The Red-Nail Theory Didn’t Work the Way I Thought It Would (2024)

Red is a high-energy color. It’s sensual and romantic, exerting dominance, passion, and confidence. Christian Louboutin, Taylor Swift, and Jessica Rabbit all identify with the color—and more recently, single girls of TikTok do too.

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!—while the single-girl Gen Z in me couldn’t help but think, Well, what if?

Determined to scientifically test it, I requested an iconic red at my next salon session: OPI’s Big Apple Red. It’s a high-shine, slightly warm shade of bright candy apple red. While waiting for my nails to dry, I continued to scroll. 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. But then my fingers were dry, so it was time to move on to phase two: gathering evidence.

Suddenly, my fingers not so subtly slipped into every Instagram story and Zoom meeting. Somehow my hair just couldn’t stay tucked behind my ear. I was all but begging for someone to comment on my newly manicured nails. But while out on a Friday night, not a single man beelined across Crosby Street to ask for my number, and no, the music at Zero Bond didn’t come to a screeching halt when I walked into the room. All these rom-com scenarios that played out in my head were just that—fantasies.

As the days went on and my nail polish began to chip, so did my (little) confidence in this theory. There was one major takeaway, though: While I didn’t see a direct uptick in male attention or compliments just by waving my hands around, I did notice that red nails boosted my confidence. And coincidentally, as I exuded confidence, I found myself talking to more people.

So red nails do work—just not in the way the red-nail theory alleges. Rather, red nails felt like walking out in a new outfit every day. It was not the color that caught anyone’s eye but instead the confidence that colored my charisma.

The Red-Nail Theory Didn’t Work the Way I Thought It Would (2024)

FAQs

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 saying about red nails? ›

The red nail theory might seem intimidating or maybe a bit naughty, but really, it's just a “theory” that suggests wearing red nail polish makes you more desirable to men, attracting more guys to come your way. The red nail theory is a term originated by TikTok user @GirlBossTown, AKA Robyn Delmonte.

What is the red nail art theory? ›

Enter: the red nail theory. The term, which was coined by TikTok creator Robyn Delmonte (@GirlBossTown), hypothesises that men are more attracted to women when their nails are painted red.

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 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 .

Do men really like red nails? ›

This theory has been around for years, and has been backed up by scientific studies. One study found that men were more likely to rate a woman as attractive if she was wearing red nail polish.

Are red nails classy or trashy? ›

A classic red shade can also look good with just about any outfit, and doubles well as a day look for casual wear, and a night look for a glamorous twist. If you are drawn to this shade, you are confident and daring, but also classy. It is truly the shade that never goes out of style.

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 do blue nails mean on a girl? ›

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 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 nail color attracts money? ›

Gold is the most powerful color if you are thinking of attracting affluence, fame, and wealth.

What is the 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.

Is the red nail theory real? ›

“It seems like people are trying to diagnose men with this theory, but it's not rooted in any science or reason,” says celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't work. Hoards of girls have been putting the theory to the test and heading to the salon to see if it attracts more men.

What do pink nails mean on a girl? ›

Lighthearted. In the past, the meaning of light pink nails had a lighthearted connotation. Light pink signified playfulness, so it may signify that someone is cheerful and sociable. If you are wondering “what does it mean if someone has blue nails”, it can mean that someone is attached, or in a relationship.

What is the red nail theory on TikTok? ›

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 trick? ›

The idea is simple: If you wear red nail polish, you're more likely to receive attention from potential suitors. In her video, Delmonte said that every time she has red nails, a guy comments on the color. She was confused at first — until it hit her.

Is it a myth to let your nails breathe? ›

The idea that nails need to “breathe” by going polish-free is a myth. While it's essential to practice proper nail care and give your nails occasional breaks between manicures, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that nails require periods of nakedness.

What does it mean when you paint one fingernail red? ›

Counterculture rock stars, such as David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and Kurt Cobain, rebelled against gender norms by painting their fingernails, but the trend ended there until recently, when one Elliot Costello introduced the "Polished Man" campaign in which men with one painted fingernail on one hand represent the " ...

Do people really notice your nails? ›

The fact is that people do take notice of your fingernails. So whether you're dating, interviewing for a new job, meeting prospective clients or just going about your day-to-day business, it helps to have hands that look good. Grooming your nails is not something men should be ashamed of.

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