In the world of young women, the red nail theory has become a widely popular method in attempting to attract love into one’s life.
Ruthie Burnette, a receptionist at CHA Nails in the Northshore area of Chattanooga, said, “We went from nobody getting red shades to pretty quickly about 82% of our customers getting some shade of red.”
The theory is, during the most formative years of a man's life, their mothers often had some shade of red paint on their fingernails. 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. Once women began experiencing this theory being successful in their own lives, the artificial nail industry saw a 2% growth rate in total market penetration over the last year, according to an article on the Cosmetic Design website.
On TikTok, the hashtags #rednailpolish and #rednailtheory have over 36 million views, proving that the younger generation of women has become entranced with the red manicure.
“I would personally say kids 16 years old to 24 years old have been the most popular age group,” Burnette said. “I think it’s such a large age gap because that’s the group that is most active on social media.”
It’s common knowledge that the red manicure is timeless. It’s elegant, classy, and exudes confidence, which is why women such as Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana and even Cleopatra have been known to have red fingernails. It can be traced back to ancient China where the royals used the color to show off their wealth and power. Back then red was used to show a person's social class, and today it’s used in the attempt to attract love.
A bottle of red nail polish at a drugstore ranges from around $3.50 to $10.00, so participating in this trend does not mean you have to make an appointment at the nail salon. However, if you do want to make an appointment there are many nail salons in Chattanooga that are very familiar with the trend.
“All of the nail techs here love the color red and each of them has a different red that they recommend when a customer asks for the color on their nails,” Burnette said.
Maggie Arnold, a 20 year old college student, decided to test the red nail theory for herself. She purchased a bottle of red Essie nail polish in the shade “She’s Pampered” and painted them herself. Arnold said she normally has her nails painted a color, but because she’s never had them a shade of red so she wanted to test if her boyfriend would notice a difference.
“The day I painted my nails red, he literally said ‘Oh I like your nails’ without me mentioning anything,” Arnold said. “He’s never even acknowledged my nails before.”
There are two main factors that play a role in what makes a nail polish color popular: celebrity trend setters and the changing of the seasons. The emergence of the red nail theory has caused many celebrities to flaunt red fingernails in their day to day lives and even on the runway, making more and more people want to try out the red manicure.
When the weather begins to cool down people often paint their nails in warmer tones such as, reds, dark oranges and shades of yellow. So, it worked out when the red nail theory gained popularity in the winter months.
“I love having red nails,” Burnette said. “Every time I get my nails red I get so many compliments and they attract so much more attention than if I were to get a more neutral color.”
FAQs
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 is the red nail theory explanation? ›
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.
Do red nails attract love? ›
Is the 'red nail theory' real? Yes, according to psychologists, color experts and, well, science. Red nails can be a magnet to attract male attention, but not necessarily for the reason the theory espouses.
What does a red fingernail mean? ›
Noticed some red nails recently? 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.
What is the red nail theory for getting engaged? ›
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.
What nail color attracts love? ›
Back then red was used to show a person's social class, and today it's used in the attempt to attract love. A bottle of red nail polish at a drugstore ranges from around $3.50 to $10.00, so participating in this trend does not mean you have to make an appointment at the nail salon.
What does red nail polish mean in a relationship? ›
“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 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 color attracts true love? ›
Red is, of course, the colour of love. In Feng Shui, red represents fire and passion. Symbolic of one of the strongest elements in nature, it should be used with great care.
Does wearing red attract love? ›
The red dress effect, which can be broadened to the general red-attraction effect, the red-romance effect, or the romantic red effect, is a phenomenon in which the color red increases physical attraction, sexual desire, and romantic sentiments in comparison to other colors.
This is likely because the color red is associated with passion and excitement, which are qualities that many men find attractive in a partner. Additionally, the theory suggests that men are more likely to remember women who have red nails, which could be helpful if you're trying to make a lasting impression.
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.
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.
Does the 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.”
Are red nails seductive? ›
Red wasn't only popular in the '90s; it has always been worn by all age groups and for any occasion. I agree about red nails getting major attention from suitors because it is provocative, sexy, passionate and seductive, and best of all it makes you feel confident and delivers a sense of power.
What nail color means dating? ›
Red nails represent romance, passion, and confidence.
Users claim that potential suitors are more attracted to women with red nails, so they suggest wearing red nail polish if you're navigating the dating scene.
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.
What is the red lip and nail theory? ›
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.
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 red nail therapy? ›
Basically, by wearing red nails, you'll be more confident and also attract some romantic attention. It's been a while since the theory has launched, so now that the dust has settled, let's investigate it. My initial reaction to this color theory was to shut it down immediately.
