We've Spent Years Scrolling—These Are the Chicest Valentine's Day Nail Ideas in Existence
 
Ava Gilchrist
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.

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor for Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections.
With a degree in fashion journalism from the London College of Fashion, she has 10 years of industry experience and has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards for her work on Powder and also contributed to the title winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards.
Eleanor’s journalistic focus is providing readers with honest and helpful beauty content. She has interviewed celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and dermatologists throughout her career, as well as celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Sarah Jessica Parker and Scarlett Johansson.
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