February 14 is a date reserved for heart-shaped chocolates, sipping a glass of wine, binge-watching Sex And The City and, if you’re anything like me, revelling in your Valentine’s Day nails.
You see, we here at Who What Wear UK can't get enough of manicures. From testing nail art, uncovering the latest trending nail colours and predicting which nail trends will be huge in the coming months, we love it all. But, there's a special place in our hearts for the thrill we get decorating our digits for a specific theme. Whether it be festive nails or even wedding nails, it's an indulgence we cannot resist.
This year, forget the dinner reservation. We're absolutely besotted with spending the night in and polishing up your own rendition of Valentine's Day nails. Think of it as the ultimate gift to yourself if you're booking your next appointment at your go-to salon. Or, a moment for self-love if you want to try some nail art at home. Regardless, there are so many Valentine's Day nail ideas to draw inspiration from.
If you're a minimalist, you might switch up your usual neutral nail colour for a soft pink or understated red hue. Perhaps a subtle heart design to pay homage to the holiday? Alternatively, if you're more of a nail art maximalist, there are tonnes of bright and fun Valentine's Day nail ideas to try. From vibrant French tips to colourful roses, there's something for everyone.
You see, Valentine's Day nails don't necessarily need to be obvious. Why not try a rose-quartz nail design or a dark chrome polish? Personally, I don't think you can ever go wrong with a lacquer of your favourite deep Bordeaux shade at any time of the year, but it lends itself so well for February too, if you want your manicure to last beyond the calendar moment.
To help you find your Valentine's Day nail design, I've trawled the top nail technicians and celebrity manicurists to bring you 53 of the prettiest and chicest Valentine's Day nail designs—I can't but think this is an even more lovely gesture than receiving a bouquet of flowers...
53 Valentine's Day Nail Ideas We Unconditionally Love
1. Burgundy Half-Moons
Red French tips are a nod to the month of love, and we love the addition of the half-moon nail art in this design too.
2. Sweet Squiggles
These nails are the perfect example that Valentine's Day nails don't necessarily need hearts. These pink and red squiggles are a nod to occasion.
3. True Illusion
So. Fun. This nail art is something a little different while still remaining minimal.
4. Queen of Hearts
Update a standard pink mani with a smattering of tiny hearts.
5. Square Tips
Short and square nails suit this micro-fine red French tip manicure.
6. Sheer Base
I'm totally smitten with these white hearts on a sheer, neutral base. A nice nod to the occasion with being OTT.
7. Neon Accents
Neon pink French tips feel fresh without going OTT.
8. Parisian Chic
Teeny tiny French tips + deep red polish + minimalist heart nail art = dream Valentine's Day nails.
9. Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is supposedly the gem of love, so why not tap into it from your fingertips with this crystal manicure?
10. Rich Bordeaux
If you're weighing up which colour to go for in the salon, then you'll never regret a timeless deep red.
11. Red Polka Dots
Red polka dots on a bare nail are so cute.
12. Painted Peonies
Shower your fingertips in flowers for a floral Valentine's Day nail look.
13. Bubble Ombré
This soft French manicure mixes the cult-favourite bubble bath shade with a milky white base.
14. Barely-There Base
Short and chic.
15. Plum Wine
Opt for a wine-coloured shade for something slightly more decadent.
16. Bubble Bath
Minimal yet affectionate.
17. Sealed With a Kiss
This kiss nail art is *chef's kiss*.
18. Matte Finish
This inverse heart design on a matte polish is so refined.
19. Coral Ombré
This sunburnt ombré is particularly luxe in this glossy finish.
20. Opal Sparkle
Take after Zoë Kravitz and go for a subtle glitter. You're worth it.
21. Tied With a Bow
Or, for something a little sweeter, try Gracie Abrams's 3D bows.
22. Glazed Heart Tips
This chrome polish is seducing me for my Valentine's Day nails.
23. Your Nails But Better
A sheer wash of pink is always a classy look.
24. Frost Yourself
Diamonds are forever, so why not wear them on the tips of your fingers?
25. Modular Monochrome
I love this unexpected geometric placement.
26. Two-Toned Tips
Can't decide between pink French tips or red French tips? You can have both with this design.
27. Stoned Hearts
This red crystal heart makes for a great accent nail.
28. Lovely Lettering
Why not spell out your sentiments on your nails?
29. Frosted Mauve
Pink and white hearts are a pretty way to dip a toe into Valentine's Day nails.
30. Vanilla French Tips
Vanilla French tips are the perfect base for gold heart nail art.
31. Anything But Basic
Experiment with the placement on your heart nail art. It looks so pretty here at the base of the nails.
32. Blushing Pink
You really cannot go wrong with a classic pink mani.
33. Reverse French Tip
Want something vampy? This nail look is it.
34. Red Hearts
Red hearts look so pretty atop a sheer pink base coat.
35. Sublte Statements
If you don't want hearts on every nail, why not opt for one or two instead?
36. Glossy Neutrals
These are a chic yet subtle nod to Valentine's Day nails.
37. Luxurious Logos
We've got heart eyes for this Comme des Garçons Valentine's Day nails.
38. Flamingo Pink
How cute are these Valentine's Day nails?
39. Heart French Tips
Heart shaped French tips are so cute.
40. Heart Outlines
Heart outline French tips are another subtle yet fun Valentine's Day nail idea.
41. Curved Tips
Turn the French tip on its head with a diagonal placement and finished with hearts.
42. White Hearts
White hearts feel fresh if you don't fancy pink or red.
43. Golden Accents
This minimal heart nail art is getting our pulses racing.
44. Matte Nudes
Matte hearts are a fresh update from glossy finishes.
45. Colour Spectrum
If you can't settle on just one pink nail colour, why not go for one on each nail?
46. Aura Nails
These pink aura nails are so pretty they're making me blush.
47. Cut Outs
Burgundy and bright cherry red are an unexpectedly great combination.
48. Black & White Hearts
Black and white hearts are so pretty without being too obvious.
49. Retro Graphics
These '60s-inspired hearts are so much fun.
50. Negative Space
Black negative-space nail art is a moodier take.
51. Delicate Half-Moons
These negative-space nails are so pretty in a delicate pink.
52. Glossy Red
I've got a major crush on these deep red nails.
53. Berry Nice
Like the viral blueberry milk nail trend, a berry pink or fuchsia is another fun way to give a nod to Valentine's Day nails.
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