What Is the Red Nail Theory & Does It Actually Work?

Red is a color that has a lot of different meanings. It can mean passion, love, fire and danger. Many people tend to connect red to carnal passion, lust, and romantic love. It's also a bold color in general and simply more eye-catching than a subtle pink or nude shade. Now there is an interesting theory that connects the color of nails to one's attraction to men.

So what is this theory?

The Red Nail Theory is the idea that when women wear red nail polish, they're more likely to receive compliments from men. The theory was first brought up by TikTok PR whiz Robyn Delmonte (AKA @girlbosstown) in a now-viral video. In the clip, she explained that whenever she gets a red manicure she receives more compliments from men.

She suggested that red nails were everywhere in the 1990s, on the hands of the moms who raised the men now noticing them, and that the color carries a quiet nostalgia because of it.

That TikTok now has 1.2 million views, and the #rednailtheory tag is full of people sharing whether they received more compliments, and whether they have been asked out on more dates, while wearing a red manicure.

So does the red nail theory work?

The answer is: it depends. There is no solid data saying it is factual, but there are many reasons why some could be experiencing this attraction. Many say they feel more confident when they wear red nail polish, and that boosted sense of confidence could be the very reason they are getting more reactions from people, including men.

It's all fun, harmless speculation. If you're interested in testing out the Red Nail Theory, try BarBella Co's gel polish in Ruby or Mamacita, or browse the full Soak-Off Vegan Gel Polishes collection.

Want your red manicure to actually last?

Application is most of the battle. Nailing It, A Beginner's Guide to Nails covers prep, application, and aftercare so your color stays put. Instant download.

BarBella Co is vegan, 10-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free. Where nail care, health & conscience go hand in hand!