Should Nail Colors Match? (2024)

Q: Is it tacky or chic to match the polish color on my fingers and toes?

A: I was going to tell you that it's tacky, tacky, tacky, unless it's a sheer, neutral color. I've never liked matchy-matchy (socks being the exception). But first I wanted to solicit agreement from my friends in the nail polish industry. And guess what? I was 100 percent wrong. "I think matching polish makes you look more pulled-together," says Ji Baek, owner of Rescue Beauty Lounge in New York City. Today I'm wearing OPI Got the Blues for Red on my fingers and toes. Am I chic, or what?

Keep in mind: When wearing nonmatching shades, it's best to color-coordinate, says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, vice president and artistic director at OPI. So don't use yellow on your fingernails and green on your toes. And speaking of edgy colors, if you wear them, keep your nails short.

Next: How to store nail polish

From the July 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

Should Nail Colors Match? (2024)

FAQs

Do nail colors have to match? ›

A: Your toe nail color and finger nail colors do not have to be the same color. It looks more effortless if you do like a more consistent look, so try a tonal color way with 2 shades of the same color family.

Do your fingers and toes have to match? ›

Simply put, no – you mani and pedi doesn't have to match. Back in the day, it used to be mandatory to match the colour on your fingernails to your toes but, over the years this trend has become predictable and a little boring too.

Should your nails match your outfit? ›

You don't need to match your nail polish precisely with your outfit. Instead, you can choose colors that complement it. For instance, if you wear dark blue clothes, gray, white, or lighter shades of blue would look stunning with them. You just want to make sure that the colors won't clash.

What nail color matches everything? ›

Taupe. A neutral and effortless nail polish color that straddles the gray-brown spectrum, taupe has a soft warmth that complements a wide range of skin tones. For those looking for nail paint that goes with everything, this is their go-to shade.

Which fingernail should be a different color? ›

Your accent nail can be your ring finger (a popular choice), your thumbnail, or any nail you want to call attention to.

How do you know if a nail color suits you? ›

Finding the ideal nail color starts with understanding your undertone. To determine your undertone, observe the veins on your wrist. If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If they have a greenish hue, you probably have a warm undertone.

Which nails are more attractive? ›

Red Nails Theory is a theory that suggests that men are more likely to be attracted to women with red nails. The theory has been backed up by research, which shows that men find women with red nails more attractive than those with any other color nails.

Should toe nails and finger nails be the same color? ›

No, it's not a fashion faux pas if you color your fingernails different than your toenails. In fact most women wear a different color polish with nail art on their fingers and a totally different color on their toenails to match their outfit like red or another color.

What nail colors go best together? ›

The Best Nail Colour Combinations for 2023
  • Light Blue & Purple. Everyone loves a pastel colour, and everyone especially loves a pastel colour on a set of nails. ...
  • Pink and Peach. ...
  • Nude and Light Blue. ...
  • Minty Green and White. ...
  • Green and Orange. ...
  • Green and Yellow. ...
  • Orange and Yellow. ...
  • Blues.
Jan 12, 2023

Can you mix nail colors? ›

To mix nail polish, you'll need a mixing surface like a paint palette or a paper plate and a toothpick to mix everything together. When mixing polish, it's best to choose no more than 2 polishes, or else the color may get muddy. Primary colors mix well together, such as yellow and blue.

What if I don't like my nail color? ›

Remember: if, after a couple of days, you decide you just don't like the colour, you can always book a minimally priced colour change as the manicure with treated cuticles. “Finally, make sure to follow aftercare advice even if you are planning to change the colour.

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