If you’ve been scrolling on TikTok and caught yourself wondering “What is the red-nail theory?” let us explain. Among the many beauty trends that have gone viral on the platform, the red-nail theory has become one of the most popular—and easiest—to re-create.
Finding the best red nail polish is a simple matter of knowing your undertones (more on that later), but what is the red-nail theory, exactly, and more important, does it actually work?
Made viral by TikTok user Robyn Delmonte, the red-nail theory works similar to the manifestation manicure, in which wearing certain nail polish colors can help influence your future. Delmonte believes wearing red nail polish attracts men because it reminds them of their mothers, referencing the popularity of the shade in the ’90s and early ’00s. “I weirdly think guys are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their moms when they were growing up and taking care of them,” Delmonte says in the video.
TikTok content
TikTok content
TikTok content
According tarot reader and psychic medium Sarah Potter, there might be some truth to this claim. The color red is associated with confidence and power as Potter told Glamour. “Want a raise at work? Paint your nails red to give yourself the confidence to ask your boss for that promotion,” Potter says.
If you’re hoping people are more drawn to your confidence—instead of the Freudian alternative—aura color meanings offer some backup. According to aura reader Stephanie Gunther of Twelve Month Aura, the color red is associated with traits like “passionate, bold, and grounded”—all very attractive characteristics. “Red is all about stability, passion, creativity, energy, momentum, movement. It’s very fiery,” says Gunther.
You’ve seen all the TikTok testimonials—now it’s time to test the red-nail theory yourself. To find the most flattering red, take a look at your closet. If you see a lot of orange, it’s a good indicator of having warm undertones. “There isn’t a cool tone of orange, so if you like to wear orange tones, you most likely have a warm or neutral-warm undertone rather than cool,” certified image consultant and color analyst Nathalia Eugenio Vaz told Glamour.
Once you’ve established your undertones, it’s all about following color rules. Cool undertones will look best with a cool-based reds like cherry red or burgundy, while warm undertones can lean into brick red and coral red.
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