Pose & style reference · Hand gestures
Heart hands and the finger heart
Also called: finger heart, Korean finger heart, hand heart, arm heart
In short
Heart hands are gestures that shape a heart with the fingers, hands or arms to show affection. The smallest is the Korean finger heart, made by crossing the thumb and index finger; the biggest is the arm heart, formed with both arms curved over the head.
Reference photos
Photos are shown from mfan8.com with credit to the photographers and models. Tap a photo to open the full set.
From big hearts to the finger heart
The two-hand heart, with fingertips curled together and thumbs meeting at the point, has been a common photo gesture for a long time. The finger heart is the newer, tiny version: a thumb crossed over the index finger so the tips form a small heart shape. It spread through Korean pop culture, where idols use it constantly with fans, and is now recognised worldwide.
All versions mean the same thing, thanks or love, but the scale sets the tone: the finger heart is cute and personal, the arm heart is big and theatrical.
Types of hand heart
- Korean finger heart: thumb crossed over the index finger, other fingers folded; one hand.
- Double finger heart: one finger heart in each hand, held either side of the face.
- Two-hand heart: fingers curled together to form the top lobes, thumbs pointing down to make the tip.
- Arm heart: both arms raised and curved, fingertips touching on top of the head.
- Cheek heart: two palms framing the cheeks, heels of the hands meeting under the chin.
- Half heart: each person makes one curved half and two people join them.
How to draw a finger heart
The heart lives at the crossing point, not in the whole hand. Draw the index finger bent at the middle knuckle, pointing up and slightly inward, and lay the thumb across it so the two pads overlap near the tips. The gap between them is the heart; a small red heart floating above is the usual art shorthand.
For the two-hand heart, curl the fingers at the second and third knuckles so the nails face the viewer, and leave a clear negative-space heart in the middle. Check the space: if the gap is not heart-shaped, the gesture fails at small sizes.
Posing tips
Hold a finger heart at the cheek or chin, angled so the crossing faces the lens; side-on, it disappears. For the two-hand heart, frame the face or the chest and let the elbows relax outward.
An arm heart needs a slightly lower camera or a step back so the full shape fits. In groups, half hearts joined between two people make easy, readable couple and friend shots.
FAQ
How do you make a finger heart?
Bend the index finger slightly, cross the thumb over it near the tips, and fold the other fingers. The small gap forms the heart.
What does the Korean finger heart mean?
Love, thanks or affection, the same as a full heart sign but smaller and cuter.
What is the heart above the head called?
Usually an arm heart or big heart: both arms curved overhead with fingertips touching.