This controversial nail combo is trending for February - here's how to make it chic
When done well, red and pink nails can look both stylish and eye-catching, as these 7 manicures prove...


Red and pink nails are trending for February - and this potentially contentious pairing can offer a very chic and contemporary manicure.
While block colours will always be our first port of call for a timeless and versatile manicure, there are a handful of complimentary shades that, when worn together, afford a similar luxe look. A nude or sheer pink base married with a crisp white French tip, for instance, or two similarly muted pastels, are all popular options. With the 2025 nail trends calling for individualism and abstract designs, now is the perfect time to experiment with some other colour pairings, perhaps of a more vibrant and unexpected variety.
One such duo is already gaining traction - and while a red and pink manicure might not be everyone's cup of tea, they can make for a surprisingly modern and stylish look. Particularly, we might add, when paired with 2025's go-to nail shapes and lengths...
7 ways to style red and pink nails this season
As colour combinations go, pink and red can be divisive, with some claiming they do not belong together. We reside firmly in the other camp and think they pair just fine - be it outfit or manicure-wise. After all, mix a bit of red with white and what do you get? Pink. The key is to try and match the undertones, a blue-toned red, for instance, will best suit a similarly cool-toned pink.
That said, the pairing is a vibrant one and therefore, might not appeal to those who gravitate towards neutral nails. Still, there are a few ways to keep this statement look on the understated side and equally, ways to make the duo pop.
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
As for when you should opt for this two-toned manicure, February is the obvious choice (what with red and pink being popular Valentine's Day nail looks) but it also lends itself to late spring and summer - when you might want to add a bit of colour to your outfit.
Our red and pink nail picks
As far as your nail kit goes, it's always worth investing in a classic red and pink nail polish shade as not only are they a seemingly popular combo but separately, they also offer a timeless manicure.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
RRP: £18
With a gel-like shine and sheer pink finish, OPI's Infinite Shine polish in Bubble Bath is the perfect option. It will pair well under any red and affords a chic and elegant look on its own.
1. Red and pink French tip nails
A post shared by Megan Rose (@gel.bymegan)
A photo posted by on
As with pink and orange nails, there are several ways to wear both red and pink together, without it looking OTT. One of which is a French tip manicure. The sheer pink base coat offsets the vibrancy of the red tip perfectly, for a chic twist on a classic design.
2. Tiny red details
A post shared by Mateja Novakovic (@matejanova)
A photo posted by on
Be it a teeny tiny heart design, a flower or abstract lines, any kind of red detailing can look so chic atop a pink base colour - more so if you opt for a minimalistic nail shape like squoval.
3. Double pink and red French tips
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
If you want to zhush up your neutral manicure with a hint of colour, a pastel pink and red double French tip gets our vote. It's simple but effective and will add a very subtle pop to your look.
4. Red and pink flower nails
A post shared by Fliss Alton (@gelsbyfliss)
A photo posted by on
With spring on the way, a floral design is a great way to incorporate this trending colour combination into your next manicure look. We recommend opting for either elegant almond nails to complement the dainty design or a modern and sharp short square nail shape to contrast it.
5. Matte red and pink nails
A post shared by Julia Diogo (@paintedbyjools)
A photo posted by on
The easiest way to make any nail colour look more muted (and cool) is to opt for a matte finish. Here, the undertones of both the red and pink shades complement each other, with the short nail shape elevating the manicure even further.
6. Muted pink and burgundy ombre nails
A post shared by Aistė Haas (@heygreatnails)
A photo posted by on
For something a bit more muted and wintery - or for those who just don't like red - this burgundy ombre manicure is so wearable and luxe-looking.
7. Red and pink gradient nails
A post shared by Lauren ✨ (@lolo.nailedit)
A photo posted by on
If you're not a fan of nail art, opt instead for a gradient red and pink manicure, featuring a different hue on each nail - transitioning from bright red to a pastel pink. You could also opt for an alternating pattern of red and pink on each nail.
Naomi is a Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she covers everything from makeup to skincare but specialises, particularly, in fragrance and nail trends. Through her work, Naomi shares her trend expertise and personal product recommendations. She is also a judge for woman&home's annual hair, skincare and beauty awards.
Previously, she worked as a Lifestyle News Writer for My Imperfect Life magazine, where she used her savvy for TikTok to bring readers the latest beauty buzzwords, fashion movements and must-have products.
Before that, Naomi split her time between both GoodTo and My Imperfect Life, whilst training for her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ, for which she earned a Distinction. Interestingly though, Naomi actually has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but leapt into the media world in 2020, to pursue her passion for writing. Now, when she isn’t reporting on the best perfumes and latest beauty releases, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee and probably online shopping...
-
Forget raffia, crochet is the style we’re reaching for and Lisa Snowdon’s vibrant dress is what’s convinced us
Lisa Snowdon has just worn a fabulous crochet dress and this textured style isn't as hard to wear as you might think
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Protection ending explained: A deep dive on the final gripping episode
Protection viewers are asking questions about the finale of the six-part ITV drama
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
We've uncovered makeup artists' age-old secret for non-creasing, transfer-proof foundation
This nifty industry trick is the answer to long-lasting makeup all day long
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
Sara Davies' hairstylist revealed her trick for keeping curls in place during long days of filming
We discovered the long-lasting secret to the Dragons Den star's enviable curls...
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
Reese Witherspoon applies her moisturiser with a brush, so I tried it for myself
An expert dermatologist weighs in with their thoughts on the actress' unusual skincare application trick
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
You don't have to splash out on cryotherapy facials to de-puff like Sienna Miller - this inexpensive at-home alternative is 'brilliantly effective'
Icy facials are one of Sienna's skin secrets...
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Gillian Anderson’s favourite mascara is so long-lasting she sleeps in it - and it still looks good when she wakes up
We don't recommend sleeping in your makeup - but Gillian's mascara is just that good
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Katie Holmes 'always' keeps this beauty buy in her handbag - and it's not what you expect
Forget lipstick top-ups, Katie Holmes' on-the-go must-have will 'wake you up and make you look presentable'
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
6 sweet and earthy matcha perfumes, whose nuanced blends will attract compliments
Green, earthy and uplifting, matcha is the fragrance note we'll be scenting ourselves with this spring...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Renée Zellweger's skin has the healthiest Hollywood glow, thanks to this product
This nifty stick is the secret to Renée Zellweger's red-carpet-ready complexion
By Sennen Prickett Published