There are two types of women at the salon: those who know the name of their nail colour of choice off by heart and ask for it before they’ve even sat down, and those who spend ages agonising over the various shades on the colour wheel, not knowing which one to choose.
You may think that selecting a nail colour is as simple as deciding on what’s pretty, but experts agree that there’s more to it, and that your colour preference says a lot about your personality. Sometimes it is obvious (it’s fair to assume that someone who alternates between various neon shades has a very different personality to someone who wears the same nude shade all year round), but other times it is more subtle. Here are what those in the know believe the most popular nail colours say about those who wear them:
Red
Gloria Williams, Oprah Winfrey’s personal pedicurist for the last 12 years, says that people who choose a bold red nail colour are “daring and pretty independent” and that they’re “not afraid to take chances.” If we look at women who famously chose red (think Marilyn Monroe or Rihanna), Williams’s presumption rings true. Red nails are also universally associated with glamour and are considered a timeless classic. Our favourite MAVALA red is 364 Cape Town.
Nudes
According to Reader’s Digest, nude nails are a sign of being low maintenance. Nudes indicate that the wearer likes to take care of themselves and look polished but isn’t aiming to make a statement. A lot of people also associate nude nails with professionalism and having classic style. Our favourite MAVALA nude is 162 Rose Shell.
Indigo
Industrial psychologist Bernardo Tirado says, “People who choose black as their favourite colour are often artistic and sensitive. While these people aren’t introverts, they are careful with the details of their lives and do not share easily with others.” Indigo, black or dark nails are commonly associated with creativity. A popular choice among musicians and artists, black and blue nails are edgy and modern. Our favourite MAVALA dark shade is 77 Blue Bird.
Neons
Yes, you’ve guessed it – neons are there to be seen and to make a statement. International celebrity nail artist Miss Pop says that women who wear neon colours on their nails are likely “the life of the party”. Neons also signal spontaneity and a taste for adventure. Our favourite MAVALA neon is 344 Lemon Drop.
Pink
It depends on the shade of pink. The experts over at Total Beauty believe that a bright or hot pink indicates a “sassy and likeable personality as well as a good sense of humour” while a soft or pale pink speaks to women who are ladylike and “natural-born nurturers.” Pale pink is often associated with royalty as the late Queen Elizabeth of England and Kate Middleton famously wear natural-looking soft pink on their nails. Our favourite MAVALA pink is 983 Fancy Pink.
White
According to Gerry Holford, a manicurist at Paintbox nail studio in New York City, white nails are “fresh and chic” and “lends an element of youth to anyone wearing it.” White nails often indicate a youthful personality, while some associate it with being logical and organised. Our favourite MAVALA white is 49 White.
Interesting? Yes. True? Perhaps, but not necessarily! As a world leader in nail colours, MAVALA encourages women to wear any nail colour they like and to have fun experimenting with different shades – even when it falls outside of your comfort zone.
