Are you looking for nail inspiration this Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day nails are some of the most fun as the holiday lends itself to romance and passion. From little hearts to X’s and O’s, we’ve rounded up this year’s hottest trends ahead of the holiday for you to find the perfect look for you. Whether you’re single or you have a Valentine to call your own this year, you can still get in on the fun and use the holiday as an excuse for some super special nails.
While pink and red dominate, we also have some stellar examples of Valentine’s Day nails that buck the trend and chart new territory. This way, you can find the perfect designs that fit your own unique personal style. You might be looking for something understated or over-the-top, and we’ve got nails that fit both of those descriptions and everything in between. Now, it’s time to discover how you will paint those claws!
Glad to Be Plaid
Matte nails really make a statement. This is especially true for plaid applications. Most of the time you see it, you’ll find a high gloss. Matte is best for this type of design. Here’s proof.
Flaming Kind of Love
Do you want to set hearts on fire this Valentine’s Day? Do it with these flaming hearts, which give us Y2K vibes.
Make Your Own Rules
These festive Valentine’s Day nails might appeal to you if you’re all about fun. Have a blast, and don’t worry about the consequences. You get to make the rules, mama.
White and Red Win Again and Again
Valentine’s Day nails incorporating white are a huge trend this year. It’s easy to see why. That vivid red really pops with white tips or as a background for those cute red hearts. Why not pop a little pearl on there too?
Roses Everywhere
Roses are red, and we should keep them that way! A pale blue makes for an interesting background for these red flowers to pop off. Stick with that pattern for all your nails, or switch it up with some red nails with pink roses for variety.
Simply Shimmering
We find blood-red glittery Valentine’s Day nails here with tiny heart details. These claws are delicious a party.
Little Cuties
How cute are these little Valentine’s Day nails? We love the whimsical, childlike quality of these very sweet nails.
Less Is More
Opal nails with tiny hearts? You better believe it! Sometimes less is more, and these Valentine’s Day nails prove it.
Feathered
Here’s a great wine shade that’s been used to create unpretentious wave shapes with white ornamental elements that look rich. In our opinion, this looks so classy yet fresh, the best type of balance. What do you think of these Valentine’s Day nails?
Thank You Berry Much
That juicy-looking berry-red is serving. There are a ton of reds to choose from, so find the one that feels fitting for you. You could go more berry or more wine or even deep crimson.
Simplicity Is Bliss
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel for some truly appealing red Valentine’s Day nails. Pair white and red together to strike the perfect harmony that looks sweet without stealing the spotlight.
Smooch
These stiletto claws are swoon-worthy. Notice how the ring and middle finger form a heart when they’re placed together? These are some very well-thought-out red Valentine’s Day nails. How are you feeling about those kisses?
More Is More
Are you looking for Valentine’s Day nails that will stop traffic? Feast your eyes on these beauties! Each nail looks more exhilarating than the last, which is perfect if you’re trying to really make a statement this year.
12.
Winter can be such a bleak time of year, making the depth and richness of the red polish used here so appealing. We find the chocolate drizzle effect that is so sweet on the white nails. We think this trend is one to watch this year.
Sparkle Sparkle
These Valentine’s Day nails are all about the flash. You know what to do if you’ve got some leftover red glitter from Christmas.
Understated
The little details make all the difference. How charming is the lone heart nail next to those gorgeous red nails? If you’re not looking for loud Valentine’s Day nails, something similar could be best for you.
Blooming Hearts
You can tame the bold color red for your Valentine’s Day nails by employing it for the details. Take a look at that floral detail that looks like cherry blossoms, but instead of flowers, we’re treated to tiny little hearts. What a luminous idea!
Run the Jewels
The claws are coming for you this Valentine’s Day, honey. We find stiletto nails here with a different style on each nail. Which one is your favorite? We like the little hearts and the bejeweled nail because they look so rich.
Elegance
Shiny red meets a pale blush for a winning look that strikes balance and looks very endearing. We dig the metallic stripe and hope you feel the same way about it.
Confectionary
These Valentine’s Day nails look like they’ve got white chocolate drizzled over them! Turn to a box of chocolates for inspiration, and you could walk away with something equally as scrumptious.
A Touch of Pink
Here, this person has gone with a fruity red that looks fun and fresh. We like the one nail with the swoopy heart and gem. It’s a sweet little detail that’s understated and refined.
Going Goth
Lean into that inner goth and go black and red, black widow-style. Red and black is one of the finest color combinations. Our brain reads the colors together as dangerous, intriguing, and mysterious. Just what you might want in your Valentine’s Day nails.
Boom
Here’s another scheme that finds variety by adding black. The little hearts look like ornaments on the ring finger. This person has shown some restraint, which really served this person well.
Variety
Moving on to more assorted possibilities, we find a variety of styles with these Valentine’s Day nails. You can get away with doing something different on each nail if you stick to a color theme like this person.
Tipping Point
One of the most classic looks for Valentine’s Day is these heart-shaped tips that are just so flirty and fun. This could be the perfect option for you if you want sweet Valentine’s Day nails.
Hot and Baby
Hot and baby pinks pair together perfectly. Tiny hearts like these are the trend this season, and you can totally pull them off.
Pretty Pastels
Again, tiny hearts are the moment. Consider pairing colors that work well together, like peach and lilac, for your pink Valentine’s Day nails.
On a Cloud
Clouds are another trend we spotted when researching Valentine’s Day nails. This is the first example of the dreamy trend, but we’ll share another instance with you on this list.
Color of Serenity
Pairing pastels together is another winning trend of the season. As we saw with that lilac and peach, other pastels also look fantastic and totally lovable.
X’s and O’s
X’s and O’s are a fun idea to upgrade your Valentine’s Day nails. This person ran with the idea, and we think it totally paid off. You’ll see another example on this list of how it can be done in a different manner.
Opposites
Pairing opposing colors on the color wheel always create a pop. Pink and green look radical next to each other and would make a big statement for your Valentine’s Day nails.
Pink or Purple?
Two different shades of pink (verging on purple) prove an understated and sophisticated way to nod to Valentine’s Day. For a sleek look, go with something similar.
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Swirling
Consider going full-on 1960s with some pastel pink swirls for something more playful. It’s a totally mod look that reads sweet and carefree.
Heart to Heart
Again, hot pink paired with a baby one will really pop. Consider doing something different for each nail for an energetic and youthful look.
A Beat Away
Pink hearts and dots form a sort of pattern on these Valentine’s Day nails. Switch it up with some pink tips for a winning look.
X’s and O’s Part II
We find those X’s and O’s again with a lovely pale pink and bold black. If all-pink is too girly for you, make a statement with the addition of black. Also, matte pink is underutilized, and we think it’s an idea worth considering.
Lighten Up
Each nail is paler than the last in these very lovable Valentine’s Day nails. Live that peach fantasy with evocative nails like these.
Golden
Metallics are another tremendous trend this year. Try some gold leaf for a decadent look with a touch of class.
A Pinch of Sparkle
Silver sparkle with a white base looks fantastic next to these pale pink nails. We love the black heart detail that is equal parts sweet and sophisticated.
Shimmering
Don’t want to try and paint those tiny hearts? Stick them on with these metallic, glittering heart decals. Isn’t this dreamy?
Ombré
Ombré from maroon to light pink makes these nails look completely otherworldly. If you’re not about to put hearts on your nails, you can still get into the spirit with nails like these.
Love Is In the Air
A hot air balloon? Sure! This person leaned into whimsy to create these wholly original Valentine’s Day nails.
The Dreaming
As promised, we find more clouds with these luscious pink and purple nails. We think they really bring the romance.
Lava Lamp Nails
Your pink Valentine’s Day nails can be as groovy as you are with a very fluid design scheme like this. Something similar offers you the opportunity to get into the mood of love without it being too cutesy.
Tasty
On the other end of the spectrum, you can live that Powerpuff Girl fantasy with candy stripes like these, which feel like a revelry of a few shades of pink.
Go to Town
Metallics are all the rage among Valentine’s Day nails this year. Bedazzle your way to nails that look a touch over-the-top but remarkable nevertheless.
Spray Paint
Here’s one of the more interesting concepts we spotted while researching Valentine’s Day nails. We find some “dripping” paint that looks like it’s graffiti on a brick wall.
Get to the Point
Simplicity is bliss, and we find that to be the case with these pale Valentine’s Day nails that are kissed by black. A heart and the word “love” are all it takes to make them love-themed.
Flirty
A pink base proves perfect for some black eyelashes, red hearts, and kisses. For a flirty look, lean into the wink.
Like Lace
How precious are these lacey pink nails? They look so classic and intriguing. The look is invigorated and balanced next to a warmer pink.
An Array of Hearts
There is more than one way to paint a heart, and we see many on these hands. Black, red, and pink will never do you wrong.
Split Hearts
These heart Valentine’s Day nails have taken on a sort of checkered look. Each heart is split in half, with one side in light pink and the other in red. What an unusual concept!
Lucious Lettering
How cool does the word “love” look on these Valentine’s Day nails? We think it’s divine.
Express Yourself
Go wild with your ideas and expect some ooh’s and ahh’s from those who clock your energetic spread. Color us impressed by these star Valentine’s Day nails.
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Break Some Rules
Turn your dreams into Valentine’s Day nails by thinking outside the box for the subject matter. Flowers, hearts, melted faces, a warped checkerboard, and waves of color all look so expressive in this spread.
There you go! We hope you feel inspired by these Valentine’s Day nails and will consider some of these ideas for your own claws. Valentine’s Day is all about love, so pink hearts are a go-to for nails this time of year. That does not mean that they have to be boring. Go all out with your Valentine’s Day nails, and you won’t regret it!
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