Red nail designs: Get inspiration for your next red manicure
Are you also one of those who are guilty of always sticking to your fail-safe nude nail polish, then it's time to break out of your style rut and break open the red nails. We’ve scoured Instagram to find the prettiest red nails that will make you want to try different nail designs all in red – from red French nails and glitter nails to red patterned nails. Plus, we've tracked down some press on nails and nail polishes you can shop for an exact manicure match.
Whether you're looking for acrylics or gel nails, pattern or glitter nails, full design inspiration, or just color recommendation, we've got every style covered, to prove once and for all that red isn't just for December.
Some of these red nail designs are so simple you could easily recreate them at home, some might require a bit of help from a pair of beautiful press on nails, and others might require a salon appointment. Keep scrolling to get inspiration for your next red manicure.
Elegant red nails with French tips
We love this twist on the classic French manicure, using two different shades of red.
And most of all, we love that the red French nails are so easy to recreate at home. Because you just need red nail polish to paint the entire nail and then use a dark red for the French tips. So simple, yet so elegant.
Red glitter nails
Looking for a pair of perfect red glitter nails? You should check out OPI’s red nail polish with a perfect spark of glitter!
This OPI nail polish in the color Raisin Your Voice adds a festive touch to red nails, as it has a deep red tone and red glitter. A flawless match if you want easy red nails for a festive occasion, party, or everyday use.
Classic red nails
If you want long and red nails in a few minutes, then Bloody Mary is the press on nails that can match your desire. Bloody Mary is pair of easy press on nails that have the ultimate 'red carpet' red color look - it's a bold red without being too bright, deep without being dark, and classic without ever risking going out of fashion.
The fake red nails have a universally flattering shade that will empower you and make you feel 100 percent ready for whatever the day brings! Confident and stylish all at once!
And with all of our press on nails, you can reuse them up to several times (and as a bonus, the fake nails are also beginner-friendly)!
Red acrylic nails
Sheer acrylic nails are a great way of upgrading your classic bright red nails. With acrylic nails, you can experiment with red in several ways – just like this red nail design adds a sheer red tip to your nails.
This red nail design gives cool French vibes - as the red nails give the illusion of a French manicure with sheer red tips.
Red French nails
For those of you who absolutely love the classic French nails - here you get your perfect red match.
This sophisticated version of a red French manicure is far from boring. The nail design has a playful twist with burgundy-red French tips, which are easier to recreate than you might think.
With some finesse and the Essie nail polish in the color Wrapped in Luxury, you can get this burgundy version of the French manicure.
Bold dark red nails
These Very Vamp press on nails have an elegant dark red color and are a perfect choice for the cold season.
In daylight, the fake nails have a rusty deep red color, but under the cover of darkness, the nails turn to a vampy blood-black red. Whether you're into supernatural fairytales or not, these press on nails are an obvious choice if you want a quick and easy pair of dark red nails that last for days (and can be reused)!
Patterned red nails with swirls
Patterned nails with swirls have been everywhere in 2022 – and there’s no doubt that we’ll see the nail design rocking 2023 too!
These patterned red nails are your go-to stylish choice throughout 2023. Because one thing is certain. Regardless of the seasons – your nails will always look beautiful, playful, and feminine when you combine red and swirls!
Although the nail art might seem difficult to recreate, its abstract pattern allows you to play with the design on your nails – so you don't necessarily need a professional nail artist by your side. Perhaps rather red and neutral nail polishes on hand!
