"Red Nails Theory" And What It Says About Men: A Fun Study (2024)

FAQs

What do men think of red nails? ›

What are the implications of Red Nails Theory? Red Nails Theory is a theory that suggests that men are more likely to be attracted to women with red nails. The theory has been backed up by research, which shows that men find women with red nails more attractive than those with any other color nails.

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.

Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

They also noted the idea that red nails work on guys because it reminds them of their mothers or childhood. They then mention that another red nail theory suggests that red nails mean you're going to get engaged soon, almost like a good luck charm or manifestation tool.

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.

In fact, research shows that men unconsciously find women more attractive when they wear red. Just as men are drawn to the beauty of a shiny red sports car, they seem to have an affinity for women who wear shades of red nail polish." Believe it or not, there's actual science to back this up.

What nail color is classy? ›

Nude or Beige

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.

Men's nails tend to be short, rarely does a male have extreme nail lengths or shapes. The preferred shapes are almost always round or square. In recent years other colours have caught on: Johnny Depp has even tried fuchsia and sex symbol Brad Pitt has experimented with multi-coloured patterns.

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.

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.

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.

If you are wondering if red nail polish is a professional shade, the answer is a resounding yes. There is often the question of whether red nail polish is classy, but it has proven time and time again to be an elegant choice.

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.

Red is not dead! 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. Find all our ideas and inspiration for gorgeous red nails all year round.