Recently, someone in class complimented my red nails and asked if I’d ever heard of the “red nail theory”. It sounded familiar — like something I scrolled past onTikTok — but I didn’t think too much of it.Â
That night, I decided to research the theory. Here is what my quick Google search informed me:
Basically, it theorizes that we receive more compliments when our nails are painted red because the color subconsciously enhances attraction. The theory specifically states that the color red is appealing to men because, from the Freudian angle, it reminds them of their mothers. However, red nails actually boost women’s self-confidence, too. “Enclothed cognition” — a psychological phenomenon where how we dress changes how we think, feel, and act —ultimately explains red nail theory.
If we take a moment to understand the history of the color red, we’ll notice that it has long been a symbol of power. From the ancient Egyptian royalty to the Hollywood stars of the 1950s, red has been the color of unapologetic and independent women. Then, in the 1980s, red became the color women wore as they broke into male-dominated work industries. Throughout history, red has signified the power of strong women, but what does it mean to us today?
I remember when I was choosing what color to paint my nails, I was deciding between the vibrant red and a softer purple. The purple color was playing it safe, something I felt comfortable with. The red was a color I wouldn’t typically go for; it was a bit out of my comfort zone, and I wasn’t sure it was for me. But in the end, I was bored and felt like trying something different, so I chose red and went with it. And strangely, I began to feel red nail theory come to life.
Since I painted my nails, I have genuinely experienced so many successes in moments that would regularly stress me out and make me feel awkward. I’ve made new friends, joined new clubs, gotten cool positions and had interviews I felt really good about. I’ve gone out for things that I didn’t think I would ever even try to do, like signing up for a triathlon pretty much on a whim. I have also felt better about having conversations with people I’ve never met before, and, in general, I would say that I’ve felt more confident — inside and out.Â
Now these are all, of course, things that may just show that I am growing as a person, but it is a little bit freaky that it all seemed to begin with the red nails. They feel less like the reason and more like the catalyst that set my successes into motion.
Red nail theory has been my first step towards trying to be a more self-assured and optimistic person. If I’m painting my nails red, it means I’m looking for something new and different in my life, and I’m ready to embrace the change. I also want to be the type of person I attract; I want to give off good vibes to receive good vibes. I just know if I feel truly confident about myself, then I am going to bring good things into my life.Â
So yeah, the red nail theory. I feel like it probably could have some negative connotations in the fact that maybe people think women only do it to get guys or whatever, but honestly, I couldn’t disagree more. Embracing such a bright and out-there color is empowering. Red nail theory is women taking power into our own hands and being in control of our own lives.