There are so many reasons to keep up with regular manicures and nail health. Not only can they ensure that your nails remain healthy and strong for a long time to come, but they’re a great way to express your creativity and show your personality off to the world. And, when it comes to celebrating the next holiday, birthday, or exciting event, there’s a unique and stylish manicure that can really do the trick.
Here at Nailboo, we believe in accessible and easy at-home manicures with salon-level shine. But the fun doesn’t end with our nail dip kits. Our professional team also wants to share our methods, processes, and styles for getting unique nail looks for every occasion.
And there’s nothing quite like a theme. Here are a few of our favorite approaches to Valentine’s Day nail designs that you’ll definitely fall in love with.
Nails at a Glance
Before you can begin to decide what style or design you want for your next holiday manicure, there are a few important things you’ll want to consider, including some of the following.
Nail Type
The type of nail style you want to go with can vary depending on your lifestyle, your hobbies, and the final look you want. There are a lot of great options to pick from, including gels, acrylics, Shellac, dip powder, and natural nails. They each have varying levels of maintenance and available styles and longevity, so do your research to determine the best one for your needs.
Nail Shapes
One of the best ways to get a look you love is to check out all of your nail shape options. If you’re prone to chipping or have a hands-on job that leads to nail damage, a round, oval, or square shape might be better for you. Shapes like stiletto, coffin, and almond are bold and dramatic and always great for making a statement.
Nail Colors
Of course, when it comes to Valentine’s Day, pink and red are to be expected—and they’re classics for a reason! But the next time you design your holiday nails, consider thinking outside of the box. Pink and black or purple and white can make for gorgeous Valentine’s day designs that really stand out from the pack.
Valentine’s Day Nail Designs
Now that you’ve picked out your favorite styles and shapes of Valentine’s Day manicures, you can enjoy the very best part—putting your own stamp on your holiday nails. Here are some great approaches to getting festive and beautiful holiday nails that really fit your fashion.
Heart Nails
Of course, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without hearts, right? The best part of a heart design for your holiday manicure is that there are so many great approaches that you can really make this style your own. A heart is great for an accent nail, or you can go subtle and use a small heart design on the thumb or pinky nail.
Hearts can also be used to tell a story as part of your manicure. For instance, you can have a picture of Cupid shooting his arrow on one finger and a heart on the last. Or maybe a heart-stamped envelope is flying through the air. Valentine’s Day is a fun and joyful holiday, and there are many ways to approach the iconic heart in a fashion that you really love.
Glitter Nails
What says Valentine’s Day morning more than a pink glitter set? Glitter is such a fun and festive way to adorn your manicure, and you can pick from many different methods for getting the right glitter look for your Valentine’s Day date.
Consider a full glitter set, use glitter as an accent nail, or add a touch of shine to tips or bases in an ombre of glitter. No matter how you approach it, your glittery nails will add a touch of elegance and style to the night.
Nail Gems and Jewels
When a glitter polish simply isn’t enough to express your love for the holiday, consider adding gems and jewels to your favorite patterns or themed colors. Rhinestones come in all your favorite colors, so you can match them to the holiday theme, and small charms can be as bold or as subtle as you want them to be. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a heart jewel for your Valentine’s Day date or girl’s night.
Decals & Stickers
Stencils and free handing can work for simple designs like hearts, but if you want to take your Valentine’s Day manicure to the next level, consider adding decals, stamps, or stickers. There are gorgeous geometric patterns and shapes to pick from, and you can add your favorite images and stories from the holiday, like Cupid, Valentine’s Day cards, lipstick kisses, and more. Stamps and decals ensure that your manicure always looks as clean and professional as possible.
Floral Nails
If you’re looking for a subtle approach to the holiday spirit, florals can be a great way to go. Delicate roses or flowers paired with your favorite reds and pinks can speak to the season in a low-key but charming and unique way. Pick your favorite flower and add a little something special to your next at-home manicure.
Ombre Nails
An ombre style of nail is always festive—and with beautiful pinks and reds to pick from for the holiday, you can’t go wrong. Consider an ombre from thumb to pinky or from base to tip, and don’t shy away from a little glitter to go with it. It’s easy to get a gorgeous ombre look at home with the use of a simple makeup sponge.
Minimalist Nails
If you’re preparing for a glamorous dinner, or you just want to keep your Valentine’s Day celebration subtle, minimalist nails are a great option. You can do small Xs and Os across your nail set, add a tiny heart at the bottom of your thumb, or touch up the tips in your favorite shade of pink. There are many ways to get a classy and subtle Valentine’s Day manicure style that you absolutely love.
Stripes and Polka Dots
But if you’re not afraid to hold back, consider a maximalist look instead—with all your favorite stripes and polka dot patterns. Mix and match your top patterns in all the Valentine’s Day colors that you love most to create a fun and celebratory nail style that embraces the spirit of the holiday.
Splatter
Another really fun way to get into the Valentine’s Day vibe is with a splatter style. You can use a splatter style for any occasion, but it works especially well for Valentine’s Day with pinks, reds, and whites. Consider doing the whole set or using a splatter nail as an accent for a unique style that always comes out a little different than before.
Candy Hearts
Let’s face it, the best part of Valentine’s Day is really the candy. (Or maybe we should say the best part of February fifteenth!) Bring a little of that sweetness home with an adorable candy heart-style manicure. You can stencil or stamp on hearts with your favorite saying, or paint your nails in the best of these classic confectionery colors and add the top flirty texts you’d send to your Valentine’s Day boo.
In Summary
We’re all about getting into the spirit of the holiday—especially when that holiday is filled with sweet treats, good drinks, and lots and lots of love! And how do we celebrate here at Nailboo? With gorgeous, Valentine’s Day-themed manicures you won’t want to miss out on.
Impress your Valentine’s Day date—and all your Galentine’s Day friends!—with unique and trendy manicures that really get into the theme of the day. Whether you’re into a minimalist style, with tiny, adorable hearts that play peek-a-boo, or you love bringing the glitter and gold with shiny sets, stripes, and splatter, there’s a gorgeous Valentine’s Day nail style to match your favorites. Decide on your favorite shapes to begin designing your own manicure at home today!
And, of course, you can check out the dip kits and growing library of resources here at Nailboo to get started, as well. Gorgeous manicures should keep your nails safe and your space neat, and we’re here to make it easy to get the salon-quality looks you love without breaking the bank. With so many great Valentine’s Day choices to pick from, there’s only one real question—which holiday look will you fall in love with first?
Sources:
History of Valentine's Day - Facts, Origins & Traditions | History
What Are Acrylic Nails? - Everything to Know About Getting Acrylic Nails | In Style
Artificial nails: Dermatologists' tips for reducing nail damage | AAD
