• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Style

What's the red nail theory? TikTok says this manicure will score you plenty of dates

4:06
ABC News photo illustration
The history of nail art
Csa Images via Getty Images
ByJacqueline Laurean Yates
Video byBrittany Berkowitz, Suzanne Dacunto, Don Pearsall, Indira Babic, and Jill Tatara
November 02, 2022, 7:07 PM

When it comes to beauty hacks, there has been no shortage of ideas on TikTok, and the latest trend comes in the form of red nails.

"The red nail theory" has been popping up all over the platform of late. It's the idea that when you wear the color, it somehow helps score you more dates.

TikTok user GirlBossTown broke down her experience with the trend way back in January, capturing the attention of over 1 million others.

She mentioned that every time she wears red nails, she would receive comments about them from men.

"I always thought red nails was like a grandma nail color," she continued. "... And then it hit me. In the '90s, when we where growing up, women had red nails a lot, especially, like, our moms -- and I weirdly think guys are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their moms when they were growing up, taking care of them."

Another TikToker, Navya Passi, added her take on the trend back in October, posting a video in which she explained that, when she wore red nails, she received more compliments from both men and women.

"I personally think that they look hot, and I feel super powerful when I have them on," she added.

Editor’s Picks

These Christmas sweater nails will get you in the holiday spirit

  • Dec 15, 2021

Here's why one CEO decided to upgrade the process of at-home manicures

  • Apr 26, 2019

4 nail trends to fall in love with this season

  • Oct 10, 2022

In addition to compliments, others such as TikToker Melisse Martineau claimed wearing red nails got them asked out on more dates than usual as well.

"I have never been asked out on so many dates or complimented as much as I have been in the past two to three weeks with these nails," she said in a video posted in late October, showing off her deep red-hued manicure. "... I've been asked on maybe five or six dates, which is not normal, so I don't what it is, but it's real."

Related Articles

MORE: Get the look: Hailey Bieber's viral 'glazed donut nails'

The red nail trend has recently been spotted on some big names as well, including models such as the late Paul Walker's daughter Meadow Rain Walker, who rocked red nails while posing for a Tiffany & Co. ad eyewear campaign.

Other notables -- including Rihanna, Hailey Bieber and more -- have frequently paired red nails with both everyday and red carpet looks.

So are the red nail rumors true? It wouldn't hurt to find out.

Below, check out several red polish picks that will help you give the theory a test drive yourself.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Prices may change from the date of publication.

Ulta Beauty

OPI Big Apple Red Nail Polish

  • $11.49
  • Ulta Beauty
Shop Now
Bloomingdale's

CHANEL LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour

  • $30
  • Bloomingdale's
Shop Now
Ulta Beauty

Essie Not Red-y For Bed Nail Polish

  • $10
  • Ulta Beauty
Shop Now
Sephora

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Lady Is A Tramp Nail Polish

  • $20
  • Sephora
Shop Now
Sephora

Gucci Glossy 25 Goldie Red Nail Polish

  • $33
  • Sephora
Shop Now

Get more shopGMA! Sign up for our newsletter, and follow on Instagram and TikTok.

Editor’s Picks

These Christmas sweater nails will get you in the holiday spirit

  • Dec 15, 2021

Here's why one CEO decided to upgrade the process of at-home manicures

  • Apr 26, 2019

4 nail trends to fall in love with this season

  • Oct 10, 2022

Up Next in Style—

Essential white T-shirts for summer, starting at under $10

June 20, 2025

Michelle Obama announces new book on her White House fashion

June 5, 2025

Kate Spade remembered 7 years after her death

June 4, 2025

Hailey Bieber closes $1B rhode deal with e.l.f. Beauty: 'This is only the beginning'

May 28, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News