Can You Tell Someone's Relationship Status From Their Nail Color?

What would TikTok be without its ever-evolving grip on beauty trends—and the deeper meanings users assign to them? The latest obsession sweeping the app involves deciphering someone’s relationship status based solely on their nail color. It might sound a little far-fetched, but plenty of users are buying into it. At the center of the conversation are three viral theories: the blue nail theory, the red nail theory, and the white nail theory. Each one claims to signal a specific romantic status, turning everyday manicures into coded messages.

Personally, I’ve always chosen my nail color based on whatever vibe I’m feeling that day at the salon—sometimes it’s a soft pink moment, other times it’s jet black. I never once stopped to consider that my polish could be broadcasting a message to the world, let alone about my love life. But now, thanks to TikTok’s collective imagination, there’s a whole new psychological layer to explore when it comes to nail color.  The theories have sparked a fascinating conversation about how beauty choices can carry unspoken meaning, and L'OFFICIEL is here to unpack what each nail color means, according to the internet. 

Blue Nail Theory 

If you've got a crush on someone and they have blue nails, maybe you're out of luck. The blue nail theory suggests that blue nails are a subtle way to show off that someone is in a relationship. The trend gained popularity on TikTok after users shared videos of their partners choosing blue as the nail color, leading to the interpretation that blue nails signify a relationship. Others claim that having blue nails means you're "girlfriend material."

Red Nail Theory

The red nail theory is a viral TikTok trend that suggests men are more attracted to women who wear red nail polish, largely due to the color's association with confidence and sensuality. The idea behind the trend is that red nails naturally draw more attention from potential suitors, a concept that’s gained serious momentum under the hashtag #rednailtheory.

Many TikTok users have shared personal anecdotes that seem to validate the theory, pointing to the bold color’s ability to subtly signal allure and self-assurance. Psychologically, red is known to evoke feelings of desire and power—qualities that may be projected when worn on the nails. While the theory remains largely anecdotal, many swear by it. 

White Nail Theory

The white nail theory suggests that painting your nails white is a subtle signal that you're single and available, almost like a secret code among those in the know. According to the trend, any shade of white can act as a chic, understated way to communicate your relationship status without saying a word. White nails also carry symbolic weight beyond the trend itself; the color is often associated with purity, simplicity, and new beginnings, all of which align with the idea of a new romance.