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Red, blue and now white nail theory? While these trends are mostly in good fun, white nail theory actually comes with some downsides that are worth talking about.
What’s Up With All the Nail Theories?
If you’re like us, you’ve noticed the sudden uptick in “nail theories” across platforms. If we’re using our detective skills, we can trace all this back to pretty common culprit these days: TikTok. But what’s interesting to us is how nail theory highlights the intersection between our personal beauty choices and the rest of the world responds to those choices. And by world, we mean mostly men. Red nails say you’re available and interested. Blue nails signal that you’re happily taken.
“It seems like people are trying to diagnose men with this theory, but it’s not rooted in any science or reason,” says celebrity nail artist Sonya Meesh. Men aren’t necessarily attracted to the color red, just like the color blue doesn’t magically mean you’re taken. But now that the trends have taken off, more people are leaning into it. Manicurist and Morgan Taylor ambassador Morgan Haile says TikTok users have spun blue nails, most often light blue, “into a fun and lighthearted way to signal that someone is taken or in a relationship.”
So nail theory isn’t necessarily true, and it definitely isn’t based in science. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, and the proof is in the growing number of nail theories on social media. Just take white nail theory. White nails are a classic look that’s always been popular, but now that there’s a theory attached, they have new reason to boom across platforms.
What is White Nail Theory?
So, blue nails means you’re happily taken, and red is inviting the compliments of a potential suitor. White nail theory is a bit more upfront. TikTok defines white nail theory as indicating you’re single and ready to date. And if you believe WikiHow, then men are “attracted” to white shades because it makes skin look tanner and gives the indication that you’re a cleanly person.
A white pedicure is apparently even more…bold, letting men know you’re down for one-night stand.
Is It True?
Breaking this theory down to its component parts, we have a lot to say.
Firstly, no, white nail theory is not a real thing. There’s no science here, just like the other nail theories.
Secondly, we think the pedicure version of white nail theory specifically has some pretty unkind things to say about women and their choices. We’re a judgement-free zone, and there’s a lot of judgement loaded in the theory that you can find a woman that’s “down” by looking at her choice of toe nail polish. And there’s a lot unsaid about what “kind of woman” that is.
If we’re talking about white nail theory as a manicure that indicates you’re single and looking to date, there’s no problem with playing along and leaning in. But do it because you want to.
The Polishes We Love for White Nail Theory
If you want to play into white nail theory, we’ve got your back with the best polishes.
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