Let’s be real, I’m a TikTok addict. Now, that might sound like a bad thing but it’s had its benefits. The endless scrolling has changed my life. My hair has never looked healthier, my makeup has never been better, and I’m the first to know about nail color trends that are taking over the internet. I’ve never seen a color take the nail world by storm like red in recent months. It’s all thanks to something that TikTok creators are calling the “Red Nail Theory.” Without much explanation, creators were going viral for simply showing their nails and commenting on the theory. After a deep dive in the search engine, I found the most concise explanation possible. Basically, the theory is that 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. I didn’t believe in it because of my own personal experience. For about a year or two, I had red nails nonstop. On a monthly basis, I would head to the salon and request the same color over and over. At the time, my dating life was chaotic and unsatisfying. Randomly, one day I went with pink and within the month I met my current long-term boyfriend. We can’t base our opinions off of just one person’s experience so I decided to call in a two color theory experts to help us investigate. Color Therapist, Constance Hart, and the Vice President of Pantone, Laurie Pressman gave me their expert opinions.
As a color theorist, what does the color red mean to you?
CH: “Our eyes’ light receptors pick up red, orange, and yellow colors faster than other colors in the visible light spectrum, so the red hue attracts our attention quickly. Bright red naturally produces a feeling of excitement, as its physiological effects include increasing circulation and raising blood pressure.
We’ve been trained in our society to respond swiftly to the color bright red. Red gets us to stop at stop lights and stop signs. We know the color red through fire trucks and emergency vehicles.”
LP: “This is a color family that is truly the color of life (color of our heart and blood) so one we connect to our deepest feelings/emotions – love and passion for example. Anger too. At the same time, a color family we associate with danger due to its association with fire.
For me personally, I see both sides of this – the excitement and energizing qualities of red, the positivity, the passion, the power of red – these are my first reactions and for those who have participated in our ongoing consumer research, the sentiment is the same. Keep in mind that red is an advancing color so one that immediately draws you in and as the second longest color in our visual wavelength one that is highly visible.
Color is a non-verbal language. Color plays into sexual attraction as this non-verbal language of color is something we can use to visually express who we are as well as to engage others.”
How does color play into sexual attraction?
CH: “The brightest loudest color is going to indeed attract more easily. Plus, society has influenced us to connect to red as a sensual color due to Valentine’s Day, sexy red lingerie, red hearts, and red chocolate boxes. We know red as “the color of love” and sensuality. Fire at certain temperatures is red, thus the color red is depicted as a fiery sultry energy. All of these influences are affecting both women’s and men’s psyches and our responses to the color.”
LP: “Color is a non-verbal language. Each color conveys its own unique message and meaning, influencing ourselves as well as the perceptions of those around us. We all have emotional reactions to color, many of which are unconscious. Color plays into sexual attraction as this non-verbal language of color is something we can use to visually express who we are as well as to engage others. And while there are colors that are more known for their ability to engage (i.e. reds, hot pinks, oranges), each of us individually are uniquely attracted to certain colors and this can change over time.”
Do you believe the “red nail theory” is accurate?
CH: “With regard to the ‘red nail theory,’ universally we understand the bright red color as an activator. It is as if it has a built in “call to action.” I feel this is partly what’s at play with bright red nails and their built-in attracting energy.
It may seem like an oversimplification, but the brightest loudest color is going to indeed attract more easily. Plus, society has influenced us to connect to red as a sensual color due to Valentine’s Day, sexy red lingerie, red hearts, and red chocolate boxes. We know red as ‘the color of love’ and sensuality.”
LP: “I absolutely believe the “red nail theory” is accurate. Red denotes love, passion, desire, sensuality, etc. so it would only make sense that it would be color that attracts male attention. It is a color that is associated with life, the warmth of red energize us, helping us to feel more powerful and from there, more confident. That feeling of confidence also helps to attract the attention of others, both male and female.”
What nail polish colors do you recommend trying if you’re looking to give yourself a confidence boost?
CH: “As for my confidence-boosting nail polish color suggestions, I always suggest aligning with your own personal favorite colors. Tune into those colors that put a smile on your face and a little light in your heart center. A color that makes your spirit shine internally is going to project a good feeling from the inside out and boost your confidence.”
LP: “On a general level we would recommend nail polish colors that are bold and attention getting as colors that would give you a confidence boost however would veer towards the gregarious bright orange tones, theatrical hot pinks and bold reds. These are uplifting tones that energize and excite. But one could also get confidence from wearing a less expected shade that could also stand out – i.e. a vivid yellow green or shocking electric blue. And then there is the feeling that whatever color makes you personally feel good about who you are, that would be the one to wear to give yourself a boost in confidence.”
When it comes to my doubts on the “red nail theory”, I stand corrected. Hart and Pressman have officially convinced me to add red back into the rotation at my next nail appointment. If you’re a DIY kind of girl, below find everything you need to get the look at home.
Not ready to commit to a full red nail look? You’re guaranteed at least 24 hours of fun with this set.
Nothing is more timeless than an OPI colorway and you can’t go wrong with Big Apple Red. It’s the perfect shade to turn heads.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more chic nail polish bottle than this one. Bonus points because it’s both vegan and non-toxic.
Need I say more? Gucci nail polish has won every beauty editors heart.
Speaking of our favorite designers, take a look at this Chanel colorway. If you’re not quite ready for a bright red, why not try this shade called Rouge Brun.
Liquid glass is right. I’ve never seen more shine.
You no longer need to worry about the fact that you always need a refill on your press-on nails. These ones are reusable. Plus, the shimmer will have everyone asking questions.
At-home gel is such a time (and money) saver. Once I noticed the price point, I was sold.
JINsoon is such a classic for New Yorkers who live for her relaxing pedicure spa. I would trust anything she’s selling.
Sometimes, we need to go back to the basics.
I never knew nail polish could be Halal-friendly until now. Sign me up.
If you prefer softer hues of red, try this pinkish shade. The price point can’t be beat.
The perfect berry that will match every glass of Merlot that meets your lips. I’m eyeing this shade to match my fashion week outfits.
At this point, if I still haven’t convinced you to go for red at least try tips. You won’t regret it.
Up Next: Therapy Time: 6 Black Women Take a Deep Dive Into Their Natural-Hair Journeys
