Love is in the nails. Whether you prefer minimalist nails or a colourful and fun manicure, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to experiment with vibrant shades of red and pink or to try a new design such as an intricate floral bouquet or candy hearts.
From abstract hearts to glitter and embellishments, there is something on our list for everyone to wear this Valentine’s Day. Not celebrating this year? We’ve also found some perfect anti-Valentine’s Day nail ideas for the broken hearted. If traditional Valentine's day manicure's just aren't your thing in general, checkout our Reusable Press-On Manicures for the perfect at home mani in minutes, without the dry time of polish or trip to the salon.
Grab a glass of rosé and scroll with us as we round up some of the best Valentine’s Day nail designs to try for your next mani.
1. Pink french manicure
Instagram/@overglowedit
If you love hot pink and a classic french manicure, this look by nail artist Melanie, also known on Instagram as @overglowedit, is perfect for you! Recreate this vibrant pink on pink jelly look by using your favourite hot pink polish and a sheer pink jelly base. If you don't have sheer pink polish, you can make your own by using a clear nail polish with a few drops of your favourite nail polish colour.
2. Bright hearts
Instagram/@glosshouse
Don't want hearts everywhere? Opt for this festive yet simple two-tone heart manicure by nail artist Christine Doan. Get this super cute Valentine's day nail art look by combining your french manicure with bright pink or red hearts on your accent nails.
3. Designer inspired hearts
Instagram/@naileditbeauty
Inspired by the iconic Comme des Garçons heart, this manicure by nail artist Abi, known on Instagram as @naileditbeauty, is perfect Valentine's Day nail inspiration for trendsetters and fashion lovers. She achieved this look by hand painting the hearts over top a baby pink base using pink and red polish with a fine detail brush (The GelBottle Inc. Detail Brush) for absolute precision.
4. Brown and pink
Instagram/@overglowedit
Can't part ways with your neutral french tips? Try this pale pink and brown colour combo by nail artist Melanie (@overglowedit).
5. Pink swirls
Instagram/@vwnails_
We are totally obsessing over this groovy swirl trend. These pink Valentine's Day nails by Vivian, also known as @vwnails_ on Instagram, are the perfect way to combine swirls and tiny hearts.
6. Classic red with a twist
Instagram/@betina_goldstein
If you love bold and vibrant colours, we suggest trying this reverse french colour blocking manicure by nail artist Betina Goldstein. Goldstein started by painting two coats of Essie Slumber Party-On as the base. Once completely dry, she added two coats of OPI ¡Viva OPI! leaving a bit of space near the cuticle for the pink base to pop through.
7. Self-love nails
Instagram/@amyle.nails
Show yourself some love on Valentine's Day with these super cute nails. Recreate these red tips by painting the tips of your nails with your favourite red polish and on your ring finger, paint a semi heart with the polish brush. Then with a very steady hand, use a fine nail art brush with white polish to write on your statement nail.
8. Tiny hearts
Instagram/@heluviee
Do you love simple and dainty nail art designs? We recommend trying these negative space nails with tiny red hearts by Sarah, also known on Instagram as @heluviee. The simplicity of this design speaks for itself and proves that less is more. You can also try this mani with pink hearts instead!
9. Abstract hearts
Instagram/@amberjhnails
If you want to get into the Valentine's Day spirit but don't want it to be obvious, then @amberjhnails has the perfect manicure for you. Get the look by using your favourite red nail polish to paint on random spots on to your nails to mimic a slight heart shape. Once dry, finish with a top coat for that extra shine.
10. Pink and bling
Instagram/@kuypernailart
This red and pink combo screams Valentine's day nails. You can get this look at home by adding crystals to any manicure by applying them onto a clear top coat while still wet. Once the polish has dried, your crystal will be locked in place!
11. Minimalism
Instagram/@nailsbyravi_
Looking for something more work appropriate? This simple nail art design adds *a little bit of spice* to your go to nude manicure that is still totally appropriate for work and can be worn with any outfit.
12. Pink ombre french tips
Instagram/@n_a_i_l_it
You can never have too many shades of pink! Get this nail look by using your favourite shades of pink in your collection. We suggest starting with a darker pink or magenta polish on your pinky nail and transitioning to the lightest baby pink on your thumb.
13. Red french manicure
Instagram/@jenny.jennys
We've been obsessed with the coloured french tip trend and this mani screams Valentine's Day nails. Pro tip: Paint your tips with red polish and clean up any mistakes around the smile line with nail polish remover and nail brush. Perfect french nails every time!
14. Neon pink
Instagram/@kendalkit
Summer isn't the only time to wear neon pink nails. We recommend a solid bright colour if you prefer shorter nails and don't have the length or space to do nail art.
15. Cut out hearts
Instagram/@monika__nails
Get this nail look by using a heart shaped sticker on a neutral base and painting over with different shades of pink. Once your nails are semi-dry, gently peel off the sticker to reveal your heart. When dry, apply your favourite matte topcoat. Finally, outline the heart with gold polish and a fine tip brush to make the hearts pop!
16. French tip with hearts
Instagram/@thehotblend
If you love a classic french manicure, we suggest adding cute red hearts to your accent nail to spice things up for your Valentine's day nails. Looking to DIY nail art hearts at home but don't have the right tools? Get the perfect hearts every time by using the end of an opened bobby pin and a toothpick! Start by creating two small dots side by side. Then, take a toothpick and connect the bottom of the circles into a "V" shape. Lastly, fill in the heart shape with the remaining polish on the toothpick. Et voilà, the perfect heart!
17. Double french tips
Instagram/@nailsbyravi_
Looking to spice up your nail art? Try this modern double french outline look by nail artist @nailsbyravi_ . The pink color palette is perfect for Valentine's Day.
18. Glitter outlined french tips
Instagram/@nailsxgoldenhour
If you're wanting a bit more colour and shine, try a double french outline with glitter polish to make your french tips stand out from the crowd.
19. Baby pink nails
Instagram/@emenstudio_
You can never go wrong with a classic solid colour mani and this baby pink shade will compliment all skin tones. Want to recreate the look at home but don't like painting your nails? Try our Reusable Press-On Manicure in Blush for the perfect baby pink nails in less than 10 minutes with zero dry time.
20. Delicate florals
Instagram/@betina_goldstein
This intricate nail art created by nail artist Betina Goldstein showcases how florals are equally as appropriate for Valentine's day as hearts. Checkout her tutorial on how she created this delicate design on her natural nail.
21. Glitter nails
Instagram/@marismanis
Going to a Valentine's day party, or just not over the glitter from New Years? You can never have too much glitter so what better Valentine's Day nails than pink and purple holographic glitter.
22. Anti-Valentine's day
Instagram/@monika__nails
Not in the mood to celebrate Valentine's day? Don't worry, we found the perfect manicure for you. Your heart isn't black but if you're looking to make a statement with some anti-valentine's day nails this year, try recreating this look with your favourite go to neutral colour, glitter and black polish.
23. Studded hearts
Instagram/@natalieholtnailartist
If you want to spice up your traditional red hearts, try adding some studs and embellishments to create a studded heart look. Perfect for edgy nail art enthusiasts.
24. Yin and yang
Instagram/@heygreatnails
Strike the balance of masculine and feminine energy with this symbolic manicure. This sweet yin and yang mani is sure to get you compliments on Valentine's Day and we're totally loving the red and pink colour combo.
25. Lady love-bugs
Instagram/@nailsbydannimoore
These little love-bugs are beyond cute and are the perfect way to bring a little bit of spring into your Valentine's Day mani. Plus, you can get away with wearing this type of manicure for weeks and weeks since new nail growth won't be as noticeable with the negative space at the cuticle area.
26. Kiss prints
Instagram/@iramshelton
If you want simple yet festive nails, nail artist Iram Shelton has the perfect design for you. Try adding kiss prints on your accent nails or use nail art stickers to recreate the look.
27. Purple hearts
Instagram/@tiffanyabbigailebeauty
This retro style purple heart mani is perfect if you don't want to go with traditional Valentine's day colours like red or pink!
28. Pink ombre
Instagram/@hahnails_
We always love a good ombre, and these nails by @hahnails_ are the prettiest shade of pink. If you want to keep things simple and neutral with a bit of colour, try recreating this ombre look at home with some pink polish and a makeup sponge. Watch a tutorial here on how to achieve a seamless ombre blend.
29. Gold hearts
Instagram/@tiffanyabbigailebeauty
Do you always get the same neutral mani? Try stepping out of your comfort zone with these cute dainty gold hearts. It adds just the right amount of colour without taking away from your go-to nail colour.
30. Chrome hearts
Instagram/@jessicawashick
If you've been loving the chrome tip nail trend then you should definitely wear them on Valentine's Day. Nail artist Jessica Washick created this stunning look with chrome silver powder for the french tips and added chrome charms to the base of the nails.
31. Peace and love
Instagram/@m.o.n.a.j
Love is love... and we adore this pride mani created by the nail artist Andréa, also known as @m.o.n.a.j on Instagram. This manicure speaks for itself and is the perfect way to wear your heart on your nails this Valentine's Day.
32. White tip hearts
Instagram/@trulymonae
Do you love white nails and minimalism? You can easily DIY white heart shaped tips at home by applying two coats of your favourite white nail polish in a semi heart on your tips.
33. Pastels
Instagram/@jessicawashick
If you love Valentine's Day sweets and treats, you have to try these pastel french tip nails. Get a manicure that’s super sweet... without the toothache!
34. Mix and match
Instagram/@thehangedit
We can't get enough of the pink and red combo! If you love the mix and match trend then nail artist Hang Nguyen has the perfect Valentine's Day mani for you. Don't be afraid to mix patterns and styles on each nail. Pro Tip: If you're trying to mix and match nails for the first time, try to use 1-3 colours for a more cohesive look.
Want to recreate any of these Valentine's Day nail designs but don't have the perfect canvas to start with? Browse of selection of Reusable Press On Manicures to add instant length and strength without the need of acrylics and gels.
