ANOTHER WEEK, another TikTok beauty trend.
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.”
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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?
First and foremost, manifestation is nuanced, but it certainly isn’t as complex as one may think. Given that we spend so much time looking at our hands, they can be a powerful tool in helping us manifest our desires.
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.
