Red is a color that has a lot of different meanings. It can mean passion, love, fire and danger. Many people tend to connect red to carnal passion, lust, and romantic love. It’s also a bold color in general and simply more eye-catching than a subtle pink or nude shade. Now there is an interesting theory that connects the color of nails to one’s attraction to men.
So what is this 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. In the clip, she explained that whenever she gets a red manicure she receives more compliments from men.
She claimed that “I always thought red nails was like a grandma nail color, why the f*** is he liking red nails? And then it hit me. In the ’90s when we were growing up, women had red nails a lot, especially like our moms. I weirdly think guys are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their moms when they were growing up and taking care of them.”
This TikTok now has 1.2 million views and the #rednailtheory tag is full of people sharing if they received more compliments and if they’ve been asked out on more dates wearing a red manicure.
So does the red nail theory work?
The answer is: It depends. There is no solid data saying it is factual but there are many reasons why some could be experiencing this “attraction”. Many say they feel more confident when they wear red nail polish and this boosted sense of confidence could be the very reason they are getting more reactions from people — including men!
It’s all fun, harmless speculation so if you’re interested in testing out The Red Nail Theory, try BarBella Co's gel polish in Ruby or Mamacita.
FAQs
“Wearing red nail polish can be seen as a form of confident self-expression, showing that one is not afraid to stand out and be noticed,” says Dr. Yusim. “Confidence can contribute to attractiveness: when individuals feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, it can make them more appealing to others.”
Does red nail theory actually work? ›
Some individuals claim to have found romantic success sporting red nails, others report no noticeable change in their dating experiences. With reviews providing mixed results, it's difficult to definitively conclude whether the red nail theory holds merit.
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 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.
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.
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 nail color is most attractive to guys? ›
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 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 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".
What is the red nail therapy? ›
Basically, by wearing red nails, you'll be more confident and also attract some romantic attention. It's been a while since the theory has launched, so now that the dust has settled, let's investigate it. My initial reaction to this color theory was to shut it down immediately.
Blue nails, in particular, have garnered attention for their vibrant and diverse symbolism. In this blog, we'll explore the various meanings behind blue nail polish, from expressing your unavailability to showcasing a daring personality, a youthful spirit, or support for meaningful causes.
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 does green nail polish mean on a girl? ›
Green is the colour of growth and renewal. Whether you're going through a life change or simply want to signify personal growth and transformation, green nail polish can be a powerful choice. It's also associated with health and vitality, making it a great choice for wellness-related events or workouts.
Does the red nail theory actually work? ›
“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 theory mommy issues? ›
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.
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.
Does red light therapy help nails grow? ›
StimuNail uses red LED light at a wavelength of 635nm directed on the cuticle area where new nail cells are made. The more you use your fingers, the faster your nails will grow.
Are red nails actually attractive? ›
One study found that men were more likely to rate a woman as attractive if she was wearing red nail polish. The study also found that men were more likely to approach a woman who was wearing red nail polish. Another study found that men were more likely to remember a woman's name if she was wearing red nail polish.
What does it mean when you paint one fingernail red? ›
That's when he came up with the Polished Man project, which encourages men to become a #PolishedMan by painting one fingernail for a week. That single nail on a hand of five nails, represents the 1 in 5 children who will tragically be a victim of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
