When picking nail colors for February, you likely imagine shades of pink and red à la Valentine's Day. While those colors will always be in style for the month of love, we're here (with the help of two nail artists!) to remind you that there are many other hues to polish your digits.
Whether you want to opt for a royal purple shade or a moody mauve, ahead, you'll find over a dozen nail colors for February you may very well want to wear all year long.
01 of 20
Orly Cran-Barely Believe It
“A classic red never goes out of style, but [it’s] particularly in style during Valentine’s Day,” says nail expert and Nailing Hollywood CEO Mazz Hanna. Orly Breathable Treatment + Color in the shade Cran-Barely Believe It is the perfect cool-toned red with a hint of shimmer.
02 of 20
Cirque Colors Game Over
If you prefer warm undertones to your reds, check out Cirque Colors Nail Polish in the shade Game Over. “A solid or French style red can never go wrong,” says Nailing Hollywood artist Tara Haye, who studied under celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “Its bold confidence adds a touch of romance to any winter ensemble.”
03 of 20
Gelcare Official Studio 54
Shimmer and shine are never out of the question for winter. “You can’t go wrong with a sheer sparkle, whether it’s on a clean nail or on top of your favorite color,” Hanna says. We love the look of Gelcare’s UV Gel Nail Polish in the shade Studio 54.
04 of 20
Essie Muchi, Muchi
“Pink represents softness and femininity while capturing the essence of love,” Haye says, noting that blush pink is “an ideal choice to celebrate the month of love.” The shade Muchi, Muchi by Essie is a great pick.
05 of 20
Manucurist Active Glow
Not set on any solid colors? Go sheer—super sheer. “Giving your nails a break from color in the winter and focusing on optimizing their health is a great way to get them ready for summer brights,” Hanna says. “If your nails are damaged and you want them to look healthy without buffing, try a sheer pink nail glow like Manucurist Active Glow.”
06 of 20
Hermès Violet Byzantin
“A rich and luxurious dark red that can be worn either as a solid or incorporated into a negative space design” is a great option for your February manicure, Haye says. “Dark red shades give a divine touch of drama to your nails.”
Hanna agrees. “I love Violet Byzantine by Hermes,” she shares.
07 of 20
Dazzle Dry Boss
Hanna says that another classic Valentine’s nail color is creamy nude. “My absolutel favorite creamy nude is Boss by Dazzle Dry,” she reveals. “It’s full coverage, so great if you’re trying to hide any imperfections or grow out any discoloration leftover from dark fall nails.”
08 of 20
CND It's Getting Golder
Metallics will continue to be popular in 2024, making gold a great choice for your February nail look. “Gold [reads] stylish, glamorous, and eye-catching for any nail look,” Haye says. “Bold colors like gold can stand alone and make you feel like a star.” For a long-lasting gold mani, reach for CND Shellac in the shade It's Getting Golder.
09 of 20
Dazzle Dry Yoga Mama
Another of Hanna’s Valentine’s go-tos? Yoga Mama by Dazzle Dry. “It’s clean and classic and looks amazing on short nails,” she says. “It’s the perfect Valentine’s pink!”
10 of 20
Holo Taco Anti-Hero
“Purple is considered royalty,” Haye points out, noting that dark purple polish is perfect for February nail looks. “Women want luxury manicures with a touch of elegance during the month of love. Adding colors like silver or accent pieces to dark purple creates a striking contrast.” Another option? Opt for a shimmery purple polish, like Anti-Hero by Holo Taco, to achieve the bold color and stunning contrast in one swipe.
11 of 20
Gelcare Official Rose BB Cream
“Sheer pink nails are timeless and elegant,” Hanna says. “If you are expecting an engagement ring or a new piece of jewelry for Valentine’s Day, I highly recommend going this route.” When doing so, consider reaching for Rose BB Cream by Gelcare. It’s subtle and sheer but soft and feminine all at once.
12 of 20
Beauty Garde Mauve Madame
For a subtler nail look, Haye suggests opting for a mauve nail color. “A blend of pink and purple, mauve compliments various skin tones making it effortless for nail inspirations,” she says. To keep you from searching for the perfect hybrid polish, may we suggest Mauve Madame by Beauty Garde?
13 of 20
Cirque Colors Klepto
Looking for something more unique than pale pink polish for February? Hanna suggests opting for lavender. “I love a lavender nail for February because it feels springy without being a full blown pastel,” she shares. We particularly enjoy the new Cirque Colors Nail Polish in the shade Klepto.
14 of 20
Hermès Rose Coquille
Neutrals are fair game in February. “Keep it short, simple, and sweet like chocolate for Valentine’s Day,” Haye says. “Simply pick a nude of your choice to complement your skin tone.” Rose Coquille by Hermès is a gorgeous pinky-beige nude.
15 of 20
essie Underground Ball
For a moodier February mani, Hanna suggests rocking a deep plum nail color. “A deep plum nail looks chic in the dead of winter, but definitely look for something that leans more purple than black,” Hanna says. A popular pick is Underground Ball by Essie.
16 of 20
Gelcare Official Silver Velvet
Remember how metallics are in? That means silver, too. “Go for a sleek and modern look with a metallic silver manicure,” Haye says. For an especially rich silver mani, opt for Silver Velvet by Gelcare Official.
17 of 20
Essie Left On Shred
An unexpected but appropriate February nail color is denim blue. “The hue blue creates cool and calming shades capturing the essence of winter skies,” Haye says. For a fast-drying denim blue mani, reach for a bottle of Essie Expressie Vegan Quick-Dry Nail Polish in the shade Left On Shred.
18 of 20
Harmon Polish Strong Willed
“Rich brown shades are reminiscent of hot cocoa on a cold winter day,” Haye says. “It’s a comforting color that adds a touch of warmth to any manicure.” Not sure brown is your idea of a pretty February nail look? Check out Harmon Polish in the shade Strong Willed and you’ll likely change your mind.
19 of 20
essie Licorice
Black is another nail color that likely doesn’t scream February to you but Haye assures us it’s a polish hue that’s suitable any time of year. “Black is another classic nail look for any occasion,” Haye says. “Edgy and chic is the perfect description for the color black, The versatility for black is endless and can be worn shiny or with a matte finish.”
If you don’t have black polish in your collection yet, consider a bottle of the essie Nail Polish in the shade Licorice
20 of 20
Pink Chawkulit Rich Auntie
“White remains clean and chic for any manicure,” Haye says. For the perfect wintry white, snag a bottle of Rich Auntie by Pink Chawkulit.
We've get you ready for your February nails! The Shampoo Lounge has been attending to an international and Indonesian clientele since 2012 so check out our our website and our TripAdvisor reviews! We can’t wait to have you in.
Article written by Rebecca Norris for instyle.com