Are you a sexy red? Or a demure ballet pink? Or maybe a bold and daring black? Fact is that whether they’re glammed up with sparkly polish or left unadorned, nails can tell a lot about a person.
Try to remember for a moment, what’s your instant assessment when you see someone wearing black nail polish? Now do you see my point? And does it make you wonder exactly what secrets your own nails are spilling?
Here’s the scoop from the color psychologygeniuses over at Pantone, who explain how your choice of nail polish could be making that first impression for you.
Red
Red nail polish is the ultimate statement of glamour – a bold, look-at-me colour that speaks of passion, fire and confidence. It marks you out as someone who is daring, dramatic, outgoing and doesn’t shy away from the spotlight. Play with this hue when you want to show off your diva side!
Orange
This cheerful tropical color is popular amongst women who are bubbly, creative and love the warmth of summer. They are generous, make friends easily and are first in line for any kind of fun outing.
Yellow
Yellow is associated with the sun and warmth. Plus, it’s impossible to ignore. Women who accessorize with punchy yellow nail polish tend to be spontaneous, extroverted and bohemian, with a unique sense of style.
Lavender
Softer shades of purple, such as lavender and lilac, are graceful and collected – pointing towards a personality that’s feminine without being overtly girly.
Purple
Creative people are drawn to this complex combination of blue and red – wearing it on your nails shows that you are confident, artistic, individualistic and not afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Pale pink
Soft pink nails belong to someone who is quiet (or doesn’t want to stand out) and youthful without being cutesy. Women who opt for this hue are impeccably groomed, making this the perfect color for svelte career professionals.
Hot pink
Chic, sexy, bold and playful… hot pink is associated with fun and spontaneity. You have to be a confident soul to wear this feminine color as it’s bold and eye-catching.
Burgundy
Deep and dark, like the wine for which it’s named, burgundy nail polish is chic, trendy and indicative of an edgy personality that appreciates a good challenge.
Green
Going “green” with your nail polish exudes earthiness and spunk. It is a strong color and has a lot of power, making it the top choice for women who have a sense of adventure and don’t shy away from risky choices.
Blue
Forget any tranquil associations – when worn as a nail polish, blue is not for the faint of heart. It’s fun and experimental, giving the impression that you live an adrenaline-filled lifestyle full of constant excitement. In short, blue nail polish tells the world that you are youthful, fun and willing to try new things.
Neon
Rocking a neon hue is a good sign that you’re up for a good time. You are hip, vivacious, energetic and talkative with a “life is too short” attitude. You are the life of the party and strike up conversations with strangers – probably while dancing the night away in a cool nightclub.
Nude
Suntanned taupe and nudes are for clean-cut, beachy girls (hello Jennifer Aniston!) who are glamorous yet secure enough not to follow every trend. Pretty and polished, they are feminine without being high maintenance.
Dark brown
A deep and rich color, dark brown indicates boldness and authority. It is also the signature of a woman who is earthy and energetic, given it’s associations with Mother Nature.
Black
This dark and stormy color reflects a daring, “don’t mess with me” femme fatale who is a trendsetter and doesn’t care what anyone else is doing. And no, wearing black nail polish doesn’t mean you are depressed or going goth: rather, it’s a way of rebelling against the norm and showing some of the darkness in your personality.
Gray
If your color palette contains hues of grays you are the quintessential modernist: cultured, well read, androgynous and cool fashion maven.
White
The chic one: you are classic and confident, know what you like and no one can change your mind. You also don’t want to be bothered by chipped nails.
French manicure
A classic French manicure reveals a glamorously conservative side. You don’t need a whole new color: your nails look good as they are, and you simply emphasis and define yourself.
Gold
This neutral-but-not color is for the woman who is glamorous, fashion forward and knows how to mix couture pieces with the high street. A true style maven!
Glitter
Blinged-out nail polish is the playing ground of glamour girls like Katy Perry – even if real diamonds are out of the question, nails can still look decadent enough to break the bank.
Chrome
Chrome nails are for an iron maiden who isn’t afraid of anything. She’ll save herself from the tower, thank you very much!
Duo-chrome
This futuristic two-tone look indicates a person who’s way ahead of her time and loves technological advancements. Their curiosity and love of learning leads them to find the latest invention – whether for smartphones or nail polish.
Nail wraps
Adorning your nails with funkily designed wraps tells others that you are trendy, fashionable and fun. Oh, and you want attention!
Painted designs
Intricate nail art tells the story of a free spirit who has a creative imagination and is a risk taker. She isn’t afraid to experiment and embraces change.
Clear
They call you “au naturel” because you don’t have time to have it any other way. You are too busy to play with color. And you don’t need a whole new color: your nails look good as they are!
What color nail polish are you? I’m personally a french manicure girl.