The colour of a woman’s nail polish can sometimes reveal whether she is single or in a relationship. Although not universally true, some general trends exist when it comes to nail polish colour choices among single vs taken women.
Popular Nail Polish Colours for Single Women
Here are some of the most popular nail polish colour choices among single women:
- Bright reds – A bold, fiery red often indicates a woman is single and looking to attract attention.
- Neons – Vibrant neon pinks, greens, oranges signal a fun, flirtatious attitude common among single ladies.
- Nudes – Single women tend to gravitate toward more natural, neutral nude polish, aiming for a clean, polished look.
- Dark colours – Dramatic deep plums, burgundies, and dark blues suggest a mysterious, sultry vibe for attracting a partner.
- Metallics – Eye-catching chrome, silver, and gold polish gives off an independent, self-assured energy.
Overall, when a woman is not in a relationship, her nail polish choices tend to skew brighter, bolder, and more playful. She aims to attract attention and convey her fun, light-hearted romantic availability through her manicure.
Common Nail Polish Colours for Taken Women
In contrast, women in relationships tend to select nail polish colours that are more understated and classic:
- Pale pinks – Soft, romantic pinks signal a woman is happy in love. Light pinkish nudes are also popular.
- Classic reds – More muted reds suggest a sophisticated, committed woman.
- French manicure – This timeless, elegant look indicates settled domesticity.
- Clear polish – Bare, groomed nails reflect a low-maintenance, natural beauty of an attached woman.
- Deep wines – Rich burgundies represent a loyal, grounded partner.
The polish choices of an off-the-market woman convey subtlety, grace, and maturity in her relationship status. She does not feel the need to attract other potential suitors with flashy nails.
Exceptions to the General Trends
Of course, many exceptions exist to these general guidelines. Some single women may opt for pale pinks and nudes if they have a more reserved personality. Taken women can still show off their playful side through bright colours. Overall, consider nail polish colour more as signals to be read in context with other aspects of a woman’s personality and circumstances.
Do not judge a book by its cover alone. Just because a woman chooses a bold red does not guarantee she is available, just as conservative nails do not always mean a woman is committed. Get to know her story.
Studies on Nail Polish Colour and Relationship Status
A handful of studies support these associations between nail polish colour and relationship status:
- A 2012 study published in the Journal of Social Psychology found single women are more likely to wear reddish shades while taken women gravitate toward pinks and nudes.
- A French study in 2013 concluded single women tend to wear more intense, saturated colours than coupled women.
- A university study in 2017 noted women intentionally use brighter nail polish when seeking a mate and shift to lighter tones in settled relationships.
While more research could further explore this phenomenon, the evidence so far generally upholds conventional wisdom about nail colour preferences and broadcasting relationship availability through manicure choices.
The Meaning Behind Different Colours
Let’s analyze some of the psychological and emotional significance behind nail polish colours commonly seen among single vs attached women:
| Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bold red | Power, passion, allure |
| Neons | Fun, playful, youthful |
| Nudes | Simplicity, neutrality |
| Dark tones | Mystery, drama |
| Metallics | Edgy, futuristic |
| Soft pink | Romance, warmth, femininity |
| French | Timeless elegance |
| Clear | Natural beauty |
| Wine tones | Maturity, depth |
Single women use colours with more energetic, dynamic meanings to be noticed while taken women prefer shades with implications of commitment and maturity.
Changes in Colour as Relationships Develop
Women generally transition from brighter polish shades to softer tones as their relationships evolve:
- Dating phase – Lots of bold reds, neons, and metallics
- New relationship – Shift to pinks and nudes
- Established relationship – Mainly French manicures and clear polish
- Long-term marriage – Classic deeper reds and wines emerge
The longer a woman remains with the same partner, the more her nail colour gravitates toward subtle, traditional elegance.
Coordination with Fashion Style
Nail colour preferences also relate to a woman’s overall fashion style:
- Edgy style – Blacks, greys, dark greens, deep plums
- Girly style – Pastels, pinks, bright corals, glitter
- Natural style – Nude, beige, brown, white, clear
- Artsy style – Metallics, shimmery, ombre, patterned
- Classic style – Red, wines, French manicure, pink
So relationship status is not the only factor driving nail colour selection. Still, certain shades tend to prevail among single vs taken women regardless of style.
Location and Cultural Influences
Geographic region and cultural background also impact popular nail polish choices:
- In the southern U.S., bright neons and embellishments prevail regardless of relationship status.
- In the Midwest, neutral nudes and pinks are more common across all women.
- On the West Coast, edgy metallics and dark tones are widely embraced.
- In Asian cultures, light pinks and French tips are preferred among women both single and taken.
So cultural norms influence manicure preferences, though the core trends of bold vs muted tones still loosely apply.
Age Differences
Younger generations show greater variation in nail polish colours across relationship statuses:
- Gen Z women display more neon and metallic polish regardless of being single or taken.
- Millennial women couple bright tones with French manicures in relationships.
- Gen X women demonstrate more tonal shifts from bright to muted as relationships develop.
- Baby boomer women change nail colour very little whether single or in a relationship.
While younger women feel freer to experiment with nail art and express themselves, older generations tend to stick with traditional norms.
Conclusion
In summary, nail polish colour generally correlates with a woman’s relationship status, with singles favouring bright, eye-catching shades and taken women opting for softer, more elegant tones. But many other factors like personal style, culture, age, and individual personality also influence manicure choices.
Do not assume a woman’s availability based on nail colour alone. Get to know her story first. And support her freedom to proudly wear whichever shades of polish express who she is, regardless of her relationship status.
