.) While we totally trust your skills, hand painting individual pumpkins can get a little tedious, so we recommend visiting a professional for a detailed, clean design you can trust.

21 of 23

Monarch Moment

Manicure with orange and black monarch butterfly nail design — @thehangedit

Sure, butterflies aren't typical autumn fare—they're usually more spring-appropriate—but still, hear us out. This classic orange butterfly design looks really cool in the appropriate color palette and it still works for the season.

22 of 23

Abstract Art

White, orange, and black abstract paint splotches nail design — @jinsoon

This orange and black dotted print is perfect for a minimalist design. Use a sponge to create different sized blotches (and, of course, don't forget the glitter).

23 of 23

Statement Nails

Orange, black, white, and olive gray nails with various designs — @the.nail.nest

This design brings together a fun orange and black color palette but adds a pop of olive for an unexpected combo. If you're looking to recreate this at home, make sure you have a small brush on hand.

FAQ

What's the best way to keep orange and black nail polish from fading?

While limiting the use of your nails to protect polish may not seem doable, keeping nails away from the elements—sun, rain, snow—will also help preserve your color.
How many coats of nail polish should you apply?

For polish that will stand the test of time, try first applying a base coat, then layer with two coats of nail polish. Finish off by adding an extra layer of topcoat.
How long will nail polish last on nails?

Traditional nail polish may last anywhere from one day to two weeks, though polish that's a long-wear formula (or a gel) might last upwards of two weeks.