20 Fabulous February Nail Colors to Wear

“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.

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.”

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.  

“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.

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.”

“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.

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.”

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.

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!”

“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.

“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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

“White remains clean and chic for any manicure,” Haye says. For the perfect wintry white, snag a bottle of Rich Auntie by Pink Chawkulit.