Each year, there are always a few stand-out colors that turn out to be some of the biggest trends. Last year (and continuing into this year) was butter yellow and Pantone’s “Peach Fuzz.” This year, it’s cherry red —and we’re not the only ones who think so. In fact, Pinterest released their annual trending colors report earlier this January , and sure enough, cherry red was at the top of the list (among Butter Yellow, Indigo Aura, Dill Green and Alpine Oat). One of the best—and easiest—ways to channel all the rich red hue is through a manicure! If you need inspiration, we’ve got you covered: We rounded up the best cherry red nails and designs you can DIY or bring to your next salon appointment.
Red Nail Designs: 12 Easy, DIY Manicures
Plus, how to discover the shade of red that works best with your skin tone
Why try cherry red nails?
Honestly, when have red nails ever not been in style? It’s such a classic shade to wear, whether through your nails, your outfit or fun accessories. And when it comes to cherry red specifically, we love that it’s a shade that works for just about everyone: it’s not too bright, too dark or too light—it’s the perfect classic red.
Plus, cherry red nails look great as a solid, one-color mani or mixed into designs. We’re also loving cherry nail art using the shade—plus, the design options are endless.
Even more of a reason to try out cherry red nails, color psychology shows that red can promote feelings of passion, love, power, confidence and more energy .
The Top Nail Designs of 2024 That Are Easy to Recreate at Home
Having a fresh manicure is an instant confidence boost, no matter if you’re doing nails yourself or having them done at the nail salon. Adding a fun design or testing out a new shade or manicure technique ups the confidence factor. And though getting a nail design never goes out of style, different nail trends […]
10 cherry red nails and designs
Keep reading to see the cheerful and cherry looks to DIY or use as inspiration for your next salon visit.
1. Classic cherry red nails
Keep it simple yet stunning with a solid-colored cherry red manicure like these nails by @_nailsbylola_ . She used The GelBottle polish in shade “Manhattan” .
2. 3D cherry red nails
Create a textured, “raised” nail look by trying 3D nail art. @i_heart_nailart for Vanity Projects created these cherry red 3D nails with a unique, intricate design.
10 3D Nail Designs to Bring to the Salon
It’s 2025, and the world of nail art is practically limitless. Whereas 10 or 15 years ago nail art mainly consisted of simple accents like polka dots, glitter or florals, nail art today has made leaps and bounds with some of the most intricate, detailed designs you could ever imagine. Lately, 3D nail art has […]
3. Cherry red nails with cherry accents
The nail art on this design by @liquidnailsandbeauty puts the cherry on top (pun intended) of the whole look. Cherry nail art is super simple to DIY—just use a nail dotting tool and a thin nail art brush.
4. Cherry red micro French tips
Add the most subtle hint of cherry red through micro French tips, like @whatleawears shows in this post.
5. Abstract cherry red nail art
Create an abstract manicure like @mianananails for Vanity Projects did with this cherry red nail look. The natural-looking base is gorgeous and makes the cherry red pop even more.
6. Cherry red bow nails
How adorable are these cherry red nails by @goddessly.beauty ?! Not only do you have the cutest bow nail art, but it also has stunning pearl decals and cherry accents.
7. Cherry red nails with a touch of pink
Pink and red make for such a chic color combination, as these nails by @andreabook_ for Vanity Projects prove.
8. Cherry red and animal print
Tortoise shell is one of the hottest nail trends at the moment, and even better, it looks amazing with cherry red. We love this deep cherry red color @naties_nails used here.
9. Shimmery cherry red nails
Make nails shine with a cherry red polish that has just the slightest hint of shimmer, like we see in these nails by @jolihappynails for Vanity Projects.
10. Dreamy cherry red nails
We have serious nail envy after seeing these jaw-dropping cherry red nails by @thenailroombygee . The French tip accent nail with the dreamy cherry red nail art is mesmerizing.
For more nail inspiration, click through these stories:
Manicurists Reveal the Top Nail Shapes of 2025 That Work for All Lengthens—See the Ones Worth Trying
These White Nail Ideas Make a Gorgeous Statement—Use Them As Inspiration for Your Next Manicure
13 Beautiful Blue Nail Designs That Are Guaranteed to Make a Statement
