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  4. 18 Valentine's Day Nail Designs You'll Fall Head Over Heels For

18 Valentine's Day Nail Designs You'll Fall Head Over Heels For

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated February 11, 2022
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valentine's day nail inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@kellykmbeauty

When it comes to the holiday filled with chocolates, red roses, and jewelry, we don't skimp on preparation for the love-filled festivities. From cute handwritten cards to heart-shaped candy dishes, we make sure to show that love is in the air. Whether you're being whisked off to a romantic candlelit dinner or cozying up for a movie night, you can't go wrong with sweet-as-sugar nail designs that ramp up the romance of your manicure with painted hearts, love messages, and fun patterns. Valentine's Day nail art is the perfect way to accessorize for the holiday with dreamy pinks, bright cherry reds, and bold oxbloods. For you star-crossed lovers, a geometric hot pink nail design gives an electric touch; and for you hopeless romantics, a red heart-tipped manicure drops major hints to your beau across the table. Give Cupid a hand this year by radiating love from your fingertips. You can test your own manicure skills by DIYing one of these designs, or follow our lead by bringing this as inspiration to your nail salon! Here are our top picks for getting fashion forward Valentine's Day nails.

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Half Moon

Half Moon
Credit: Instagram/@chelseaqueen

This classic half-moon design evokes a subtle romance with its white base and cherry red top coat. The easiest way to get this design is by placing a sticky paper hole reinforcement to the base of the nail and using a paint brush or Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to smooth any smudged lines.

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Candy-Striped

Candy-Striped
Credit: Instagram/@aliciatnails

Candy-lovers, rejoice. These candy-inspired nails use negative space and fun stripes to ensure your most playful Valentine's manicure yet.

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Gradient Corners

Gradient Corners
Credit: Instagram/@aliciatnails

If you're not into pink or white, this manicure makes a glamorous option for Valentine's Day—and it's incredibly easy! Find your favorite three red polishes, from dark to bright cherry, and use tape to create gradient corners.

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Pink Houndstooth

Pink Houndstooth
Credit: Instagram/@chelseaqueen

We don't know if we've ever seen something as preppy and cute as this pink houndstooth design. We have a feeling that Elle Woods has rocked this manicure from time to time!

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Cute Plumes

Cute Plumes
Credit: Instagram/@theillustratednail

This cuticle feather design uses fun colors to create a Valentine's Day look worth trying out this year. Switch up the colors to customize for your V-Day outfit!

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Abstract Pinks

Valentine's Day Nail Inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@hernameskyle

This ultra-girly, abstract manicure layers different pinks for a rosy look that matches every Valentine's Day card you've been eyeing at the stationery store.

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Red Roses

Red Roses
Credit: Instagram/@oliveandjune

These might not be the only flowers you get this Valentine's Day, but they do make a worthy substitution for the real thing. Classic nude polish lets the bright red florals shine.

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Layers

Layers
Credit: Instagram/@aliciatnails

Layer a bubblegum pink on the bottom of this design for a subtle pop of color, following with a cherry red and vampy oxblood, for an eye-catching effect.

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Matte Heart Tips

Valentine's Day nail inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@hernameskyle

These nails let you hold your heart on your sleeve—or at least on your hands! This design is simple and romantic.

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Sweet Daisies

Sweet Daisies
Credit: Instagram/@oliveandjune

This dainty floral manicure uses baby pink, daisies, and a little glitter to make a girly statement. You'll be in style whether you're having a romantic dinner with your beau or attending a movie night with the girls.

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Oxblood

Oxblood
Credit: Instagram/@aliciatnails

Our favorite half-moon design makes another appearance in these lacquered oxblood nails. Negative space, created by using sticky paper hole reinforcements, changes up between nails from horizontal to vertical.

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Checkered

Checkered
Credit: Instagram/@mpnails

This isn't your typical picnic tablecloth pattern. The red, white, and pink checkered design is fun and festive for a Galentine's Day gathering. Using tape ensures the color does not bleed. Lock everything in with a strong, ultra-shiny top coat!

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Love Message

Valentine's Day nail inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@hernameskyle

It's the reason for the season—or holiday? Wear it on your nails, if only for the week, for a festive reminder that love is in the air!

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Star Crossed

Star Crossed
Credit: Instagram/@oliveandjune

Show your lover that the stars are truly aligned with this manicure! Nude and cherry red make it subtle, yet very stylish.

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Sweethearts

valentine's day nail inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@kellykmbeauty

This set reminds us of the classic Valentine's Day candy in all their pastel glory.

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Holographic Hearts

Valentine's day nail inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@kellykmbeauty

Shimmery nails are all the rage right now, so why not go bold with your nail design? This set mixes a trendy holographic finish with classic tiny Valentine's Day hearts.

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February Fuchsia

valentine's day nail inspiration
Credit: Instagram/@hernameskyle

These hot pink nails are still on theme for the holiday, but subtle enough for you to wear after the day of love has passed.

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By Kaitlyn Yarborough

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    1 of 17 Half Moon
    2 of 17 Candy-Striped
    3 of 17 Gradient Corners
    4 of 17 Pink Houndstooth
    5 of 17 Cute Plumes
    6 of 17 Abstract Pinks
    7 of 17 Red Roses
    8 of 17 Layers
    9 of 17 Matte Heart Tips
    10 of 17 Sweet Daisies
    11 of 17 Oxblood
    12 of 17 Checkered
    13 of 17 Love Message
    14 of 17 Star Crossed
    15 of 17 Sweethearts
    16 of 17 Holographic Hearts
    17 of 17 February Fuchsia

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    18 Valentine's Day Nail Designs You'll Fall Head Over Heels For
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