24 Valentine's Day nail looks we've fallen head over heels for

Check out the manicure designs that nail expert Julia Diogo and the H! Fashion team are crushing on…

valentines day red nails with pink hearts

Updated: January 21, 2026Jan 21, 2026, 11:28 AM GMT

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According to Julia, red hues take centre stage every year. "Bright pillar box and cherry reds will be all the rage," she tells H! Fashion. "Sheer nudes with teeny tiny hearts will also be big. They come around every year."

As for what designs to lean towards, "Hearts and bows are the trending Valentines theme so they will definitely be back again this year," she reveals. "I much prefer small hearts on the nails as they are super cute, and very chic." However, this year the manicurist has also seen some new unexpected trends on the horizon. She reveals, "I’ve been seeing some shimmery pink polishes which you don’t often see much around valentines as it’s always red." R

Julia Diogo approved: Red Cat Eye

Ever since Hailey Bieber's cinnamon bun viral manicure, cat-eye design's have taken centre stage. Julia says, "Red cat eye polish is great if you are wanting to add some drama/fun & difference to your manicure."

Julia Diogo approved: Minimalist Hearts

Julia tells H!Fashion, "Little red loves, super simple and cute hearts on a nude base are always super popular." If you're wanting a subtle nod to the season, try red hearts layered over a blush pink squoval base.

Julia Diogo approved: Negative Space

For something unique, jump on the negative space trend but with some classic red hearts. Elevate the look with a glittering gold outline. "These are really fun and super eye catching," Julia tells H! Fashion.

Pillar Box Red

Not into elaborate nail art? No problem. Go for a solid colour classic with pillar box red. Julia says, "A perfectly applied red manicure is a big favourite with my clients."

Polkadot

In case you missed the memo: polkadots are so in. For Valentines day, lean into the cute aesthetic with red and white dots and even some cute ribbons to bring a touch of whimsical chic to the set.

Aura Nails

Hazy and vibey, aura nails tend feature a blurred circular centre, and this pink colourway feels utterly apt for Valentine's.

Vibrant French Tips

Slim French tips are making a return, and we love this colourful take on the mani classic.

Nails with glitter tips and white heart accent

Glitter Tips With White Heart Accent

Champion understated glitz with pink glitter tips and a single heart in a contrasting shade.

Broken Heart

Expert manicurist Betina Goldstein's quirky, unforgettable nail art lives in my mind rent-free all year round, not just around Valentine's, and this heart-centric thumb look is just adorable.

Gold Hearts

Unswayed by the traditional red-pink colour scheme? Lean into metallics with molten gold hearts.

Mix n' Match

For a super playful Valentine's nail moment, opt for the mix 'n' match approach and try a look with different designs on each individual nail.

Heart-Lined Tips

Tips needn't be uniform, and I love the fluidity of the pink line in this understated, heart-inspired mani look.

Nails with red and pink hearts and red tips

Contrasting Coat of Arms

This graphic heart nail look reminds me of a modern, uber-romantic coat of arms - and I'm here for it.

Nails with silver glitter and heart gems

Holographic Gems

If you're looking to dial up the glitz factor, consider layering heart gems over a wash of glitter.

70's Swirl

Sometimes its okay to opt for a design a little out of the box for Valentines day. Why not lean into the 1970s vibe with a Psychedelic swirl design. It's so chic and will be a bold way to enter the season of love.

Nails with alternating red and pink hearts and tips

Bold Contrast Tips

For a simple, high-impact look, alternate pink and red tips with heart detailing.

Pink Chrome

Cool-girl chromes are everywhere right now, and for Valentine's, a glossy raspberry finish is the way to go.

French Tips and Pink Hearts

Embrace negative space by pairing square French tips alongside classic pink hearts.

Coquette cool-girl

Bows are having a serious moment across both the fashion and beauty spheres. Hop on the trend and style it alongside sultry red tips for the season of love.

Nails with red heart and gold line running through

Lovestruck Minimalism

Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve, it's all about the nails. This manicure design features tiny, centrally-placed red hearts with gold lines down the centre, richly reminiscent of Cupid's golden arrow.