15 Red Nail Looks You Can Wear All Year

January 21, 2022

Red nails are one of the most iconic and classic ways to style your next manicure, and there’s a reason this look has been beloved for so long. You have lots of lovely options to fit all your personal fashion needs, no matter what the season or holiday might be. And it’s easy to take your classic manicure to the next level with modern and innovative new manicure styles.

Nailboo is the team you can trust for all your nail health, wellness, and design needs. We offer resources and guides for everything from quitting nail-biting to 2022 nail fashion trends. And we’re here to share all our favorite evergreen red nail looks today.

Red Nail Looks You Can Wear All Year

Red nails are often worn around Christmas or Valentine’s Day. The truth is, there are gorgeous nail designs in red that you can wear any time, including some of the following.

1. Shades of Red

Red is such a classic nail color that your options for shades are endless. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to your next red manicure, pick out a few of your favorite red shades. You can apply an accent nail coat or create a beautiful ombre effect across your entire set.

No matter what shades of red you pick, the final look will be bold and memorable.

2. Red Waves

Like fashion, manicure styles are often inspired by looks of the past. That’s why you’re sure to see bright and fun ‘70s-inspired waves coming back into fashion. These festive looks are easy to achieve in any color, but there’s something extra special about seeing them in red.

Red waves look great as an accent, across the entire set, or combined with some of your other favorite shades, like oranges and yellows.

3. Red Tips

If you want to turn the classic manicure style on its head, use your red for the tip, rather than the nail. It’s subtle, but still very stylish, and you have lots of really unique options to pick from.

One way to take this design to the next level is to combine the color and the nail shape. You can turn the tip of your nail into a heart, flower petal, or diamond, and then apply the paint to match.

4. Floral Reds

Who doesn’t love a red rose? Some of the most beautiful flowers are available in shades of red, like carnations, tulips, daisies, and more. You can use your favorite floral design as a detail, or embrace the fluidity of nature, vines, and leaves with your next manicure set. No matter what kind of flower design you pick, the final look will be elegant and lovely.

5. Geometric Red

If you’re on the search for a manicure style that transitions perfectly between professional and personal events and fashion needs, the geometric look is the way to go. There are so many ways to add a touch of the geometric to your next manicure, with straight or diagonal lines, triangle shapes, diamonds, and more.

You can take the subtle approach, and apply the geometric style in a different shade of red. Or go for something a little bolder and brighter in black, white, or glitter.

6. Flames

One look that you can always trust will be hot, hot, hot is the flame design. It’s a totally unique and wide look that can be approached in a lot of different ways. Get a subtle flame style with ombre and shades of red. Or create the individual flame designs on your nail for a can’t miss final product. A touch of black or glitter will add something extra special to the design.

7. Red French Tip

Traditionally, French tips are designed to be subtle, neutral, and versatile. With a red French tip, you can do something totally different. Pick your favorite base shade, from light neutral to something bright, glittery, or bold. Then apply your red tip over the dry base. Mix and match different shades or styles for a modern take on the French tip.

8. Red Hearts

Who says heart nails are just for Valentine’s Day? The truth is, heart designs are perfect for all your favorite red manicure looks.

You can create a nail shape perfect for your heart nails or use it as a small design at the corner of your thumb and pinky. Apply hearts in shades of red, or try out pinks, yellows, or blues for a really fun color combination every time.

9. Matte Red

One way to achieve a really chic red manicure design is to pick a matte red color. Matte red polishes are available in a wide range of shades, from deep wines to bright and bold pinks. The matte style stands out thanks to its unique texture. It’s also an easy manicure that anyone can try out today.

10. Pop-Art

We love a pop-art look, and you can achieve this style right at home with a few simple polishes. Traditionally, pop art utilizes bright and bold colors, so you’ll want to pick a bright red or red shade with hints of orange or pink.

You can get the cool and funky pop art look by applying an outline to the nail in black, and then using a bright white to add highlights. Outline the highlights in shades of black as well, for an artsy design fit for a museum.

11. Red Polka Dots

If you love festive nail designs but want that easy-to-achieve style, red polka dots are the way to go. You can use red for the background or the dots themselves, or switch back and forth between nails.
All you need to do is paint the nail in your base shade, and then use a toothpick or nail tool to apply small polka dots. Adjust the size and shape of your polka dots or mix and match the colors of your polka dots to create a different look every time.

12. Strawberry Nails

What’s sweeter than a strawberry? You can make a beautiful strawberry nail design by combining a few simple techniques.

Pick your base strawberry color in a bright and festive red. Then use your toothpick or nail tool to apply small lines of yellow for the seeds. Lastly, apply a green tip or green leaves to the tip of your nails. This design is creative and adorable, but still professional enough for work or school.

13. Bandana Pattern

If you’re looking to test your design skills with a stand-out red manicure pattern, the bandana look is the way to go. It’s a festive, farm-inspired style that requires only a few different colors, and leaves plenty of room for creativity.

You’ll want to create a series of lines, stars, patterns, and feather designs to achieve that classic bandana look. Use your favorite bandana for reference and start showing off today.

14. Minimalist Nails in Red

Subtle can really stand out. If you love showing off your favorite red shade, but you want to take things to the next level, consider adding a touch of minimalist design. You can apply thin lines or tiny designs like hearts, stars, and diamonds for a red manicure look that fits many events and occasions.

15. Decals, Gems, and Stamps

When it comes to a red manicure that doesn’t hold back, pick out your favorite decals, gems, and stamps. Stamps and decals make it easy to get that clean and polished look every time, no matter how complex the pattern might be.
And gems will add a little something special to your next manicure. Apply tiny diamonds at the tip or base of the nail, use them for accents, or make your favorite heart design stand out. The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

When it comes to gorgeous red manicure designs, there’s something for everyone. You can match your favorite shades to outfits for work, school, or the next date night with ease. And the best part is that you can wear these cool and stylish looks all year long. After all, who said that red is exclusive to the holidays?

Check out the fun and festive red nail designs like polka dots, geometric lines, strawberry patterns, and more. With so many red shades to pick from, you’re sure to find something you really love.

And Nailboo is here to help you on every step of the journey. We believe salon-quality manicures should be available to everyone. That’s why we carry easy-to-use nail dip kits that you can try out from the comfort of home. It’s also why you’ll find polishes in a wide collection of colors and shades.

Explore our growing library of guides and resources to create the perfect red manicure look for your next special occasion.

Get the Look

Prepare a manicure that’s special with Nailboo. Here are all the colors you’ll find in our collection that can help you achieve the perfect red design.