But #BeautyTok’s latest obsession, the ‘red nail theory,’ goes beyond simple aesthetics. In fact, one user believes it has the power to tap into the male gaze. In a now-viral video, TikTok PR whiz Robyn Delmonte (AKA @girlbosstown) explained that whenever she gets a red manicure she received more compliments from men.
“Every time I have red nails, a guy comments on it,” she began. ” They’ll be like, oh, I like your nail colour. I always thought red was a grandma’s nail colour…Then it hit me. In the ’90s, when we were growing up, women had red nails a lot, especially our mums… I think guys are attracted to our red nails because it reminds them of their mums when they were growing up, taking care of them.”
While Delmonte’s original video was more ‘disturbing thought’ (with multiple users referencing Freud’s Oedipus Complex complex theory) than advice, the video soon took off as a trend. #RedNailTheory has amassed a whopping 21.1 million views, with countless “tried and tested” videos and references to it helping them in the dating scene.
And now, a new theory has emerged purporting the power of a sleek red nail to help you manifest. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves! Read on for everything you need to know about the red nail theory, including if it actually works and if and how you can use it to your advantage for manifestation.
Is the ‘red nail theory’ real?
But, while some users report the hack working wonders for them, other have chalked the reaction up to a less-Freudian reason.
In western art and pop culture, red has long been a symbol of desire and sensuality. Further, as one commenter on Delmonte’s video pointed out, red is simply a more eye-catching colour than a light pink or neutral shade.
In fact, in a 2016 survey administered by Jacklyn Bloemker on behalf ofSpray Perfect nail polish, 43 per cent of men (compared to 19 per cent of women) surveyed amongst a group of 2,000 believed that red symbolised passion, as per CafeMom. Further, almost one-third of the participants believed that those who chose to wear red nail paint were “passionate” and more romantic.
So perhaps red is a desirable choice of polish —but the reasons why may not be so obscure as the theory purports.
Can having red nails be beneficial for manifestation?
Astrologist Bri Luna told allure;“You can manifest your dreams through caring for your nails and selecting a shape and colour that reminds us of the [desired] intention”.
Luna told the publication that it is important to maintain a positive relationship with your manicurist, as they are transferring energy to your hands.
When it comes to the colour, red is notoriously symbolic of love and passion, so opting for a scarlet shade serves to ignite feelings of confidence and remind us of our desires. And, in terms of shape, square nails are aligned with love and coffin shapes with passion.
Red, for example, is associated with confidence, while tangerine orange boosts creativity and inspiration. Thus, painting your nails specific colors helps you harness that energy, while seeing those colors every day can impact your outlook—regardless of whether or not you even believe in manifestation.
“I think that the red nail theory is a real thing because psychologically, we associate red with passion, love, and power,” says Hanna. “While it's not necessarily scientifically proven that red nails are attractive, it often makes you appear more confident and alluring.”
To put it shortly, the red nail theory suggests that if you wear red nail polish, you're more likely to get attention or have nice things happen to you.
This concept, popularised by TikTok creator and PR expert Robyn Demonte, better known as Girlbosstown, suggests that whenever she wears red nail polish, she receives increased attention and compliments from men.
“I think if you're wearing red and you feel confident and powerful in red, you will definitely emanate a more attractive and maybe even provocative energy,” Manly says. But if you're not the type to normally get your nails done or typically opt for a more subtle shade, Manly encourages you to be your genuine self.
A man may associate the color red with the time in his life when there was a woman who took care of him, tended to his every need and loved him unconditionally. For this reason, a man might be more drawn to a woman if he sees she has red fingernails.
When it comes to the colour, red is notoriously symbolic of love and passion, so opting for a scarlet shade serves to ignite feelings of confidence and remind us of our desires. And, in terms of shape, square nails are aligned with love and coffin shapes with passion.
3. A 💅 indicates a sassy tone. Someone may use a 💅 to show that what they've sent is to be read in a bold and cheeky way. In this context, the emoji means “bougie.” XResearchsource This usage is especially popular on TikTok. “I'd rather be painting my nails than talking to you 💅”
What do different nail polish colors symbolize? Red nails attract romance and passion, orange nails symbolize enthusiasm and creativity, and yellow nails boost positivity. Green nails are associated with good luck, blue nails create serenity, and purple nails enhance intuitive powers.
For one, it seems to suggest that men are more attracted to women who have red nails. This is likely because the color red is associated with passion and excitement, which are qualities that many men find attractive in a partner.
Many women on TikTok agree there's science behind what makes red nails attractive to men. In 2008, a study of 27 men with a median age of 20 found that men consider women wearing red more attractive and sexually desirable.
They also noted the idea that red nails work on guys because it reminds them of their mothers or childhood. They then mention that another red nail theory suggests that red nails mean you're going to get engaged soon, almost like a good luck charm or manifestation tool.
The idea behind black nail theory is that a shiny black manicure can boost your confidence, which is not unlike the purported effects of a classic red mani. However, the goal of painting your nails black is not to attract attention from men. It's about doing it as an act of empowerment for yourself.
Red nails could mean possible heart disease or kidney issues. Red nails are also connected to conditions like psoriasis and lupus. Blue looking nails are signs of poor oxygen circulation, heart or lung issues. A vertical black stripe from the cuticle to the tip can be the most serious of all.
Red is impactful and connected to deep symbolism. Synonymous with both danger and excitement, red is known to raise the heart rate at the sight of it. Considered the colour of life, it is connected to strong emotions of passion, anger and love, a true symbol of human vitality.
The Top Colors for Manifestation (And Their Meanings)
Red – the color of passion, love, and energy. It's a powerful color that can help you manifest a new relationship, job, or increase your physical energy.
With red nails, you can have the courage to take on any challenge. To radiate energy and passion. You may also wonder whether red nail polish can look professional. It can. Red nails show that you mean business and can get the job done.
Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
