Let's talk Valentine's Day nail designs, because it's that time of year again. Whether you're planning a date night with a significant other, ordering in a romantic Deliveroo, clinking glasses with the girls or making a beeline for that fancy restaurant you've been eyeing up for weeks, Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to up the ante, especially in the manicure department. Think of it as a chance to let your love of all things pink, red and heart shaped shine – if only for a week. Need inspiration? We've got you covered. Orly UK Brand Ambassador, Lou Stokes, says, 'Hearts are always popular, but there are many different takes on this from a subtle single heart on a couple of nails in a variety of colours, to a spectrum of different coloured hearts over all nails. This could range from a classic alternate French with red heart tips on a nude or pale pink base. We have also seen an increase in written nail art, everything from key romantic words to having your partners initials on a couple of fingers. 'Lips have also featured prominently, with either a large lip print on one nail to a few different coloured lips in reds and pinks over a pale base for maximum impact. Chrome has become increasingly popular in 2024 and we have seen it included in many Valentine’s Day designs. Small adornments in the form of crystals, nail art stickers and pearls have also been very popular,' she adds. From the most search for nail designs for Valentine's Day to the nail looks currently flooding our feeds ahead of celebrations, we bring you the very best styles to keep on your radar now.Red Valentine's Day Nails
Going red is certainly a safe place to start. There's no doubt it brings with it an air of romanticism, in fact some have gone so far as to say men are innately attracted to it (CC: the red nail theory), but that's totally up for debate, for many reasons. And, while you won't catch us booking in for a red manicure for the sake of male attention, you will find us in a constant love affair with the hue for all its classy, timeless elegance. Hayley Walker, beauty expert at Justmylook,notes, 'The colour is highly associated with passion, excitement, and confidence, with these three qualities the reason red is so attractive. Let’s not forget, that red is also known as the colour of romance. 'If your goal this Valentine’sDayisn’t to attract, why not wear this colour for yourself? Red is such a rich, fiery colour that can make any outfit pop, so whether it’s a Galentine’s night out or a Valentine’s date, this colour can help give any look a colour and confidence boost.' Nail expert Alexandra Telekirecommends using Essie's Nail Colour in 50 Bordeaux Nail Polish, £7.19, for the perfect deep red winenail look, or Essie's Nail Polish in 57 Forever Yummy, £7.19, if a true red is your MO.Love Heart Nails
Whether you go all out or add a subtle Valentine's Day accent, what is your Valentine's Day Manicure style? If you're a nude nail polish loyalist that's no excuse not to get in on the action. You just have to look to nail pro Iram Shelton for inspiration. Take a leaf out of her Instagram grid and why not adding the tiniest of pink or red hearts to an otherwise simple and clean everyday nail look? If you don't fancy yourself a nail artist and think your attempts at tiny hearts are likely to end up more like splodges then there's an easy and inexpensive solution. Pick up Ciaté London's The Cheat Sheets Best of Nail Stickers, £16, and transfer those pretty little hearts on in seconds. Cover with a topcoat and you've nailed it! Excuse the pun.Simple Valentine's Day Nails
Shop: Ciaté London's The Cheat Sheets Best of Nail Stickers
Price:
£16
www.ciatelondon.com
Description
Valentine's Day nails made easy. This pack contains three different themed sheets to choose from to help you get really creative, including a heart sheet brimming with hearts in neon pink, yellow, orange and black, white and classic red, of course.
Kiss Nails
Nails coated with a kiss are a Valentine's Day classic and this month nail artist and The GelBottle Inc brand ambassadorNicole Marien showed us how it is done with this luxurious set. Using The GelBottle Inc's new Velvet Crush Trio, £49.50, she was able to achieve this mesmerising finish with the help of cat-eye nail polishes, also known as the polishes responsible for creating the flurry of velvet effect nails we are currently seeing flood our timelines.Polka Dot Nails
According to Google,polka dotnailsare the ones to look out for this Valentine’sDay. The increasingly popular nail design has seen a sizeable484% increase in searches in the past monthalone. While monochrome tones of black and white may come to mind at the mention of polka dots, the new crop of nails donning the style are anything but ordinary and come packed with colour. For a spin on the classic pattern, try a French mani base and play around with variations of pinks and white. A true classic that won't let you down, the French mani is a failsafe option for Valentine's Day. Sure, you can pick the traditional nude and white tip colourway for an elegant touch but, if you're after something more special, set your eyes on this chrome tip set by nail artist and educator Bryony Howell, who used The GelBottle Inc's Mirror Chrome Studio Gel, £13, to achieve this reflective finish. And those dainty hearts? A necessary and delicate nod to V-Day.Valentine's Day French Manicure Nails
SHOP: The Best Valentine's Day Nail Products
Price:
£8
www.nailsinc.com
Description
A simple way to nail a Valentine's Day mani - finish off with a brushing of this top coat which is loaded with heart-shaped confetti. Adorable.
Price:
£6.50
www.nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Description
If ease is what you seek, look no further than press on nails. Simple brush on the glue included in the back, press on and go, it really is that simple.
4. Ciaté London's Cheat Sheets Vol. 2
Price:
£16
Description
Looking for a short cut? Try these. They'll make DIY Valentine's Day nails a piece of cake. Simply press and go!
Price:
£16
Price:
£8.99
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
If in doubt, go red. It's the most classic nod to a Valentine's Day-ready mani and this polish from Essie is both fool-proof and long-lasting.
Price:
£16
www.sephora.co.uk
Description
Sometimes all you need is a few coats of nude, barely-there polish and this one is the ultra-glossy, eco-natural answer.
Price:
£8
palettelondon.com
Description
This candy pink is the perfect subtle way to enjoy Valentine's Day nails. Planet-friendly, breathable and nail strengthening, this polish is especially good at helping your nails to look great while taking care of them, too.
Price:
£16
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Description
To take your Valentine's Day mani to the next level, incorporate artwork into it which can make even the simplest style look more special. This detail brush makes the job a treat.
Whatever your manicure style there's a Valentine's Day look out there for you, and we've rounded up some of the best to provide all the inspiration you need...Browse: The Best Valentine's Day Nail Designs To Take Inspiration From
Best Valentine's Day Nail Designs - 2024
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Love Heart Nails
We are head over heels for this pretty pink heart design from nail pro @iramshelton.
www.instagram.com
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Ombré Valentine's Day Nails
This soft, pink take on an ombré manicure is a beautiful way of celebrating Valentine's Day with your nail look. Nail artist @overgloweditshows us how it's done.
www.instagram.com
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Negative Half Moon Manicure
Nail pro @imarninails' negative half moon mani in bright red polish is a spin on an otherwise classic look. Talk about making a Valentine's Day statement!
www.instagram.com
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Colour Blocking Manicure
Keep things simple(ish) with this pink toned Skittles mani design which is all about colour blocking with a family of hues. Image: @iramshelton.
www.instagram.com
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Nude Illustration Manicure
Intricate nude illustrations on a base of matte red polish? Err yes please! If you fancy your nail art skills give this design a try, do you back yourself? Instagram's @imarninails' mind-blowing nude illustration nail designs are unbelievable and there's far more where that came from. Browse the rest here.
www.instagram.com
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Dainty Heart Shape Manicure
A nude nail polish only type? You'll love this heart shaped nod to Valentine's Day from nail pro @iramshelton.
www.instagram.com
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Red Valentine's Day Nails
This beautiful Valentine's Day nail design we can't get enough of features alternating nail designs in a strawberries and cream colourway. Image::a[@overglowedi]{href='https://www.instagram.com/overglowedit/?hl=en' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}
www.instagram.com
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Anti-Valentine's Day Nails
Yes, anti-Valentine's Day nails are a highly searched for category, and this Halloween-inspired set by @[nailsbymh]{href='https://www.instagram.com/nailsbymh/?e=418d0356-2aaf-4d6a-9cc1-b14dfd659ad4&g=5' } is the perfect fit. Be still, our bleeding (ahem) heart.
www.instagram.com
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Valentine's Day French Manicure
Hearts or cherries, who cares? We're into it.
www.instagram.com
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Simple Valentine's Day Nails
The two shades of heart are a genius modern refresh on your typical red ones.
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Hot Valentine's Day Nails
Bring the heat with this deep, sultry, oxblood base which is a perfect option for those veering away from their baby pinks. Image: @michelleclassnails.
www.instagram.com
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Modern French Manicure
Turn your French tips into an upside down love heart.
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Double Tip French Manicure
This red and pink clashed French tip is a stroke of genius.
www.instagram.com
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Short Valentine's Day Nails
These nails are giving us Anya Hindmarch vibes (in the very best way) and works well on a short nail base
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www.instagram.com
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Valentine's Day Nail Art
There is something seriously pleasing about the contrast of pearly pink and scarlet red which come together with geometric lines and heart shaped art. Image: @alijcreates.
www.instagram.com
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CREDIT: @tombachik
Heart Shaped Tip French Manicure
Celebrity nail artist @tombachik is the trusted hands behind everyone from JLo to Selena Gomez and his recent take on Valentine's Day nails are enough to turn even the most conservative of manicure wearers.
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CREDIT: @iramshelton
Pink Negative Space Manicure
Nail artist @iramshelton's take on Valentine's Day is a modern classic, especially great for those who prefer a low-key style. She created this negative space mani with polishes by OPI Nails.
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Coquette Valentine's Day Nails
For some elegant drama, try adding texture in the way @overglowedit has done. Her take on 'Galentine's' Day nails lets the coquette aesthetic shine.
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CREDIT: @hicarmelina
Pink Valentine's Day Nails
Another stunning and elegant take. This set by @hicarmelina is simple but oh so effective thanks to the lipgloss nail finish.
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CREDIT: @thedailynailofficia
Polka Dot Nails
A spin on classic Valentine's Day nails, this set uses various shades of red, pink and white in a polka dot design, against a clean, high-shine base.
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