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

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 from 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.

"Valentine’s Day is always a moment where customers are more open to playful details, but in a way that still feels polished and modern," says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse. "We see a lot of requests for sheer neutrals and soft pink shades (such as Glazed Milkshake (£13.50), Strawberry Milk (£13.50), and Glazed Marshmallow(£13.50)) often elevated with subtle accents such as micro hearts, fine line detailing, or a single statement nail. For customers looking to make more of a statement, Strawberry (£13.50) is a standout around Valentine’s. It’s a classic red that feels confident and timeless rather than novelty-led, especially when paired with a clean nail shape and a high-shine finish," she says.

If you want to keep your Valentine's nail look chic rather than too on the nose, then some micro nail art or simple nail designs can be a great way to dip a nail into the theme without going overboard. "We often recommend minimalist details, such as a tonal French tip, a single fine heart on one nail, or simply a flawless glossy finish," says Huber-Millet

To help you find your Valentine's Day nail design, I've trawled the top nail technicians and celebrity manicurists to bring you the prettiest and chicest Valentine's Day nail designs—I can't help but think this is an even more lovely gesture than receiving a bouquet of flowers...

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 3D 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 shimmer nail polish. 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.