The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMU chapter.
For years now, I’ve been a red-nail girl. I’ve tried to steer away from it and explore new colors, but I always end up going back to my beloved dark red nails. I feel more put together, more elegant, and more grown up. This color has such a grasp on me and my friends that it has come to a point where we all wear the same color at the same time, every single day. Those who aren’t wearing red nails are slowly coming over to the dark side; well, the dark red nail side. Some may be more blood-colored, others more dark fuchsia, but they all come down to the same primary color: RED.
Recently, I heard about the “red nail theory” and how it’s supposed to attract men. I don’t know all the details about it, but it’s supposed to be some psychological phenomenon that attracts men to the color red. This may be why the color red is so popular in the media (the elegant red dress or the classic red lip); because it could be seen as an embodiment of passion and romance. I also heard that it could be because it seems vintage since women used to wear red nails a lot in the 90s. That, in a hopefully subconscious way, reminds them of their mothers in the 90s wearing red nails. I’m not sure how much of this theory is true, but I do feel more empowered and confident with my red nails, so maybe it’s that boosted confidence that makes men more attracted to women with red nails.
White nails, on the other hand (pun intended), I have never worn in my entire life. I believe they can be very elegant and classy, but as I said, I always see myself turning to red nails. I like the look of white nails in the summer paired with the perfect tan and a cute pair of sandals. Apparently a “white nail theory” exists as well. The intention of it is not to attract men, but to announce that a woman is single. White has always represented purity and innocence, qualities a single woman may be trying to project. Even more than representing singlehood, white nails are said to represent availability (which is very different than just being single).
After reflecting on what these two nail colors mean, I’ve come to a conclusion on what I think women who wear these colors are trying to convey. Maybe women who wear red nails are looking for something more casual, or more full of passion instead of a serious relationship. And since women with white nails are highlighting their availability through that color, they may be looking for something more serious, looking to settle down and find their partner for life. These are just my perceptions of these two theories, not necessarily from experience but from what I believe each color means. All I know for sure is that I will happily continue wearing my red nails, whether it is to attract men or not, just because I am in love with how I feel when they’re painted in a dark crimson tone.
FAQs
Despite experts agreeing that there is some validity to the red nail theory, others are finding more validity in the white nail theory. According to Pop XO, white nails often mean the person wearing them is single and available.
Is the red nail theory real? ›
“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.”
What is the red nail art theory? ›
The Red Nail Theory is the idea that when women wear red nail polish, they're more likely to receive compliments from men. The theory was first brought up by TikTok PR whiz Robyn Delmonte (AKA @girlbosstown) in a now-viral video.
Are white or red nails more attractive? ›
A 2008 study of 27 men with a median age of 20 found that men consider women wearing red more attractive and sexually desirable. The same study found men are more willing to ask women out on a date and pay more during that date when they wear red.
What is the white nail theory? ›
Apparently a “white nail theory” exists as well. The intention of it is not to attract men, but to announce that a woman is single. White has always represented purity and innocence, qualities a single woman may be trying to project.
What does 💅 mean from a girl? ›
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.” X Research source This usage is especially popular on TikTok. “I'd rather be painting my nails than talking to you 💅”
What is black nail theory? ›
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.
What is the red nail theory mommy issues? ›
"I weirdly think that guys are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their moms when they were growing up taking care of them," Delmonte says in one part of the video. "Or some type of mommy issues." Delmonte isn't the only person who thinks red nails can spark a suitor's interest.
What is the red nail theory relationship? ›
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.
What is the blue nail theory? ›
What do 'light blue nails' mean on TikTok? Basically, if you've got blue nails, it means that you have a boyfriend, or you're taken. There's also a theory that when girls ask their boyfriends what colour they should get their nails done, they will apparently always say "light blue" or "baby blue".
Nail design: Men like these colors
In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .
Why do guys like white toenails? ›
White nails appeal to lots of guys because they aren't too bold or distracting (compared to other colors). They exude a timeless elegance that never goes out of style, and this attracts men who appreciate the natural beauty of a woman.
What do purple nails mean on a girl? ›
Blue or purple nail beds or nails are a common sign of cyanosis, which is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. This type of discoloration can also occur on other parts of the body including the hands, fingertips, toes, nose, lips, and tongue. Cyanosis is often caused by exposure to cold temperatures.
What is the real nail theory? ›
According to Sigmund Freud (and the TikTokers who apparently follow his work), red nail polish reminds men of their mothers' hands, specifically during a time when they were young and dependent on them. This began to weird me out.
What is the TikTok red nail theory? ›
“And I weirdly think guys are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their moms when they were growing up taking care of them.” As a result, the hashtag, #rednailtheory, has amassed over 164 million views on TikTok with the majority of users claiming there's truth to the theory.
What do white nails mean to a guy? ›
Apparently, white nail polish suggests that the person is single and available. The light blue nail polish theory came from the idea that when a girl asks her boyfriend what color to paint her nails, the guy usually says "light blue”.
What is the red nail trick? ›
The “red nail theory,” a term coined by TikTok creator Robyn Delmonte, aka @GirlBossTown, has become a viral sensation. The idea is simple: If you wear red nail polish, you're more likely to receive attention from potential suitors.
What is the real story behind nail polish movie? ›
This film is about a popular social activist, Veer Singh, who has been accused of kidnapping, raping and killing two poor migrant children. He also becomes a prime suspect in the killings of 38 migrant children, which took place over the span of years.
