Why Red Nails Are The Perfect Timeless Manicure

In terms of nail designs, red nails have long been a beauty classic. Historians say you can look as far back as Ancient Egypt and see evidence of a red lacquer adorning the nails of women. Queen Nefertiti and Cleopatra are said to have painted their nails a shade that resembled rubies or blood - an indicator of status. Experts record Chinese royalty in around 3000BC using beeswax, egg whites and vegetable dyes to colour their nails red, too.

Nowadays it's a look that still speaks to being polished, and it's become evocative of both old Hollywood glamour and French girl effortlessness. More recently, the #rednailtheory hashtag on TikTok saw women painting their nails in order to put the seductiveness of the manicure look to the test. It is no surprise red nails remain a popular choice of nail, thanks to their bold and classic nature.

Why Are Red Nails So Attractive?

Red nail theory aside, 'red is a shade that can suit any nail length, shape or style,' says Nail expert Alexandra Teleki. 'People can opt for a simple classic red block colour, French or Italian style tips or even an exciting nail art set. A red manicure can be as simple or as intricate as you want. Everyone can find a style that suits them,' which makes it an attractive choice for all.

Need proof? Look to the roster of A-Listers who routinely fall back on the hue. Take Selena Gomez's recent manicure at the SAG Awards 2024 for example. Created by celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik (who also counts Rachel Zegler and J Lo as clients) it's a look that's already been pinned, liked and shared the world over suggesting we're about to enter a serious red revival. The inspiration? 'Old Hollywood glamour but with a modern-day twist focusing on magenta and plum shades to pop against Selena’s stunning Versace dress.' The exact shade used was only available in the U.S, until now: Essie's Gel Couture in V.I.Please, £8.99, is the perfect pink-meets-red polish.

Even the 2024 Met Gala's enchanting green carpet boasted noteworthy red manicures, including Zendaya's deep red aubergine mani and Teyana Taylor ruby encrusted look. Scroll on for all the inspiration you need ahead of your next red manicure appointment.

What Are The Best Red Nail Polish Shades To Use At Home?

Take a leaf out J Lo's book and opt for a Merlot-like deep red. Attending the Ralph Lauren spring/summer 2023 show, Lopez showcased the perfect wine-level shade. Keen to emulate the look? Try Essie's appropriately named Nail Colour 50 Bordeaux Nail Polish, £7.99.

Telek recommends red shades from Dior too, including Sisterhood, Rouge, RedRed, Rouge Cinema & Nuit. 'These gel effect nail lacquers are highly pigmented making it easier to work with at home, the formula also provides a long-wearing manicure.'

What Are The Best Red Gel Polish Shades To Ask For In A Salon?

Many of Telek's own clients routinely request red gel polish shades and she prefers opting for formulae from The Gel Bottle in the shades Iconic, Couture, Exclusive Access, Private Collection and Velvet Red. 'These gels all have highly pigmented formulas that make the application easy and lend the finished look impressive longevity,' adds Telek.

How To Pick The Right Red Nail Colour For You

If you're feeling overwhelmed at the sheer volume of different red nails polish shades on offer, try picking one according to your skin tone. Telek often chooses a nail polish based on the undertone of her client's skin, 'if you have a cool skin tone, the perfect shade of red would be cherry red, brick red crimson or raspberry red. If you have a warmer skin tone, I recommend leaning more into the ruby red, scarlet, rouge and velvet red shades.'

The Best Red Nail Designs To Try Now

If you've always erred on the side of caution with the fiery hue, we have rounded up the best nail designs that prove red nails are too hot not to try! You can remix red nail designs in the form of a classic French manicure, you can try red in the form of durable BIAB nails or even play around with some funky nail art (abstract lines are always a good option). This lot will quickly debunk the myth that red nails are only for Valentine's Day or Christmas, and they suit all types of nail shapes, too!

Dark Red Nails

Call it what you will – vampy, bold, chic – dark red nails, like @gelsbybry says, screams mulled wine, berries and all that is associated with the colder season. Shades of deep merlot, maroon and crimsons dominate this category which has established itself as the Quiet Luxury answer to the classic red nail. To recreate this look, try Nailberry's L'Oxygene Nail Lacquer Noirberry, £15.

Red French Tip Nails

A French manicure is a subtle way to introduce red to your nail game. This time, nail wizz @gelsbybry opted for square shaped nails that alternate in a block colour and classic French nail tip style. Want an easy way to wear red french tip nails? Try these brilliant press ons Elegant Touch Salon Edit in Level Up, £7.

Red Acrylic Nails

The appeal of acrylics? You can achieve any nail look you want, with the addition of longevity and without the need of a UV lamp. These red French tip nails sport a shiny, glossy finish and plenty of sparkle, just because. Use Nails.Inc Ring Light Ready HD Glitter Polish, £9, for that all important glittery finish.

Red Glitter Nails

Glitter nails but not how you know them. This red glitter nail set has been given a deeper than usual tone with the help of a coat of black polish which sits beneath the chosen berry red atop. For a lick of opaque black on the nails, try essie's Nail Polish in 88 Licorice, £8.99.

Red Christmas Nails

Red nails are synonymous with Christmas and this set is as festive as it gets. With a mix of block colour nails and French tips, nail guru @thehotblend finished each nail with snowflake motifs. For intricate artwork, try Manucurist’s Nail Art Brush, £16.

Red And Black Nails

Red and black continue to be a popular combination of colours and from this set we can see why. Usually found blended in an ombré fashion, this take on the look is fresh, modern and far more subtle than a full block of lacquer.

Red BIAB Micro Manicure

BIAB was one of the hottest nail trends of 2023 and will continue to be so, if you haven't joined the BIAB tribe already, this is the perfect manicure to start with! It's delicate, chic and wearable come any occasion.

Red Gel Nails

Red nails are not just for the festive season. This classic shade of red paired with this cute length is great for everyday. Try it in a gel formula for a high shine finish, with the Mylee Gel Polish French Cancan, £8.

Red Swirly Nail Art

Red nails don't have to be fully red. If you only want touch of red, accent nails like this swirly design would be a perfect choice for you. To recreate this look at home, you'll need the perfect milky base coat like Kure Bazar's Beige Milk, £16.

Metallic Red Nails

Metallic nails are an enduring trend thanks to their iridescent finish. Why not make a play for red with Nailberry's L'Oxygéné Nail Lacquer in To The Moon and Back, £16.50.

Red Ombré Nails

Ombré nails are always a fun way to blend different shades together. You can mix light and dark shades of red to create a distinct gradient effect... jazz it up even more with some extra sparkle, with Beauty Pie's Wondercolour™ Nail Polish in Gold Drops, £7.

Red Valentines Nail Art

Love is in the air...Nail art is always a good idea if you're looking for a creative way to spice up your mani.

Heart Tips

This should be saved to your February nail board (if you have don't have one..you should have one), I've never seen a nail design quite like this.

Clear Tips

This look will guarantee strings of compliments, ask your nail artist to leave the tips of your Gel X mani-cure exposed.

Cherry Nails

Who said red nails needed to be completely red? This cherry nail art is fun and playful. Use can Orly White Tips Nail Polish 18ML, £12.99 for the tips.

Red Croc Print Nails

Showing this to your nail technician means you're going to be sitting in that chair for a while. These bad boys are extra long, red, feature a croc print, and are also adorned in charms!

Pink and Red

If you didn't know now you know, red and baby pink are an elite combo. Essie's Spring Collection Nail Polish, £6.39 is the perfect shade of pink.

Classy Manicure

Short, sweet and classy.

Red Heart French Manicure

A lovely addition to the classic white french manicure.

Oxblood French Manicure

Ribbons And Cherry Nail Art

Coquette aesthetic but make it red and for nails - got it.

Red And Gold Star Nails

Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.

Main image credit: instagram @tombachik and Essie