Beauty
If you’re looking for love, you came to the right place.
Cuffing season is officially upon us — and whether or not you’re boo’d up for the chilly winter months, the color red may just be the secret you need to adding a bit of extra love and passion into your life.
ICYMI: The “red nail theory” has taken on a life of its own, inspiring bold scarlet sets on some of the biggest starlets, influencers, and beyond. As for the tea on the fast-growing trend? The nostalgia-driven theory is that red nails remind male suitors of the women they looked up to and loved growing up (like Pamela Anderson, Marilyn Monroe, or even their own mothers). And subconsciously, the ruby red hue is theorized to be just attention-grabbing enough for those with a sparkling fresh set to find true love. What’s more, the “red lip effect” is said to have similar results, tapping the sultry hue for a love-struck pout that attracts love interests.
While both theories have definitely sparked an online debate (because manicures and makeup are for you, not for others) — there has still been a major uptick in the classic shade across categories.
For lovers, single girlies, and everyone in between, here are 26 red nail art design ideas (just in case you wanted to test the theory for yourself).
1
Vintage-Inspired Half Moon Mani
’50s-era half moon manicures have made a comeback this year — and this red set on Olivia Wilde for the film Don’t Worry Darling is giving *all* of the elegant vibes. For the at-home nail painters, this genius hack will help you achieve the look.
2
Red Velvet Nails
Cozy velvet nails painted in a red hue give main character energy.
5
Monochromatic Glossy French
Elevate basic red nails with a matte-meets-glossy French design.
6
Red Crystals
For a red set that feels zen, this nail art inspired by ruby crystals is a vibe.
7
Minimal Red Hearts
Craving just a *hint* of red on your nails? These subtle hearts are oh so sweet.
8
Pearly Red French
Siren-inspired pearls are trending — and this pearlized manicure instantly elevates a red-rimmed French.
10
Thin Line French
Make each individual nail a work of art with this dreamy red set.
12
Glazed Red Tips
The glazed nail queen, Hailey Bieber, opted for these candy cane-inspired glazed tips for the 2022 holiday season.
13
Heart-Shaped French Tips
Turn almond-shaped nails into adorable red hearts for a love-filled French manicure.
14
Hourglass Tips
Inspired by nails seen on Alexa Demie’s character in Euphoria, this hourglass set is dreamy in red.
15
Chrome Flames
Futuristic silver is trending — and these chromatic flames atop red tortoiseshell nails are clearly an ode to the styles of the early 2000s.
18
Ruby Red Maximalist
Go big or go home with a glittering ruby set that features larger than life gems and different artwork on each nail.
19
To-Go Bag Art
For takeout queens and beyond — this to-go bag nail art brings all the quirky nostalgia.
20
Rep Your Sign
Upgrade a red manicure with your zodiac sign and birth year in big letters.
22
Croc Print Stilettos
Nothing says statement-making like ultra-long stiletto nails with a luxe croc print.
23
Sweet Cherry Art
This micro cherry nail design adds a playfulness to any manicure.
24
Marbled Ruby Nails
A subtle marble design adds a sophisticated vibe to red manicures.
26
Make It Magnetic
Magnetic nail polishes are trending — and this red shade brings the heat.
