If it seems like you've been encountering more people wearing red nails than ever on social media, you might be onto something. In the past 12 months, online search for red nails have increased by 160 percent globally, according to Fresha. It's not just that celebrities like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have caused interest in the shade to skyrocket or the fact that color is trending in beauty — this is the start of an entirely different phenomenon thanks to a viral TikTok video that has become known as the "red-nails theory."
People on the app are claiming there's a deeper reason people are drawn to this particular color of manicure. In a clip that now has more than one million views, user Robyn Delmonte theorized that men always compliment her when she wears the color on her nails. "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. Influencer and founder of The Bar Bridget Bahl has a running joke about the trend with her Instagram followers. After getting engaged while wearing one particular color — you guessed it, red — on her nails, she theorized that it's the key to taking your relationship to the next level. Many of her followers have chimed in in the comments section to agree.
So is the red-nails theory a real thing? Yes and no. First, there's a reason the shade first became a popular manicure choice so many years ago. "Red nail polish began to be popular in 1929 after American women would see that European socialites were using red polish," celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec tells POPSUGAR. The color went on to be a staple shade up until the early '70s.
However, Kandalec is skeptical of the theory. "While I don't doubt that men are indeed inadvertently drawn to things that their moms wore, I don't think this theory boils down to a red nail," Kandalec says. "Red being worn as a daily, commonplace color is very era specific, and this was primarily seen in the 1930s, '40s, '50s, and '60s, before other, more muted colors began to be popular in the '70s. Therefore, this theory greatly depends on when both the men being discussed as well as their mothers grew up."
With that in mind, if red nails were primarily a staple in the '50s and '60s, that would mean the men who grew up watching their mothers wear the color would be, at a minimum, in their 50s. While Delmonte didn't state the age range of her dating pool, it's safe to assume — for her and other TikTokers backing the theory — that the numbers don't add up here. Still, while the red-nails theory doesn't exactly pan out, there is some credence to the color red catching people's attention.
"Like a red dress, red signals love, passion, power, and sensuality," Kandalec says. "Men can definitely be drawn to that."
Whether or not you believe in the red-nails theory, it goes without saying that no part of your beauty routine should depend on the opinion of anyone other than yourself. The fun part about beauty is in the freedom to explore, so don't get hung up on the details (or theories) that make you feel limited in your self-expression. If you like a crimson manicure for that reason and that reason alone, that's good enough.
FAQs
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 red nails theory? ›
Enter the red-nail theory, or the idea that you're more likely to get attention from potential suitors if you paint your nails red. After seeing it take over my feed, I was conflicted. I'm a '96 baby (read: generational cusp), so the millennial in me wanted to prove it silly clickbait—so antiquated!
What is the red nail theory for getting engaged? ›
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.
Why are men attracted to 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. Additionally, the theory suggests that men are more likely to remember women who have red nails, which could be helpful if you're trying to make a lasting impression.
What does a red fingernail mean? ›
Noticed some red nails recently? 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.
What is the unexpected red theory? ›
I even discovered the viral “unexpected red theory” on TikTok, which the original creator Taylor Simon (@intayriors) described as “adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all — and it automatically looks better.”
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 does red nail polish mean on a girl? ›
“Men remember women who have red nails, which is good if you are hoping to make a lasting impression. Red is associated with strong emotions, strength, power, courage, and danger. Red nails are a clear signal a woman is ready to attract a partner.”
What nail color do guys like? ›
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 .
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".
Yes, according to psychologists, color experts and, well, science. Red nails can be a magnet to attract male attention, but not necessarily for the reason the theory espouses.
What is the pink nail theory? ›
Gloria Williams has been Oprah Winfrey's personal pedicurist for the last 12 years. And she believes that the nail polish color a person picks can say a lot about their personality. A red mani means you're daring and independent, while pink nails mean you're a people-pleaser.
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.
Is the red nail theory true? ›
“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.”
Why are red nails so popular? ›
"Like a red dress, red signals love, passion, power, and sensuality," Kandalec says. "Men can definitely be drawn to that." Whether or not you believe in the red-nails theory, it goes without saying that no part of your beauty routine should depend on the opinion of anyone other than yourself.
What is the saying about red nails? ›
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 Bridget's red nail theory? ›
Influencer and founder of The Bar Bridget Bahl has a running joke about the trend with her Instagram followers. After getting engaged while wearing one particular color — you guessed it, red — on her nails, she theorized that it's the key to taking your relationship to the next level.
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 paint theory? ›
The unexpected red theory is not a complex design concept. It suggests that adding a hint of the titular interior color can make any space feel more cohesive. Along that vein, a pop of red—whether it's small like a red vase or huge by way of a rug or an entire painted wall—can suit any overarching design style.
