I painted my nails red and have never been asked out on so many dates (2024)

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Published Oct. 27, 2022

Updated Oct. 27, 2022, 5:39 p.m. ET

Could a nail color be the secret to getting dates?

According to TikTok, painting your nails a vibrant red is the key to getting a potential lover’s attention, and it’s called the “red nail theory.”

“I’ve never been asked out on so many dates or complimented so much as I have in the past two or three weeks with these nails,” user Melisse Martineau gushed in one video, flashing her red manicure to the camera.

“I’ve been asked out on five or six dates,” she continues in the clip, with more than 759,000 views. “I don’t know what it is but [the red nail theory] is real.”

She’s not the only one. The hashtag #rednailtheory has amassed more than 2.1 million views and #rednailtheoryisreal has over 909,000 views on TikTok, with thousands of people saying the splash of crimson has spiced up their dating lives.

I painted my nails red and have never been asked out on so many dates (1)
I painted my nails red and have never been asked out on so many dates (2)

“I receive the most compliments whenever I wear red nails,” another user agreed. “Girls, get red nails.”

“Just saying, the red nail theory works, and now I have a boyfriend,” added another.

@girlbosstown

Reply to @meganandliz @tinx @serenakerrigan care to comment on this

♬ original sound – GirlBossTown

According to a study published in 2008 by psychologists Andrew Elliot and Daniela Niesta from the University of Rochester, the color red makes men feel more amorous towards women.Their study,“Romantic Red: Red Enhances Men’s Attraction to Women,”was published in theJournal of Personality and Social Psychology.

@lovetrenna

As a nail tech I’d say YES to Red Nail Theory

♬ original sound – Trenna| Nail Artist

In the study, the authors noted that compared to other colors, red makes men see women as more attractive and more sexually desirable.

“Men seem unaware of this red effect, and red does not influence women’s perceptions of the attractiveness of other women, nor men’s perceptions of women’s overall likeability, kindness, or intelligence,” they noted.

Some TikTokers had a simpler explanation as to why red nails bring on the men.

“If anything they’re drunk at a bar and bright red stands out, and it’s all they can think of to start a convo,” one user joked.

I painted my nails red and have never been asked out on so many dates (2024)

FAQs

What does painting your nails red mean? ›

“Men remember women who have red nails, which is good if you are hoping to make a lasting impression. Red is associated with strong emotions, strength, power, courage, and danger. Red nails are a clear signal a woman is ready to attract a partner.”

Do guys find red nails attractive? ›

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. The study also found that men were more likely to approach a woman who was wearing red nail polish.

What is the psychology behind red nails? ›

“Wearing red nail polish can be seen as a form of confident self-expression, showing that one is not afraid to stand out and be noticed,” says Dr. Yusim. “Confidence can contribute to attractiveness: when individuals feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, it can make them more appealing to others.”

Are red nails classy or trashy? ›

Whether red nails are considered classy or trashy can depend on the context, the shade of red, and the overall appearance of the manicure. A well-manicured set of red nails, with a clean, appropriate length and shape for the occasion, is widely regarded as a classic and elegant choice.

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 the saying about red nails? ›

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.

Is red nail polish unprofessional? ›

In general, a neutral or pale shade is appropriate, as are classic colors like red, burgundy, or plum. It's important to avoid anything too flashy, bold, or distracting.

Why do girls wear red nail polish? ›

The Red Nail Theory is the idea that when women wear red nail polish, they're more likely to receive compliments from men.

Who do red nails look good on? ›

For example, those with fair skin may look best with a bright, classic red, while those with darker skin tones may prefer a deeper, richer shade of red. Undertones: Consider the undertones of the red shade. Cool-toned reds have a blue base and tend to look better on people with cool skin tones.

Are red nails in style in 2024? ›

At the top of the manicure trends for 2024, red is making a comeback. Glamorous, seductive and timeless manicures, red is THE color for all seasons.

What does red nail polish manifest? ›

Red nails represent romance, passion, and confidence.

As a result, many people believe that red nail polish can help you attract passionate love into your life while also getting more in touch with your sensual side. The “red nail theory” has also become a popular topic of conversation on TikTok.

What color nail polish looks best on older hands? ›

“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.

Do red nails make you look older? ›

Bright or tomato red with a tinge of orange also makes your hands look livelier, according to manicurist Ashlie Johnson, who loves Essie Nail Polish in Russian Roulette.

What do red nails indicate? ›

Red nails could mean possible heart disease or kidney issues. Red nails are also connected to conditions like psoriasis and lupus. Blue looking nails are signs of poor oxygen circulation, heart or lung issues. A vertical black stripe from the cuticle to the tip can be the most serious of all.

Why do men paint their nails red? ›

The first gender to get their nails done were men. They use to color their nails with kohl to indicate their social status. Wealthy men painted their nails a dark red or black color, whereas those with less wealth painted their nails a green color.

What does it mean when a guy tells you to paint your nails red? ›

A 2008 study of 27 men with a median age of 20 found that men consider women wearing red more attractive and sexually desirable. The same study found men are more willing to ask women out on a date and pay more during that date when they wear red.

What does red under the nail mean? ›

A paronychia is an infection around the nail. Many organisms can cause a paronychia. This particular case is caused by the yeast-like organism Candida. Note the inflammation (red, swollen area) at the base of the nail and the changes that are apparent in the nail itself.

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 does each color of nail polish mean? ›

Specifically, blue evokes in us a sense of trust and stability, green reminds us of nature and harmony, and purple symbolizes abundance and creativity. Because cool colors are so mellow, they are the perfect shades of nail polishes to pick for an everyday pop of color!

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