Did you know that the color of your nails tells a message? According to the red nail theory, men are more attracted to women whose nails are painted red. In a viral video on TikTok by @girlbosstown, she explains that whenever she has red manicure, she receives more compliments and overall interest from men. She speculates that it might be because it reminds them of their mother’s hands. Despite the very Freud Oedipus complex implications, many took this as advice which started a trend of #RedNailTheory. With now more than 17,000 videos under the hashtag, people are talking about how their red nails helped them in the dating scene and attracted more people than ever.
But is the “Red Nail Theory” really true? It is half-true. While having red nails may succeed in getting someone’s attention, it has more to do with the color associations with red than their mothers. Based on research in 2008, psychologists Andrew Elliot and Daniela Niesta determined that the color red enhances the attraction of men towards women. There are also color associations: red is a high energy color and it has long been a symbol for desire, sensuality, and passion. It also stands out among the typical nail colors white, nude, pink, or other neutral shades.
So in a way, the red nail theory is effective but it really is no more than the confidence to stand out and be noticed. Ultimately, what matters more than red nails is feeling comfortable in your own skin. So go wear the outfit you’re most comfortable in and a Jelli mask to match, pop on some red lipstick, strut down the streets wearing your most confident smile, and you pretty much have the magic everyone seems to think the red nail theory has.
References:
Paris, C. V. (2023). How “Red Nail Theory” Can Help Unlock Your Inner Confidence. InStyle. https://www.instyle.com/red-nail-theory-8379665
Sangster, E. (2022, December 19). “Red nail theory”: Can wearing red nails help you manifest? Harper’s Bazaar Australia. https://harpersbazaar.com.au/what-is-the-red-nails-theory/