Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or are in a committed relationship (I’m T-minus one month until my wedding), there are endless reason to love Valentine’s Day. From Galentine’s dates and a little self-love action (it’s the perfect excuse to book a facial massage), there’s always a way to make the romantic holiday work for you. As a beauty enthusiast, one of my favorite ways to get in on the fun? Some gorgeous Valentine’s Day nails, aka, the ultimate treat yourself moment.
Valentine’s nails have a reputation for being corny, but the manicure options transcend little heart designs. Case in point: a solid black cherry is a modern spin on Red Nail Theory, ie the idea that red polish will attract the object of your desire; hand-sculpted 3D details can add a flashy focal point; and press-on nails with intricate designs are an easy way to achieve an expensive-looking set with lots of detail. The options for taking your Valentine’s Day nails to the next level are only as limited as your creativity.
“It’s all about finding a design that feels fun and suits your style,” says manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna. “Whether you like bold designs, soft details, or something in between, Valentine’s nails are a chance to really go above and beyond.” Hanna’s biggest tip? “A thoughtful color palette or a mix of textures can make any design stand out,” she says.
With that, I know that endlessly scrolling in hopes that inspiration hits isn’t necessarily a fun time, so I’ve taken the liberty of doing it for you. Ahead, you’ll find over 50 Valentine’s nail ideas to consider before Feb. 14 crosses the calendar.
Line Work and Metallic Hearts
Don’t shy away from black nail art when it comes to your Valentine’s nails. This manicure elevates traditional heart designs by outlining the shape with gold shimmer polish and adding black lines around it to bring extra attention to the romantic design.
Red-and-Pink Negative Space Hearts
If you simply must stick with a red-and-pink color palette, take your design up a notch by using different colors on each hand. Throw in some negative-space hearts like the ones seen here and you’ll have a remixed manicure that feels as appropriate for Valentine’s Day as much as it does for a street-style moment.
Chrome Hearts
The finish of your manicure is just as important as the nail art itself. Take your classic heart designs up a notch by adding chrome powder for nail art that looks like a piece of jewelry instead of a manicure design.
Bows and Hearts
Have your nails subtly suggest a Valentine’s Day theme by using popular motifs that allude to the day. Bows, hearts, and French tips are deeply feminine so your mani can transcend the big day.
Black Hearts
Want to lean a bit more grungy with your manicures? Keep your Valentine’s nails simple with black-heart nail art.
Mini Hearts and French Tips
Mini hearts or polka dots? With this adorable design, you can’t really tell the difference until you see the manicure up close, which is why it’s one of my favorite covert Valentine’s nail designs.
Glossy Florals
«For 2025, try something that combines texture and dimension,» Hanna says. This nail look merges a matte base color with glossy floral nail art and is the epitome of the power of finish mixing.
Almond Gold Leaf
While there’s no hard and fast rule about the best nail shapes for Valentine’s Day nails, there are some shapes that are a tad more charming. «Almond nails are perfect for Valentine’s Day because they look soft and elegant, making them ideal for romantic designs,» Hanna says. Keep your design simple yet striking by following this nail art look that includes small pieces of gold leaf and heart-shaped gems.
Ethereal 3D Charms
This manicure is the epitome taking a theme and running with it, which Hanna says is the key to getting Valentine’s nails that don’t feel too cheesy. «Hearts, glitter, or charms, paired with trendy elements like chrome or minimal negative space always makes for a fun manicure,» she says. «The key is making it feel like you, rather than sticking to any set rules.»
Contrasting Colors
Contrasting colors are another great way to play with a Valentine’s Day theme. This French manicure uses both red and white shades on one hand, and right at the middle of each smile line a small heart was drawn in either a red or white hue.
Negative Space Designs
Yes, your negative space nail art can be a design by itself, but you can also make use of the open area on each nail. This manicure adds designs like cherries, stars, and hearts with swords on each finger in a pink, red, and gold color palette.
Tiny Hearts, Big Love
If you’re a lover of all things pink, go for a classic bubblegum pink nail shade with teeny, tiny hearts. It’s an adorable take on a pink-on-pink theme.
Hearts and Swirls
Get into this masterpiece of a manicure. From the sleek nail shaping to the design, everything about this set is eye-catching, especially if you love a longer nail length.
Negative Space Pyramids
A vibrant red will forever be a V-Day staple. Consider incorporating negative space in the form of mini triangles.
Gradient Hues
No need to choose one nail color when you can simply incorporate multiple shades for the perfect ombré-like look. «To jazz up a more simple look, you can include glitter and rhinestones,» says manicurist Sarah Chue.
Golden Cuticles
Not ready to let go of a classic Valentine’s red? Accentuate your manicure with a subtle gold accent along your cuticle line.
Tiny Hearts
If you don’t want to hand draw tiny hearts on your Valentine’s Day nails, opt for decals. Play with stickers that have different colors and sizes, like the ones below from Dashing Diva.
The Reimagined French
The French tip is a classic for a reason. “The French manicure is an enduring style because it’s an incredibly versatile nail for all ages, and you can really make it your own,” says Stanley Nolan, Ogle School cosmetologist and beauty education specialist. Reimagine the timeless manicure with this pretty-in-pink iteration.
The Classic Pink Manicure
Nothing screams elegant and understated like a simple, single-color manicure. This one’s proof that you can’t go wrong with a beautifully muted pink for your Valentine’s nails.
Touch of Jewels
Nude colors can be hard to stray away from, especially if you’ve finally found that perfect hue that fits your skin tone. That being said, they can still be accessorized. For your Valentine’s Day nails, go for a simple nude shade thats compatible with your skin and accessorize with jewels for some extra pizzazz.
Pastel Shades
Want to channel spring with your Valentine’s nails? Mix and match opaque and sheer shades in the same color family for a unique take on your festive manicure.
Geometric Shapes
Another fun take on the geometric trend? Try this super-sleek design made of sharp angles and thin lines.
Pretty Purple Hues
«For 2025, try something that combines texture and dimension,» says Hanna. This magenta and lilac nail color pairing feels right up that alley. Recreate this design by freestyling shapes along the tips of each nail, and also playing with different finishes for that added visual intrigue.
Heart Tips
Adorn the tips of your nails with candy apple red hearts. This will make for the perfect conversation-starting mani.
Pink and Red Duo
Yet another fun take on a classic pink and red color combo, this color-blocked design serves as great inspiration for simple, yet impactful Valentine’s Day nail art.
Layers of Pink
This curvy design is absolutely divine. Plus, the use of negative space makes way for a long-lasting manicure as your nails grow out.
Glitzy Ombré Nails
Another way to play with dimension? Glitter. «Layering [glimmering] details over soft pink or nude bases is another fresh option that feels modern and chic,» says Hanna. Go all out this Valentine’s Day and style your nails with pink specs of glitter.
Triangles and Curves
Recreate this design using your favorite Valentine’s Day-inspired color combo. Red and white, shades of pink, or even different finishes of white, could make it stand out.
Rouge French
A gorgeous deep French? Immediately yes. Swapping out the traditional white tips for a vibrant red? Put it on my hands right now.
Overlapping Lines
Three colors in one manicure may seem like a lot, but allow this design to prove you wrong. Grab your favorite color trio (may I suggest the best winter nail polish colors?) and try out this perfectly layered nail design.
Freestyle Shapes
Don’t be afraid to freestyle your design. The horizontal and diagonal shapes featured in this design are softened by the romantic shape of these almond nails.
Curved White Tips
No, this isn’t the classic French manicure you’re used to. For all of you minimalists out there, try extending the lines past the free edge of the nail as seen in this gorgeous nail look.
Pink and White Combo
Try this subtle pink and white design for Valentine’s Day, then bookmark the look to wear again during the spring and summer months.
Gilded Tips
Your manicure deserves to be just as vibrant as your jewelry selection. Recreate this nail crown design using a shimmering gold polish or gold nail foil.
Abstract Curves
Let your nails take center stage and pair a soft tan with a merlot shade to recreate this curvy work of art. The contrast is unexpected but so pretty.
Dots and Fine Lines
Giving your Valentine’s nails a coral spin is an unexpected take on the holiday manicure. Take it up a notch by adding a thin line with a centered polka dot as seen here.
Hearts of Gold
Take the naked nail for a spin this Valentine’s Day—with a twist. Accentuate any translucent nude shade of your choosing by adding small gold hearts.
Oval Shapes
In case you haven’t noticed, shapes are the perfect way to amp up your manicure game. Have fun with the pink and red color combo by adding ovals of various sizes throughout your manicure like this super cute take.
Glitter Tips
Having a hard time narrowing down your nail color choice? No problem, look to this pink and silver duo that perfectly combines two unexpected shades for inspiration.
Blush Ombré Nails
Your pink manicure doesn’t have to be a bright neon to make sure all eyes are on your Valentine’s Day nails. If you look closely, this nail art features a rosy ombré hue that seamlessly fades into a beautiful nude shade.
Metallic Tips
Chrome, glazed donut accents have been all the rage for the past year, so why not incorporate the look for Valentine’s nails? If you’re not ready for a fully chrome nail, the look is a fun take on the traditional French manicure.
Press-On Nails
If you don’t want to make a trip to the nail salon, try press-on nails. They’re cute and easy to apply and Chillhouse is one of my favorite brands for press-on nails with designs I’d actually wear.
This Curvy French Manicure
Want to take your French manicure to the next level? Alternate between your favorite shades of red and pink and extend the lines for a fun take.
Hints of Pink
If you’re not all that into pink, try pairing it with a deep burgundy color. You can create designs like these small half-moons along the edges of your manicure, similar to the above.
Pearl Embellished French
Still in your coquette beauty era? Take note of these French tips, complete with cute and dainty pearls for a non-basic take on the always-trendy manicure.
Swirls of Pink
From the shade combo to the design work, I can’t get over the perfection of these swirly pink tips. The negative space element adds an extra boost of dimension that makes this manicure feel like an art piece.
These Nude Nails
There’s something about a minimalistic nude shade that’s so satisfying, no matter the occasion. Choose a pink-nude shade that’s close to the color of your natural nail and when the extensions start to grow out, you can get an extra week out of your set.
Holographic Shimmer
Let your manicure take center stage by opting for a striking glitter finish. The only thing that makes this look better is the tapered-almond shape that feels super elegant and is flattering on everyone.
Minimal Lines
Minimal but chic? This manicure checks both those boxes and is perfect for people who love a more understated look. Take note of these thin lines for your next appointment.
French Tips and Dainty Heart Details
Alternating French tips, coats of classic red, and dainty heart details make this V-Day mani subtle yet swoon-worthy. We wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to wear it again in the spring and summer months.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Ariel Baker is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with nearly a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She is constantly writing about celebrity nail looks, ranging from Selena Gomez and Zendaya to Katie Holmes. She has her pulse on what colors, shapes, and designs are trending.
Marie Claire is also an authority in the nail space, having written about the best New Year’s Eve manicures, seasonal manicure trends, and celebrity manicures.
Meet the Experts
Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood
Sarah Chue is a celebrity manicurist.