Heated Rivalry-Inspired Nails For An Icy Hot Manicure

The hockey-based romance series "Heated Rivalry" follows the relationship between Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Based on the 2019 novel by Canadian author Rachel Reid, the TV series initially aired on Canadian streaming platform Crave, and was later picked up by HBO Max. The series has become a worldwide sensation, inspiring a newfound interest in hockey and showcasing gay love stories. Fans are so obsessed that the enthusiasm is seeping through every fiber of our beings, all the way to our nails.

While this series might not seem like the most obvious place to pick up manicure inspiration, "Heated Rivalry"-themed nails are actually full of fun, winter-appropriate ideas. From icy manicures (thanks to the frigid hockey rink) to art including Easter eggs from the series, this show is the gift that keeps on giving. Winter nail inspo is always welcome. There are several winter nail trends that need to be on your radar, including short nail designs for winter that will last long past the holidays. For those who like a delicate touch, there are subtle winter nail art designs sure to inspire your next mani. While these are all delightful, "Heated Rivalry"-themed nails are part of the zeitgeist, but also bring that fandom to the tips of your fingers in the most stylish ways imaginable.

Why play coy when it comes to your obsession with "Heated Rivalry?" Hardcore fandom is all about expression, and a shameless manicure — featuring both players, as well as their team colors — is a fun way to share this joy. The two teams in the viral show are the Montreal Metros and the Boston Raiders (known as the Voyageurs and the Bears in the novel, respectively). Die-hard fans online are showing their loyalty on their nails with themed manicures that couldn't be cuter, with pictures of both Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov on their fingers.

For that added touch of drama, stiletto nails lend themselves well to a "Heated Rivalry" theme. This manicure primarily focuses on the colors of the two teams. Shane Hollander's team, the Montreal Metros, features royal blue, white, and red tones. Conversely, Ilya Rozanov's team, the Boston Raiders, sports black, red, and white as their colors. This playful manicure makes use of different styles of French tips and color-blocked nails to make subtle references to the hottest hockey show around.

Since "Heated Rivalry" centers around the hockey rink, it makes perfect sense that icy tones lead the charge when it comes to a manicure inspired by the beloved show. Chrome baby blue nails capture that chilly, winter wonderland. The light blue tone makes for a compelling base, while the chrome effect — thanks to a buffed, chrome powder — adds that wintery shimmer and sparkle. Hollander and Rozanov would certainly approve of this icy manicure.

For those who love shorter nails, there is still space for "Heated Rivalry" inspiration. A practical, short manicure works well for the winter, while still indulging in that hockey fantasy. Playing on the opposing teams and their team colors, this easy manicure uses royal blue for the Montreal Metros and black for the Boston Raiders, along with player numbers, stripes, and stars. Just because you prefer short nails doesn't mean you can't partake in the "Heated Rivalry" manicure phenomenon!

Those in the "Heated Rivalry" fandom are channeling that hockey spirit with very specific manicures. From rivals to lovers, this TV series captures all of the nitty-gritty of hockey life, and manicures are getting niche in response. Canadian character Shane Hollander, #24, and the Russian Ilya Rozanov, #81, are so compelling that their numbers make for charming nail art. Don't miss the criss-crossed hockey sticks and added ice rink designs for the perfect nails.

If hockey isn't your thing but you're still obsessed with "Heated Rivalry," then this manicure is for you. There's no need to lean into player numbers or hockey pucks here. Instead, express delight in the best moments from the show, with quotes like "I'm coming to the cottage," a critical moment in the narrative that captured the duo's romantic tension. Or perhaps "We didn't even kiss," another important line that Shane Hollander texted to Ilya Rozanov. This sentimental, thoughtful manicure captures the best of the romance and narrative tension in the show.

This adorable "Heated Rivalry" manicure plays on all of the critical hockey themes that dominate both the TV show and Rachel Reid's iconic novels. Complete with the red center line and two hockey sticks crossed with a puck, this manicure offers everything a hockey fan could want — and, not to mention, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander's player numbers. The almond shape of the manicure and its high-gloss finish adds a feminine touch to this fun, masculine theme.

Jane and Lily are the code names that Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov use in each other's phones as they navigate their budding romance in "Heated Rivalry." Shane, because of the rhyme, uses the name Jane; while Ilya uses Lily, a close play on his name. This thoughtful "Heated Rivalry" manicure makes reference to those subtle, romantic details in both the TV show and the novel. Not to be missed is the hotel key with room number 1221, Rozanov's hotel room, which is another delightful Easter egg for devoted fans.