Pantone Color Expert Explains TikTok’s Viral Sky Blue Nails Trend Theory (2024)

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An unexpected nail color has recently emerged as the newest manicure trend for summer, according to TikTok, becoming the latest testament to the social media platform’s influence over beauty culture.

Light blue nail polish is the lacquer of the moment among Gen Z — thanks to all of the conversation that has emerged from TikTok videos tagged #lightbluenails in recent weeks that now have more than 8.8 million views.

The TikTok-trending topic includes women asking men their opinion of the ideal nail color, concluding that a light or sky blue manicure was overwhelmingly the most approved hue by men. Though the experimental surveys don’t align with the scientific method, there is some validity to the conclusions.

Leatrice Eiseman — director of the Pantone Color Institute and a color consultant for many industries, including the fashion and cosmetics space — says blue is often reported as a favorite color regardless of gender. Eiseman says this favorability may be because blue is often associated with positive memories from an early age, like time at the beach or a beautiful bright summer sky.

“[Blue] is very reassuring,” Eiseman tells WWD. “Blue from many standpoints has positive reactions. In general terms, based on the studies we’ve done, it’s more than likely going to be positive.”

These positive early childhood associations often lead people wearing the color — especially in a light shade — to receive compliments from people of all genders, which only adds to the positive association, she explained. But given traditional gender-based subscription of colors upon birth, with blue still often associated with “boys” and pink with “girls,” Eiseman says men may more strongly store a blue color preference “in their memory bank.”

“If you show men in blue in almost any context — whether it’s a sweater, tie, or nail polish — they will have a positive reaction,” Eiseman says. “It does not mean they find it more alluring or a woman will be sexier with nail polish. It’s because they like blue however it is used.”

According to color psychology, blue is noted for evoking feelings of calmness, serenity and stability. Though blue is often still associated with men more than women, the feelings blue evokes actually echo characteristics closely associated with femininity.

Eisman also suggests blue may just be a nice nail color often overlooked by women in favor of the pinks and reds that have been deemed “classic manicure colors.”

But requesting the hue at the nail salon may indicate more than just being privy to trends, according to TikTok. For some Gen Z teens, the calm blue shade serves as way to subtly communicate their relationship status as taken.

Pantone Color Expert Explains TikTok’s Viral Sky Blue Nails Trend Theory (2024)

FAQs

Pantone Color Expert Explains TikTok’s Viral Sky Blue Nails Trend Theory? ›

If you show men in blue in almost any context — whether it's a sweater, tie, or nail polish — they will have a positive reaction,” Eiseman says. “It does not mean they find it more alluring or a woman will be sexier with nail polish. It's because they like blue however it is used.”

What is the blue nail color theory? ›

Well, first and foremost, light blue nails may indicate that they are not available to date. If they are single, it signifies that they are not afraid to take fashion risks. And no matter their age, you can probably assume that they are young at heart.

What is the blue nail tip 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 TikTok red nail theory? ›

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.

What does it mean when a guy tells a girl to paint her nails light blue? ›

someone said light blue nails is code for “im taken” so i wrote a song about it LOL.

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 a blue painted fingernail mean? ›

Supporting a Cause (15%): The one blue fingernail trend, where a single nail is painted blue, has become a symbol of support for various meaningful causes. In our case, let's spotlight the "Polished Man" campaign, which aims to end violence against children.

Why do guys paint their nails black? ›

Black nails are a strong statement of individual style that go against traditional gender norms and a symbol of solidarity, pride, and empowerment. Painted nails on men challenge traditional, gendered beauty standards as well as societal norms that discourage expressions of non-straight or non-cisgender identities.

What do blue nails signify? ›

Blue fingernails, or cyanosis, occur when your blood doesn't have enough oxygen. It is most often caused by cold temperatures. Occasionally, it can be caused by medical conditions. These include diseases of the lungs or heart, or atypical blood cells or vessels.

What does red nail polish mean on a girl? ›

“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.”

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 do purple nails mean on a girl? ›

What Causes Blue or Purple Nails? 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.

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 does it mean when a girl wears blue nail polish? ›

They say: “When a girl gets blue nails it typically means she has a significant other or/ aka, a boyfriend.

Why do guys like light blue nail polish? ›

“It does not mean they find it more alluring or a woman will be sexier with nail polish. It's because they like blue however it is used.” According to color psychology, blue is noted for evoking feelings of calmness, serenity and stability.

What does it mean when a man wears blue nail polish? ›

What is polished man? In October, the Polished Man campaign encourages people to actively take a stand, paint one nail blue to spark up important and powerful conversations, and raise awareness and funds to end violence against women and children.

What do blue nails indicate? ›

Blue nails may indicate that the blood is not carrying enough oxygen to the fingertips. There are many possible causes, including heart and lung diseases. Anyone with blue nails should seek medical advice. In some cases, fingernails turn blue or purplish because of cyanosis, which can also affect the lips and skin.

What do blue nails mean spiritually? ›

Blue nails symbolize trust, calm, and serenity.

You might be familiar with the common phrase “true blue,” which makes sense since the color is associated with loyalty, reliability, and honesty. Blue is also a very soothing color, and it's thought to bring calm feelings. X Research source.

What is the nail theory of relationships? ›

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. Since posting her viral video, many single women have put the theory to the test, with more than 13,000 videos under the hashtag #rednailtheory.

What do different nail polish colors 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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