What the red nail theory is, and does it actually work? (2024)

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Beauty / Trend

WORDS Samantha CorryPHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy InstagramPUBLISHEDWed, 1 May 2024 - 12:00 pm

What the red nail theory is, and does it actually work? (4)

If dating apps and blind dates don't quite align with your preferences (let's face it, they're not for everyone), and you prefer the classic approach of meeting someone in person, have you ever considered adding a touch of red nail polish to your repertoire? It's as simple as coating your nails in that vibrant shade, supposedly sending out a universal aphrodisiac to men. But does this trick actually work?

TikTok is the social media app where delusions are fed by the delusional, it's our guilty pleasure to venture in it, for all our interests, and find like-minded's. And if you're no stranger to the app you most likely would have heard about the conspiracy cooked within, the red nail theory. This concept, popularised by TikTok creator and PR expert Robyn Demonte, better known as Girlbosstown, suggests that whenever she wears red nail polish, she receives increased attention and compliments from men.

Below, we break down the red nail theory and if it's worth trying?

What is the red theory?

Red: sensual, eye-catching, vibrant, and romantic — these are just some of the words used to describe the colour. Undoubtedly, there's an inherent sense of maturity that complements the allure of red. For decades, red has symbolised love and passion; ironically, it also conveys notions of stop and danger. However, in the realm of nail colour, red is a definite green light! According to the psychology of colour, statistically, red evokes the strongest emotions of any colour.

Centuries-old records from Africa unearthed by archaeologists reveal that women adorned themselves in red to symbolise fertility. Today, this symbolism has evolved to fit modern ideologies such as Valentine's Day.

On nails, red has conspired to become synonymous with love and attraction. Wearing red nail polish may just signal and catch the eye of a potential romantic interest.

Does it really work?

While I haven't personally tried it myself, the reviews and videos circulating on TikTok showcase a divided consensus. 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. Perhaps the only way to truly gauge its effectiveness is to give it a try firsthand.

What's the best red nail polish?

Luckily at your convenience we've rounded up some of our favourite red nail polish for you to do some experimenting, and prove whether this theory is cap or fact.

CHANEL 151 Pirate

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sharyn (@sharyn629)

OPI Big Apple Red

HERMÈS Rouge H

ESSIE Forever Yummy

DIOR 999 Rouge

PLEASING Vine Ripe

Stay inspired, follow us.

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What the red nail theory is, and does it actually work? (2024)

FAQs

Does 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 trick? ›

This concept, popularised by TikTok creator and PR expert Robyn Demonte, better known as Girlbosstown, suggests that whenever she wears red nail polish, she receives increased attention and compliments from men.

What is the red short nails theory? ›

What is the red nail theory? The idea behind the 'red nail theory' is that if you wear red nail polish you will get more attention from everyone you meet, especially men.

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 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? ›

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.

Are guys attracted to red nails? ›

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 is the pink nail theory? ›

Gloria Williams has been Oprah Winfrey's personal pedicurist for the last 12 years. And she believes that the nail polish color a person picks can say a lot about their personality. A red mani means you're daring and independent, while pink nails mean you're a people-pleaser.

What is white nail theory? ›

TikTokers have noticed that single people – particularly newly single people – are more likely to paint their nails white. There's also a theory that people who wear blue nail polish tend to be in a relationship, because when you ask a man what colour you should paint your nails, they usually go with blue.

Does the red nail theory actually work? ›

The same study found men were more willing to ask women out on a date and pay more during that date when they wear red. Of course, it raises eyebrows that men would be more attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their mother, as Delmonte purports.

What is the red nail rule? ›

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!

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.

How does the bed of nails trick work? ›

The resulting force per unit area or pressure is not sufficient to pierce the skin. The trick to lying on a bed of nails is getting onto or off of the bed of nails in such a way that most of the nails start or stop touching you at about the same time. This keeps the weight force spread over a large number of nails.

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.

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