We all have our own affinities for certain nail polish colors, but nail color meaning can go beyond just preference. According to some experts and surveys, the color of nail polish you prefer may give some insight into your personality, mood, and even love life.
Who knew, right?
Personally, I love various shades of gray and black on my fingernails and a berry shade on my toes, though sometimes I wear gold and silver or maybe even a mix of colors when I’m feeling adventurous.
Apparently, my love of colors may all mean something – or maybe it’s all just for fun. Either way, here’s a closer look at nail color meanings and their associations.
Survey Says
According to an online survey of more than 2,000 people, what color nail polish you choose could reveal a lot about you.
The survey was conducted by spray-on nail polish company Spray Perfect to gauge what people believe nail polish colors reveal about our personalities — specifically regarding our sex lives. We all have our own thoughts, but these findings reveal what others think. Ladies, your nail polish says more than you might imagine.
First, let’s note that 59% of those surveyed truly believed that your nail polish reveals things about your personality. With that in mind, perhaps we should think more deeply about the colors we choose? (Or you don’t need to because it’s just nail polish, after all.)
Black Nail Color Meaning
Once upon a time, black nail polish was only found around Halloween, but now it’s much more commonplace. Black nail color is associated with traits of rebellion, power, and independence. It can be used when you want to make a bold statement or to stand out in a crowd.
As a sexual association, more than 47% of the people surveyed think black nail polish wearers were more dominant types in the bedroom. The survey also revealed that 57% of men believed women who wore black polish were more of the dominatrix type compared to 38% of women who had that belief.
Red Nail Color Meaning
As you may have guessed, red nail polish was associated with an active sex life in the survey. The “red nail theory” has also been trending, with proponents claiming that red nail polish can attract more potential suitors by signifying confidence and allure.
Red being the color of love translates over to the nails as well. I find it to be timeless and reminiscent of old Hollywood. Over 31% of the people surveyed think red nail polish wearers are passionate and desire a romantic love life. (Don’t we all?!)
Men were most into this belief: 43% thought red equals passion compared to 19% of women. Maybe this is why many men buy red roses for women – the color is synonymous with love. Sure, some ladies who wear red polish feel like a bombshell, but that doesn’t mean those wearing green polish don’t feel that way, too.
Still, red is one of those colors that we cannot deny brings a bit of passion into our lives subliminally or not. And even if the red nail theory doesn’t attract a suitor, wearers do report feeling more confident while wearing red hues, so rock on with your red nail self.
Yellow Nail Polish Meaning
Yellow isn’t my favorite color for nails, but the color yellow is associated with emotions like joy, hope, and playfulness. Yellow is the color of sunshine, so yellow nail color may also evoke someone with a happy, go-lucky personality.
Some studies have even found that yellow can boost energy and productivity, so if you’re having a down day (or week), try topping your nails with yellow to see if it gives you an added boost to get things done.
Blue Nail Color Meaning
To a medical professional, blue nails might signify dangerous cyanosis, but to your everyday wearer, blue nails could signal opposite ends of the emotional spectrum.
On one hand, blue nails could mean someone is feeling calm and peaceful. On the other, if it’s a different color than what someone normally wears, it could be a signal they’re feeling adventurous and spontaneous.
Pink and White Polish Meaning
As you may guess, pink nails are associated with femininity and even feeling flirty. People who tend toward light pink nails may be friendly but aren’t interested in being the center of attention.
White nails are similar, as they point toward someone who prefers classic staples, streamlined style, and simplicity.
Multicolored Nail Polish Meaning
Last but not least, we have multicolored nails. According to 28% of those surveyed, multicolored nails were associated with being more experimental and fun in the bedroom. So those who get those intricate manicures might have some sex tips to share with those of us who just prefer a clear coat. And 40% of the men surveyed believe this to be true as well – though only 17% of women agreed. Sometimes we just like all the colors, you know?
I do love polishing my nails in many different shades of the rainbow. And I will admit that I often choose based on my mood. Gray works when I’m cranky. Brown shows up when I want coffee. Gold happens when I wish I had more money. Something like that.
The truth is, there’s not always a deeper nail color meaning attached to the polish we choose. Sometimes it’s just for fun, sometimes it reflects our moods, and sometimes it’s seasonal. But it can be fun to take a look at our preferences to see if the colors we choose reveal anything insightful about our personalities or our sex lives.
