11 genuinely wearable Valentines nail ideas to take to your next salon appointment

These are already getting us in the mood

Womans hands with the word love written on them - valentines nails
(Image credit: Instagram/@betina_goldstein)

The month of love has arrived, which means that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you've had your date-night Valentine's Day outfit planned for weeks or have decided to celebrate self-love instead this year, there's no denying the joy that a chic Valentine's nail design can bring.

While team Marie Claire is already making its way through the chicest nail trends of 2023, we're also starting to think about how we can jazz up our next manicure by paying a subtle tribute to the day of love. From teeny-tiny love hearts to a French-tip twist, we've scoured Instagram to round up the chicest ideas for Valentine's nails this month.

11 Valentines day nail designs you'll love

1. Rom-com nails

How to lose a guy in ten days is a classic, although these nails are anything but. Just select your go-to rom-com (or rom, for that matter), choose your favourite line and take it to one of the best nail salons.

2. Hailey Bieber's pink glazed nails

Get ahead of the nail trends this year and try Hailey Bieber's pink glazed nails for the love-filled season. They're pink and sparkly, what more could you want? 

Get the look at home: 

3. TikTok's "blush nails"

“TikTok's blush nails will be one of the go-to Valentine’s Day manis this year," says Tinu Bello, A-List Manicurist & Senior Brand Ambassador for Mylee. #blushnails has millions of views on TikTok, and is the perfect way to match your blush and nails for Valentine's day (and beyond).

Get the look at home:

4. Black hearted

This one is for all my single ladies out here who want to get in on the Valentine's day nail action, but don't want to make to go all out. Simple and chic.

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5. Teeny-Tiny Hearts

If you're looking for true nail inspiration, look no further than the Instagram account of nail Queen (and celebrity nail artist) Harriet Westmoreland. We've never seen hearts look so chic.

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6. Rouge French manicure

The French tip is stone-cold classic that is having a total renaissance. Opt for a red tip to try the red nail theory for a Valentine's day refresh. It's very much giving Hailey Bieber's Christmas nails, and we are here for it. 

Get the look at home:

OPI Big Apple Red, £14.30 | Lookfantastic

OPI Big Apple Red, <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fopi-nail-polish-big-apple-red-15ml%2F11154447.html" data-link-merchant="lookfantastic.com"">£14.30 | Lookfantastic

7. Love Letters

The ultimate way to express your feelings on the international day of love? Opt for super-fine script on your nails.

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8.Empty heart

You can't go wrong with red for valentines day, and we're obsessed this negative-space heart.

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9. Classic red

You cannot, and we repeat, you cannot go wrong with a classic deep-red shade. It elongates the fingers and makes you look like you've got your life in order (even if secretly you are a mess). 

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10. Monochrome Heart

The monochrome French tip, the mini hearts, the shape... I'm simply obsessed. 

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11. Nudity

Nude is always a good idea on Valentine's Day. The look is clean, minimalist and so very pretty.

A photo posted by on

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So, whether you're single, dating or have been with your other half for longer than you can remember, these nail looks will look good at any time of the year.

And if you've left the shopping to the last minute, check out our guide to the best Valentine's gifts for boyfriends.

Dionne Brighton

Dionne Brighton is a writer at Marie Claire UK, specialising in all things shopping, beauty and fashion. Born and raised in North London, she studied Literature at the University of East Anglia before taking the leap into journalism. These days, you can find her testing out the latest TikTok beauty trends or finding out what the next full Moon means.  

With contributions from