#RedNailTheory has gone viral on TikTok with users claiming that red nail polish can help attract men. Although this idea sounds like advice from a 1950s magazine, psychologist Carla Marie Manly, PhD, author of smart day say there is some truth behind it.
“In some cultures, such as the ancient Greeks and Jews, red was considered the color of love and passion. To this day, we continue to associate red – especially the vibrant crimson tones – with sex, passion and romance”, Dr. Masculine. “Many men find red nail polish attractive due to its long-term association with sex and eroticism. In fact, research shows that men subconsciously find women more attractive when they wear clothes. Just as men are drawn to the beauty of shiny red tracksuits, they seem to have a crush on women who paint their nails red.”
Believe it or not, there is actual science to back this up. According to research, red increases male attractiveness to females in non-human primates (such as monkeys and apes), and a 2008 study demonstrated “parallel effects in humans.” . The report states, “Red, compared with other pale colors and shades, causes men to perceive women as more attractive and more sexually desirable.” Go picture.
When the theory of red nails appeared on social media, many people assumed that the power of red stems from some … Freudian origins. “Some men may certainly find red nail polish unconsciously attractive if their mothers or other significant female figures tend to have red nail polish,” says Dr. Manly. Manly says, but she thinks that appeal is more tied to the power of red. Julie Kandalec, a renowned educator and nail artist in New York City, agrees. “Regarding the red nail theory about men liking red because it reminds them of their mothers, I don’t think that’s the case because most of the women I grew up with in the ’90s weren’t real. wearing a lot of red – lilac is the color.”
But related story
That weird tidbit aside, knowing if you want to try #RedNailTheory or not, Dr Manly says it’s pretty harmless as long as it works. friend Feeling good.
“If someone doesn’t like red nail polish and only paints red nails to attract men, then maybe it’s time to take a step back and focus on self-love,” she said. “While it’s important to look your best when you’re dating, it’s always wise to act in a way that pleases you. If you find yourself creating an appearance that makes you feel inauthentic or uncomfortable. you can put yourself in danger of changing your shape to please others Allow yourself to act in a way that reflects who you really are—not the version you were carefully crafted to please others. In the long run, if a man doesn’t like you for who you really are, you’re better off waiting until you find someone who admires you for who you are.”
While the narrative around the #rednailtheory trend on TikTok is mainly focused on heterosexual relationships, know that you can use it regardless of your gender or gender. Dr Manly said: “The allure of red can appeal to any gender. Whether you choose red nail polish, red lipstick, or wear a red shirt, “focus on what makes friend feel sexy, upbeat, at home with your beautiful skin.”
Kandalec says she’s noticed an increase in requests for red polish since the phenomenon went viral. “I just did red on set and last week with a private client,” she said. “There was a slight increase [since the theory went viral] but it will always be popular because red is a classic.” For a look that feels like home, buy three of Kandalec’s favorite red nail polishes.
True Apple Red Lacquer Lamp — $11.00
This pigment-rich formula is 12-free, meaning it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrance, phthalates, animal ingredients, ethyl tosylamide and triphenyl phosphate.
Shellac Wildfire CND Kit — $42.00
If you have a UV lamp for your nails, you can use a polish, which is a mix of regular polish and gel. You need light to treat (aka dry and harden) seashells.
Want to be the first to know about SHOP’s latest (and biggest) product sales, custom collections, discounts, etc.? Sign up to have information delivered straight to your inbox.
Our editors independently select these products. Purchases through our links can earn Good+Good commissions.
