Nails.co.uk has uncovered the most and least popular nail colors to wear after analyzing 1.24 million reviews across 890 highly-rated nail polishes on Google Shopping.
They have analyzed the review score and the number of reviews for the top 89 products for the 10 most popular colors on Google. Here's what they found:
Green is the most popular nail color to wear.
Color experts say that green is regarded as the most restful and relaxing color for the human eye, which makes sense as to why most people would choose it as the color to paint their nails.
"'Bottega Green' is a shade of green that has stormed the fashion industry since 2021," Liana Thomson, nails.co.uk expert, explains. "Since then, we have seen every single shade of green crop up in both our wardrobes and on our nails, which helps explain why it is now the most popular nail color according to our new study.”
Yellow is the least popular nail color.
According to the data, yellow is the least popular color of the 10 most common colors.
Color psychologists claim that the color yellow stands for cowardice, deceitfulness, impulsiveness, and egoism. More claims suggest that high levels of exposure to yellow can also lead to aggression and irritability; however, painting your fingernails yellow isn’t going to give you enough exposure to the color to cause you any problems.
Experts say to paint your nails orange in July.
In the study, orange was found to be the second most popular nail color.
Searches for ‘orange nails’ spike every year in July and have done so for the last 5 years, showing that summer is the best time for this nail shade.
"Orange often brings out the brown and red tint in your skin, which is why it is a popular choice peak-summer," Thomson explains.
Grey nails are more popular than pink nails.
The research found that grey was a more popular nail color with an average star rating of 4.53 placing it as the third most popular nail color, five places above pink, which sits at seventh place.
“Pale pink is a typical nail color choice for many because of how natural the color is on the nail bed," Thomson says.
Subtle shades, like pink and nude, are more commonly allowed in the workplace, unlike bolder and braver choices such as yellow, red and orange.
"We believe that grey has appeared higher on the list because it is still a color that is subtle enough to wear every day but is different enough to stand out from the majority of painted nails," Thomson explains.
You can see the full list of the most popular nail colors according to the nails.co.uk study below.
Top Ten Most Popular Traditional Nail Colors
- Green
- Orange
- Grey
- Red
- Purple
- White
- Pink
- Black
- Blue
- Yellow
FAQs
Try to avoid shades that match your skin exactly as it could wash you out. Neons like Yellow or Green may also be harder tones to wear for neutral toned people.
What nail colors to avoid for older hands? ›
Avoid Dark Colors: Dark colors, such as deep reds, purples, or blacks, can draw attention to imperfections and make hands appear older. It's best to steer clear of these shades if you want to achieve a more youthful look.
What color is not normal for a healthy nail? ›
Healthy nails should look pink on the nail bed and white when grown off the nail bed. Any other color could be a sign of a deficiency or disease. For instance, clear, pale nails can be a sign of anemia or poor nutrition. White nails, also known as Terry's nails, are a sign of kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
What is the most attractive nail color? ›
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 color looks best on really short nails? ›
Nude and pastel colors are a great choice for short nails, as they actively make them look longer. Because they visually appear like they're continuing your finger line, they make your fingers look thinner and slimmer. For best results, use a color that's a shade lighter than your skin tone.
What nail colour makes you look younger? ›
"Orange is a youthful, bright and uplifting colour, and it helps draw attention away from signs of ageing hands with age spots, visible veins and wrinkling skin," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann from her eponymously named polish brand.
What nail color makes you look the tannest? ›
When it comes to enhancing a tan, warm-toned nail colors are the go-to choice. These shades, including coral, peach, golden yellow, and bronze, complement the warmth of your skin tone and accentuate your bronzed glow. They create a harmonious balance, adding warmth and radiance to your overall look.
What color nails should a 60 year old wear? ›
“If you have a lighter skin tone, the color would differ depending on how fair your skin is, but corals, greens, and red would be good for older hands because it draws attention to the nails,” according to Orly. According to Orly, older adults with darker skin may look best in orange, gold, and gray shades.
What color nails make fingers look skinny? ›
Fair skin: Both experts say sheer pink is best, while Lippmann says a clean beige can also slim the hands. Medium skin: Choi opts for a sheer nude polish, but Lippmann likes more opaque, full-coverage, yellow-based shades like her taupe shade, Fashion ($18).
Should fingernails and toenails be the same color? ›
Should Your Manicure and Pedicure 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.
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.
What nail color is in trend for 2024? ›
White: White nail polish is a versatile and timeless choice that remains popular in 2024. Its clean and crisp appearance complements any outfit and is perfect for achieving a fresh and modern look. Yellow: Yellow nail polish is a vibrant and cheerful option that is trending this year.
What is a classy color for nails? ›
A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting. These hues also give the fingers a more elongated, refined appearance.
Why do men love white nails? ›
Most guys like white nails because they highlight tan skin tones and indicate that you care about your personal hygiene. Some guys think white nails are a turn-on because they represent purity and innocence.
What color will look best on my nails? ›
The color of your natural nails can be an indication of your skin tone. If you have a fair complexion, opt for light shades of pink, beige, and white. Women with olive skin tones should choose colors that are in the green family, while those with darker skin should stick to shades of brown, black, or deep red.
What nail color makes you look clean? ›
For a clean and polished look, opt for a sheer white nail polish that enhances the natural beauty of pale skin without overpowering it. Sheer white nail polish is a flexible choice for any event because it provides your nails with a clean, contemporary look.
What nail color makes you look the most tan? ›
Nude: A classic nude shade that matches your skin tone can create a seamless and natural tan look, perfect for any occasion.
