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January 31, 2025

15 Valentine's Day nail art ideas to try or bring to your next manicure appointment

WATCH: Valentine's Day by the numbers: The average person spends $196 on their significant other

Explore our "GMA" Valentine's Day guide with DIY ideas, gift picks for your Valentine or Galentine, romantic dinner recipes and more.

Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to give your nails a little extra love!

Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a fun Galentine's celebration, or just want to get into the spirit of things, a fresh manicure can be the ultimate finishing touch.

From classic reds to dreamy pinks, playful heart designs to unexpected, edgy twists, there's a Valentine's Day nail look for everyone.

This year, why not step outside the usual and try something new? Think shimmering metallics for a modern glam vibe, delicate lace-inspired details for a touch of elegance, or even bold color-blocking that proves love doesn't have to be all soft and sweet.

Ready to fall head over heels for a fresh manicure? Scroll ahead for some swoon-worthy Valentine's Day nail ideas that will have you feeling the love all month long!

MORE: What's the red nail theory? TikTok says this manicure will score you plenty of dates

Heart-filled French

This heart-filled take on a French manicure just screams Valentine's Day love.

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A post shared by Phoebe Cascarina (@phoebesummernails)

Floating hearts

You can't go wrong with these floating, sparkling hearts.

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A post shared by Callie | Nail Enthusiast (@nailsbycalliemarie)

Mattes made in heaven

Now, here's the perfect mix of classic red meets modern matte.

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A post shared by Callie | Nail Enthusiast (@nailsbycalliemarie)

Ace of hearts

Play the perfect hand and manicure with this lovely ace of hearts-inspired look.

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A post shared by Betina R. Goldstein (@betina_goldstein)

Roses are red

These rose accent nails are simple, chic and perfect for Valentine's Day.

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A post shared by Julia (Murphree) Talisman (@xjuliatalisman)

I heart you

Show some heartfelt love for your nails with this heart-tipped mani.

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A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails)

Punchy brights

Nailing Hollywood created this punchy, fun look with just a few easy-to-follow steps shared in the video below.

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A post shared by Nailing Hollywood (@nailinghollywood)

Sweet swirls

This sweet swirl look is a keeper.

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A post shared by Vivian W (@vwnails_)

Where is the love?

You'll want to wear these white lines and shapes long after Valentine's Day.

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A post shared by Nails by Ravi | Gel Nails (@nailsbyravi_)

Dreamy foil

This pink foiled French manicure look has the silhouette of a heart and a mesmerizing metallic finish.

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Dreamy foil colors in the silhouette of a heart.??

A post shared by Paintbox (@paintboxnails) on

Graphic red

Get graphic and have fun with a red and black-based nail look.

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Ojeyi sürmeye baslarken hiçbir sey planlamadim, hersey tirnagimin yarisini bantlamakla basladi ve sonuç ortada.?? Nedense bu asimetrik görüntü benim çok hosuma gitti. Siz neler düsünüyorsunuz? ???? ??H&M Parisienne • • • #nailart #nail #asimetric #mattenails #rednailart #naildesigner #naildesign #tirnaksanati #tirnaksüsleme #nailsofinstagram #nailpolish #nailsaddict #434489

A post shared by Ece’nin Nail Art Sayfasi?? (@oje_queenn) on

Pastel pops

Who said you have to stick with red and pink for Valentine's Day? Break the rules by trying a vibrant mix of pink and green.

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New DIY design! A better look at my latest try, which I did the other day at home and reminds me of a Paintbox design I like a lot. I need to try again soon using a striper brush (thanks, @misspopnails!). But I think they turned out pretty cute, right? #michelleleenails

A post shared by Michelle Lee (@heymichellelee) on

Editor's Picks

Floral digits

Instead of looking for fresh flowers that will die, put some on your fingernails that will last a little longer.

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floral digits on Julia @juliamurphree using @essie: ??ballet slippers, ??off tropic, ??tart deco, ??fifth avenue, ??as if, ??bikini so teeny, ??pansy, and ??good as gold. #nationalnailpolishday #nnpd #essielove #essiepolish #nailpolishonly

A post shared by Frances Liang (@purplenailbox) on

Dainty dots

If you're not totally sold on nail art yet, start with a minimal dotted design like this one.

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Be unexpected // #repost pc: @betina_goldstein #laurenb #laurenbpolish #healthynails #nontoxic #nails #greenbeauty #veganbeauty #notd #polish #vegan #7free #crueltyfreebeauty #cleanbeauty #nailsofinstagram #summernails #nailart

A post shared by Luxury Nail & Hand Care (@laurenbbeauty) on

Chic squares

Capture a great nail selfie with round shaped nails decorated with cool red squares.

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Valentine’s Day but make it (low-key) nail art ...and grown up. #ManiMonday ??

A post shared by Jacqueline Laurean Yates (@jacquelinelaurean) on

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Feb. 12, 2019.