As we all know, TikTok has become a trendsetting hub for all things fashion and beauty. The newest obsession of users, myself included, is “the red nail theory,” and it is taking TikTok by storm. What started off as a random TikTok video by Robyn DelMonte, better known as her username @GirlBossTown, has now turned into a sweeping beauty phenomenon. DelMonte’s original video showed her explaining how when she has her nails painted red, people, specifically men, like to compliment or point out her nails. She went on to describe how she thinks this is because mothers and mother figures in the ’90s always wore red lipstick or had their nails painted red, and when people see this, they feel nostalgic. Her video gained traction, and within weeks, “the red nail theory” was all over my For You Page.
Over time, the theory evolved into the narrative that red-painted nails make you more noticeable or attractive to men. After GirlBossTown’s original video, I kept seeing many others affirming that the theory is true: red nails make you more attractive. Even so, I don’t think this is necessarily true. Yes, bright red nails make you more noticeable, but more attractive? I am not 100% sold. Also, let’s be real…it’s 2022 (almost 2023), and women do not need men to validate their nail color. So, I decided to try it out for myself. On my recent trip to Cindy’s Nail Salon on Magazine Street, I got dark red nails. As I walked out of the nail salon, I felt like a new person. I think the notion that painting your nails red makes you more attractive has been confused with the reality that red nails, and the color red in general, make you more confident. Immediately after I got my nails done, I wanted to tell all my friends and could not stop obsessing over how pleasing they looked. Having red nails made me feel much more confident in myself. Was this because my brain was fixated on “the red nail theory,” or was it simply because of the color red?
Over the past couple of months, red has been the color in popular culture. Celebrities and micro-influencers are dying their hair copper red, dressing in red, and painting their nails red. But, while some may think it is a fad, I believe red is here to stay, and here’s why:
First, some shades of red look good on everyone. While this trend is not new, it seems to be picking up this fall season and is all over my timeline. Everyone seems to be rocking red hair this fall, from major celebrities like Kendall Jenner to smaller micro-influencers like Kennedy Eurich. And I am certainly not mad about it. Both Jenner and Eurich have distinct shades of red hair, but both look so good. It seems to me like there’s a shade of red for everyone, and you merely have to find the suitable one for you!
Second, maybe it’s just me, but many clothing and shoe brands have recently come out with tons of red products. Although this might be due to the forthcoming holiday season, in reality, who doesn’t love the holidays? I have been loving all the red products I have been seeing recently and am specifically eyeing Skims’ latest collection.
Overall, we all need to add a little more red to our closets and style this year. I think DelMonte’s “red nail theory” is the perfect excuse for a well-needed confidence boost before entering 2023. Why not enter the new year being the most confident version of yourself by simply adding a tiny bit more red in your life?
About Paige Morrissey
Paige Morrissey is a sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who enjoys writing about fashion and beauty. She is majoring in Communications with SLAM (Strategy, Leadership, and Analytics) and Economics minors. She loves all things fashion and social media!
Paige Morrissey is a sophomore from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who enjoys writing about fashion and beauty. She is majoring in Communications with SLAM (Strategy, Leadership, and Analytics) and Economics minors. She loves all things fashion and social media!
