Contents
- 1 Red Zebra
- 2 Minimalist Mix-n-Match
- 3 Magenta Velvet
- 4 Celestial
- 5 3D French
- 6 Champagne Chrome
- 7 Aura Blush
- 8 Black and Blush
- 9 Blushing Hearts
- 10 Self-Love Mix
- 11 Bow-Tied Zebra
- 12 Cherry Red
- 13 Chocolate Lovers
- 14 Pink Drip
- 15 Flirty Charms
- 16 Glossy & Bejeweled
- 17 Matte Color Block
- 18 Minimalist Red Dot
- 19 Neon Cow Print
- 20 Ombré Chrome
- 21 Iridescent Skittle
- 22 Cyber Print
- 23 Jelly Aura
- 24 Coquette Mix-n-Match
- 25 Chrome Heart Tips
- 26 Velvet Swirl
- 27 Preppy Pink Plaid
- 28 Strawberry Milk
- 29 Pink Flame
- 30 Pink Shimmer Ombré
Have fun trying to pick just *one* of these looks to recreate.
February falls in the dead of winter, which might typically make you think of cool, dark, and moody manicures to mimic the frigid vibe. However, you can go bold and bright with your look instead to get a bit of visual respite from these dreary days.
Since the month is home to Valentine’s Day and Fashion Weeks worldwide, we say it’s prime time to embrace bright bold colors, top nail trends, and romantic themes. Get experimental with textures as well—from 3D designs to velvet finishes and chrome accents, your options are wide-reaching.
Meet the expert
- Marnae Orton is a senior artist and educator at nailsaloon in Washington, D.C. Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood, an agency that represents the top talent in the nail industry. Laura Malarkey is a Nailing Hollywood artist.
To help you do so, we asked a few nail artists for their favorite February nail looks. From celestial designs to trippy tips, we've got 30 fabulous options for you to choose from. Check them out, below—and have fun trying to pick just one of these looks to recreate.
Red Zebra
Nailsaloon manicurist Marnae Orton kicks things off with a bold red manicure that’s equal parts subtle and striking. “Bright red nails with slightly darker red zebra stripes in a velvety matte finish—this look brings bold sophistication with a touch of wild elegance, perfect for turning heads this February,” she says.
Minimalist Mix-n-Match
Looking for something a bit edgier but still fun? “This design is perfect when you can’t decide on a color palette,” says Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna. “It’s versatile for February when the season shifts from cooler tones to brighter hues.”
Magenta Velvet
Nailing Hollywood artist Laura Malarkey says you can’t go wrong with a velvet finish in February, especially in shades of pink or red. The shimmery finish offers a luxurious, warm appeal perfect for the cold month of love.
Celestial
Nailing Hollywood artist Hang Nguyen is responsible for this celestial delight. “Hang’s celestial design captures the dreamy vibe of winter nights,” Hanna says. “The different shades of blue used in this look create a soft, magical look.”
3D French
Chrome continues to trend in 2025. “The chrome details bring a romantic touch to this mani,” Hanna says. “It’s the perfect option for February with Valentine’s Day approaching, but simple enough to still look great well after the holiday.”
Champagne Chrome
Speaking of chrome, any color goes—gold, silver, red, pink, you name it. “The chrome accents in Laura’s design bring warmth to the nails,” Hanna says. “It’s a timeless design that works well for February and beyond.”
Aura Blush
Another trend that remains at the forefront of salon requests near and far? Aura manicures. Malarkey created this peachy-pink iteration. “Like a flushed cheek or glossy lip, these are a subtle nod to all the lovers,” she says.
Black and Blush
For a festive mani that's not too on-the-nose, consider a pink and black theme. “Pink and black nails make a bold statement, perfect for date nights, Galentine’s parties, or treating yourself to some self-love,” Orton says.
Blushing Hearts
For an artsy Valentine’s Day mani, opt for a blushing (or bleeding, depending on how you look at it) heart nail design. “Morgan’s blushing heart design is simple and cute for Valentine’s day,” Hanna says. “To recreate this look, use a white base with spots of pastel pink blooming gel to create the soft effect behind the hearts. After applying and curing the blooming gel, paint small red hearts on top of the areas of the nail where the blooming gel was placed for a soft blushing heart effect.”
Self-Love Mix
February is the month of love, and that includes self-love. If you want to celebrate your self-love journey this February, consider this bold mix-n-match mani by Nailing Hollywood artist Morgan A. Dixon. “This design by Morgan features a bunch of different trends packed into one mani,” Hanna points out. “There are 3D elements, aura nails, animal print, and metallic accents but all paired together in a thoughtful way for a cohesive look.”
Bow-Tied Zebra
Animal print is trending for 2025, but it’s an especially sexy choice for the month of love. “I love how Tara added a matte topcoat and 3D bow charms to her animal print design,” Hanna says. “It gives the look an extra layer of texture that pulls everything together nicely.” If you ask us, it’s giving V-Day lingerie in the very best way.
Cherry Red
If you’re in the market for a single-color nail look, cherry red polish is the way to go. “Unlike fleeting trends, red nails remain a classic,” Orton says. “They’re a go-to choice for anyone looking to make a statement without overthinking.”
Chocolate Lovers
Even if you don't love Valentine's Day, chances are, you're fond of chocolate. So, whether you're looking for a sweet nod to the holiday or a neutral mani that works in other ways, allow us to turn your attention to this gorgeous glossy-brown French.
Pink Drip
“Flirty and fierce, this nail design is a daring and whimsical design that turns a sweet base into a bold statement,” Orton says. FYI: You can DIY the look using a dotting tool.
Flirty Charms
This soft, shimmery pink mani is a girly girl’s dream. “Rachel’s mani uses charms and shimmer to create a playful, flirty vibe,” Hanna says. “It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day and sets the mood for the start of the month.”
Glossy & Bejeweled
Why not go a little glam with your monthly mani? “I love these for this time of year," says Malarkey, "they sparkle like snow in the sun and are so February with that pink backdrop."
Matte Color Block
Remember, you can always skip the sparkle and shine for a trendy matte mani. “Chic and modern, this French tip meets half-moon art design combines a classic baby pink tip with a bold twist, creating a fresh and stylish look that’s perfect for February’s playful yet sophisticated mood,” Orton says.
Minimalist Red Dot
Create a super simple February nail look by applying nothing more than a dot of red polish to each nail. Of course, there’s always the option to add a backdrop. “It’s perfect for those who prefer a modest look but still want to embrace artistic nail design, making it both professional and playful,” Orton says.
Neon Cow Print
Neons might seem more traditionally suited for summer but Hanna says they can work for February, too. “Neon green adds a pop of color that contrasts nicely with black and neutral tones,” she explains. “It’s an unexpected choice, but I love neon green in February since it gives the nails a bold, eye-catching look.” Fashion Week mani, anyone?
Ombré Chrome
We love an ombré nail look, no matter the finish. That said, with a chrome topper, a two-tonned mani can look even more mesmerizing. “These pink-to-purple chrome nails are guaranteed to match any Valentine's card you get this year,” Malarkey says.
Iridescent Skittle
For a shimmery February nail look that requires zero professional skill, opt for a Skittle manicure.
Cyber Print
Cyber nails typically feature silver chrome accents but so long as you have the blobby, lava lamp-esque design, you're good to go. May we suggest creating it in pink, burgundy, and white polish with an aura accent for good measure?
Jelly Aura
Love the aura idea but want a juicier palette? Use jelly polishes atop an opaque base!
Coquette Mix-n-Match
Another extra girly mani for your perusal? Consider this pink and white coquette mix-n-match design. You'll need rhinestones, 3D bows, and teeny pearls to recreate this cute nail look.
Chrome Heart Tips
Remember how we mentioned pink chrome? This, friends, is why we're such big proponents of the eye-catching nail accent. Gorg, don't you think?
Velvet Swirl
Speaking of pink, we also love a head-turning velvet cat eye finish. Here, the popular polish is layered over a creamy aura base, making it a stylish selection for more reasons than one.
Preppy Pink Plaid
For more of a "Clueless"-meets-"Barbie" vibe, check out this preppy pink-plaid mani. You can recreate the design with a steady hand and fine-line nail-art brush.
Strawberry Milk
For something simpler, opt for a pink-tinted milky white mani. “Soft, elegant, and effortlessly romantic, camel pinks are the perfect shade for February—they embody the warmth of love,” Orton says.
Pink Flame
“February is still chilly, but hot pink flames bring the heat,” Orton says. “Hot pink ties into the romance of February but swaps the sweet for something bold and fiery.” This design can be crafted on clear nails or a contrasting base—you choose!
Pink Shimmer Ombré
Last but not least, we have another ombré manicure to inspire your next nail look. This one stands out with its super subtle color shift and light-reflecting sparkles.