Can Red Nails *Really* Turn You Into a Super-Attractor? We Asked a Psychologist To Weigh In (2024)

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Kara Jillian Brown

Kara Jillian Brown

November 15, 2022

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#RedNailTheory has been making its rounds on TikTok with users claiming that wearing red nail polish can help attract men. Although the idea sounds like advice out of a 1950's magazine, psychologist Carla Marie Manly, PhD, author ofDate Smartsays there is some truth behind it.

"In certain cultures, such as the ancient Greeks and Hebrews, red was considered a color of love and passion. To this day, we continue to associate red—especially vibrant crimson tones—with sexuality, passion, and romance," says Dr. Manly. "Many men find red nail polish enticing due to its long-time connection with sexuality and eroticism. 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."

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Believe it or not, there's actual science to back this up. According to research, the color red enhances males' attraction to females in non-human primates (so, monkeys and apes), and a 2008 study demonstrated "a parallel effect in humans." The report reads, "Red, relative to other achromatic and chromatic colors, leads men to view women as more attractive and more sexually desirable." Go figure.

As the red nail theory has made its rounds on social media, many have attributed the power of red to some... Freudian roots. "Some men may certainly unconsciously find red nail polish attractive if their mothers or other key female figures tended to wear red-toned nail polishes," says Dr. Manly, but she thinks the attraction is tied more to the power of the color red. Julie Kandalec, a celebrity nail artist and educator in New York City, agrees. "With regards to the red nails theory about men liking red because it reminds them of their moms, I don't think it's the case at all because for the most part the women I grew up with in the '90s weren't really wearing a lot of red—mauve was the color."

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That weird tidbit aside, know if you want to give #RedNailTheory a try, Dr. Manly says it's pretty harmless as long as it makes youfeel good.

"If someone dislikes red nail polish and wears it solely to attract men, it might be time to take a step back to focus on self-love," she says. "While it’s often important to look your best when dating, it’s always wise to act in ways that feel good to you. If you find yourself creating a look that makes you feel inauthentic or uncomfortable, you may be in danger of shapeshifting to please others. Allow yourself to act in ways that reflect the real you—not a version of you carefully created to please others. In the long run, if a man doesn’t like you as your true self, you’re far better off waiting until you find someone who adores the real you."

While the narrative around the #rednailtheory trend on TikTok largely focuses on heterosexual relationships, know that you can put it to use regardless of your gender or sexuality. "The allure of red can be enticing regardless of gender," says Dr. Manly. Whether you choose to wear red nail polish, crimson lipstick, or a red shirt, "focus on what makes youfeel sexy, upbeat, at home in your beautiful skin."

Kandalec says she's seen an uptick in red polish requests since this phenomenon went viral. "I just did red on set and last week on a private client," she says. "There has been a slight increase [since the theory went viral] but it's always going to be popular color because red is classic." To get the look at home, shop three of Kandalec's favorite red nail polishes.

Can Red Nails *Really* Turn You Into a Super-Attractor? We Asked a Psychologist To Weigh In (5)

OPI Nail Lacquer Big Apple Red — $12.00

Made to provide up to seven days of chip-free wear, this gorgeous red is perfect to get you started in your #RedNailTheory journey.

Can Red Nails *Really* Turn You Into a Super-Attractor? We Asked a Psychologist To Weigh In (6)

Lights Lacquer True Apple Red — $11.00

This richly pigmented formula is 12-free, meaning it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, animal ingredients, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate.

Can Red Nails *Really* Turn You Into a Super-Attractor? We Asked a Psychologist To Weigh In (7)

CND Shellac Wildfire Kit — $42.00

If you have a nail UV light , you can use shellac, which is a blend of regular polish and gel. You need the light to cure (aka dry and harden) the shellac.

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Can Red Nails *Really* Turn You Into a Super-Attractor? We Asked a Psychologist To Weigh In (2024)

FAQs

Can Red Nails *Really* Turn You Into a Super-Attractor? We Asked a Psychologist To Weigh In? ›

Dr Kimberly Moffit - who is a relationship therapist with five clinic locations operating out of New York City and Toronto - believes the red nail theory holds some weight in the ring of dating. “If you're on a date, wearing red is more likely to make your date think you are attractive,” Dr Moffit told The Independent.

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.”

What does red nails mean in psychology? ›

“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 do red nails attract? ›

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.

What is the red nail trick? ›

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.

What is the red nail myth? ›

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. After seeing it take over my feed, I was conflicted. I'm a '96 baby (read: generational cusp), so the millennial in me wanted to prove it silly clickbait—so antiquated!

What nail color is most attractive to guys? ›

Nail design: Men like these colors

In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .

Why do red nails turn me on? ›

Freudian roots. "Some men may certainly unconsciously find red nail polish attractive if their mothers or other key female figures tended to wear red-toned nail polishes," says Dr. Manly, but she thinks the attraction is tied more to the power of the color red.

What nail color attracts love? ›

If you're stuck in a romantic rut, you may want to try painting your nails red. At least that is what some TikTok users are attempting in an effort to enhance their love lives.

Why are men attracted to red nails? ›

I think most men look at other parts of a woman's body before nails, starting with the face and lips, but the emotional associations of the color red with boldness and confidence are probably just as appealing for many,” the historian says.

What nails do guys find hot? ›

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.

Do red nails age you? ›

The right type of red is a youthful shade you can pick. Pay attention to the following: Bright orange-red nails draw attention to your manicure rather than to your hands.

Do red nails attract love? ›

In fact, a study published in 2008 states the color red in general makes men feel more attracted to women, almost like a visual aphrodisiac. More importantly, choosing a bold color may make you feel more powerful and even increase your self-confidence during a night out.

What is the red nail trend on TikTok? ›

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.

Are red nails in style in 2024? ›

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.

Who started the red nail trend? ›

In a now-viral video, TikTok PR whiz Robyn Delmonte (AKA @girlbosstown) explained that whenever she gets a red manicure she received more compliments from men. “Every time I have red nails, a guy comments on it,” she began. ” They'll be like, oh, I like your nail colour.

Is it a myth to let your nails breathe? ›

The idea that nails need to “breathe” by going polish-free is a myth. While it's essential to practice proper nail care and give your nails occasional breaks between manicures, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that nails require periods of nakedness.

Do people really notice your nails? ›

The fact is that people do take notice of your fingernails. So whether you're dating, interviewing for a new job, meeting prospective clients or just going about your day-to-day business, it helps to have hands that look good. Grooming your nails is not something men should be ashamed of.

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