Valentine’s Day is known for its chocolate, cards and hearts. But we believe it’s an occasion to celebrate love in all forms. Treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day manicure. There are many options, whether you like minimalist masterpieces or fun designs. You can also go for bold colors, bright pops of colour, or a classic look. Scroll down to see 48 Valentine’s Day nail art designs that are anything but cheesy.
White Heart with Negative Space
@phoebesummernails / Instagram
The absence of color can sometimes be the most striking. The negative space is used to create the design on these white nails. The statement heart nail looks great with the classic French manicure.
Pastel Aura
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
This manicure is a radiance from the inside, with a subtle aura that moves from lilac to rich pink.
Classic Red
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
The classic red manicure is made even more glossy with a topcoat. The slightly pointed shape adds more interest.
Preppy Pink & Green
@phoebesummernails / Instagram
The classic preppy combination of pink and green is also perfect for Valentine’s Day. Add a statement nail in green with tiny pale-pink heart accents.
Simple Dots
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
This simple yet bold design pairs neutral nails with an over-top minimalist dot pattern.
Red Floral
@chillhouse / Instagram
Flowers are usually associated with spring – unless they’re paired with a splash of red. The classic split manicure is given a new twist with a scattering of flowers in the middle.
Black & Beige
@harunails.gc / Instagram
This is a fresh take on a classic French manicure. Usually, Valentine’s Day manicures are pink or red. But this one has opted for contrasting colors of black and beige. Each nail in this design is a fresh take on the classic French manicure, with a heart-adorned nail.
Split Red and Pink
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
This split style is great for dividing each nail in half, either between clear and red, or clear and pink. You can choose to use a different color for each nail, or you can stick with two colors to keep the look cohesive.
Heart-shaped tips in pink and red
@naileditnailbar/ Instagram
This manicure, which pairs pink and red to add interest to the tip of the nail while leaving the rest neutral, is just as cute. The glossy topcoat is a great addition.
Scalloped Nails with Negative Space
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
These negative-space pink and red nails are chic. This manicure is simple yet artistic, with tiny arcs along the outer edge of each nail. Use a thin striping brush with the color of your choosing to create the desired look.
Psychedelic pink and purple
@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram
This 1970s-inspired manicure features pale pink nails with dark and light purple details like tiny hearts, rounded tips, and small hearts.
Red & Nude
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
The bold red nails are adorned with nude squiggles. The lines are not arranged in any particular order, but the final look is purposeful and well-coordinated.
Red with an Edge
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
This dark take on the classic French nail is a subtle way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Red Ladies
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
Valentine’s Day has a romantic atmosphere. A sultry mani that embodies the femininity and love of Valentine’s Day is a great way to honor the occasion. Consider these red-lined nails.
Pastel Outlines
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
We love negative space. Paintbox has embraced the look in this pale pink outlined creation. We’re in love.
Gold Cuticles
A Valentine’s Day manicure can be as simple as adding a gold stripe to the cuticle and painting your nails a perfect shade of red. We don’t think you will agree, but this red shade is a perfect match with the metallic accent.
High Shine Nails
@nails.by.nessaa / Instagram
The red nails with a high shine have been liked by thousands, and for good reason. What’s not love about seasonal nail art with trendy coffin-shaped tip?
Metallic Pink Tip
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
Valentine’s Day nail art doesn’t need to be covered in hearts for it to appear as if they’ve been hit by Cupid’s Bow. Look at these metallic pink French tips. These French tips are gorgeous.
Finish your light manicure with a sheer top coat. This will hide any imperfections in the nails or yellowing.
Modern Red Mani
@betina_goldstein / Instagram
You want to wear a bold red color on your nails without covering the entire nail bed? This abstract blob nails art is a great way to add a pop of color. You can create a stunning contrast by using two shades of red that are slightly different. Add a touch of gold to the mix between the two shades for extra shine.
Love Pills
@paintboxnails/ Instagram
Do these look like pills? Most likely not. They do? Yup. Let’s face it, these are the perfect Valentine’s Day treats without being too over the top.
Red Jelly Nails
This see-through mani is a must for Valentine’s Day. This enviable look can only be achieved with the assistance of a professional. Be sure to save this image to your computer and bring it along to your next appointment.
French kisses
What’s not love about these negative space nails with their slim French tips, half-hidden kisses and hugs? They have a chic look with their black and white color scheme.
Red French
@vanityprojects/ Instagram
You can still celebrate Valentine’s Day even if you’re not a fan of bright colors. Just opt for subtle French tips in red.
XOXO
The oversized XOXO nail designs add a pop of pink and red to the season, while also adding edgy black and white. You’ll need plenty of time to complete this DIY look. Also, keep a bottle nail polish remover handy for touch-ups.
Tiny Black Hearts
Are you looking for a simple way to display your Valentine’s Day spirit? These nails are perfect. The teeny, black hearts look great and are easy to make. You can create the arcs of the hearts by using a toothpick. Paint a dot on the nail base and drag it upwards.
Kiss Kiss
Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to kiss each other and your nails. It’s best to show your manicurist this picture so they can replicate the look.
Thick French Tip
@oliveandjune / Instagram
The French tip is back, and it’s a huge hit. You can see them everywhere (and on Instagram). The color is applied so thickly that a half-moon of negative space appears at the cuticle.
Byrdie Tip
Use a circular stickers to cut off the bottom of the crescent on the nail. Then, paint the entire nail from the sticker up to the tip with the red polish you prefer.
Shades of Red
@oliveandjune / Instagram
You can’t decide on a color, but you don’t like nail art. This multicolored manicure allows you to create a striking nail look simply by choosing five different shades red. We are so blessed that this mismatched, nostalgic technique has become a fashion staple.
Heart Eye Nudes
@oliveandjune / Instagram
What happens when you combine the evil-eye trend with a Valentine’s Day design? This nail design will make everyone, including you, heart-eyed. You see what we did?
Geometric hearts
These multicolored heart nail designs are perfect for those who believe that the more bold, the better. The black-and white hearts on pink and red backgrounds are a bold look, but it’s still a great nail design.
Vampy Coffin Nails
Check out these matte red nails if you’re feeling moody and dark this Valentine’s Day. We don’t blame anyone. The seasonal nail look also capitalizes on the ombre trend with a red gradient from the pinky to the thumb.
Hearts with Negative Space
This negative-space heart mani is a great option for Valentine’s Day nails if you’re willing to use stencils. Stick a heart-shaped stickers in the middle of your nail, then paint over it. After the nail polish has dried, remove the heart-shaped sticker and apply a topcoat to seal in the swoonworthy look.
Matte Ombre Nails
@sweetandsavvynails/ Instagram
These almond-shaped nail designs make our heart skip a few beats. These nails are perfect for those who don’t know which color to pick for their manicure. They have a seamless transition from red to a pink.
Stained Glass Nails
@vanityprojects/ Instagram
Are you ready to elevate your Valentine’s Day nail art? This stained-glass window manicure is full of graphic lines and vibrant colors. It will have you falling in love.
Lips and Hearts
This cartoon-meets-tattoo-inspired manicure makes us want to book a nail appointment ASAP. The nail art features a variety of colors, including red, pink and nude. It also includes lips and hearts. Plus, who doesn’t like a little glitter?
Pink Arrow Nails
We imagine Cupid’s manicure would look something like this. Try this metallic pale pink masterpiece to give your fingers a touch love. They’re both minimalist and magnificent with their gold glitter arrows.
Red Edges
@nataliepnails / Instagram
These vibrant red nails make a statement without covering every nail. Striping tape is used to create ultra-crisp, angular lines. You can use washi to make a stencil if you are a crafter, planner or serial planner.
Matte Stripes
@nataliepnails / Instagram
Do you want a red manicure with contrast but still simple? This matte-striped monochrome manicure will do the trick. For a DIY version, use your favorite red polish with a matte topcoat like Essie’s Matte About You Top Coat. This will create a stripe that is free of shine across each nail.
Queen of Hearts
@nataliepnails / Instagram
For Valentine’s Day or any other day, keep it simple with a classic heart-shaped design. Two shades of pink create contrast on the nails without needing to add more colors.
Red Roses
@nails.by.valerie / Instagram
We love to buy ourselves flowers whenever and wherever we want. These realistic hand-painted flower nails will appeal to you if you share the same sentiment. These nails are Valentine’s Day ready with their roses, and the baby blue background gives them a more modern look.
Milk Chocolate
@heluviee
Valentine’s Day and chocolate are synonymous. This manicure uses negative space, French tips, and swirls to incorporate the sweet color.
Amaretto
@amyle.nails/ Instagram
Why not call this rich brown shade Amaretto? This liqueur shade is a delicious blend of red and brown. It’s perfect for the fall and winter.
Classic French
@oliveandjune/@themaniclub/Instagram
Classics are timeless. This Valentine’s Day, keep it classic with a French manicure. Try a micro French mani to make it a bit more modern.
Tiny Hearts
@heluviee/ Instagram
Not everyone wears the heart on their sleeves. These tiny hearts on a neutral-colored nail are perfect for those who wish to show a little affection but want it to be simple.
All-over Glitter
@betina_goldstein
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love for all. Spend it with your partner, friends or yourself. Add some glitter and have fun.
Burgundy with Red Stripe
@aliciatnails
This red and burgundy combination is stunning, especially when done in a minimalistic way using horizontal and vertical stripes. Try OPI’s Big Apple Red or Got the Blues for Red.
Berry Fade
@the_gelbottle_inc
The berry Skittles nail polishes are perfect for winter and spring.
Champagne
@melanated.mani/ Instagram
Any love is a reason to celebrate. Make this day extra special by popping some bubbles or getting a Champagne manicure.