Purple nail polish has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. But beyond just being a fun pop of color, the shade of purple you choose for your nails can also carry meaning. Certain shades are associated with royalty, luxury, mysticism, and creativity. Some women use purple polish to make a bold fashion statement, while others select specific shades to convey a symbolic message. Let’s explore the different meanings behind popular purple nail polish colors.
Violet
The color violet is often considered the true purple shade. It mixes the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. In color psychology, violet promotes tranquility and calms anxieties. It also encourages creativity. People drawn to violet crave beauty and visionary inspiration. Cleopatra famously used ground violet crystals in her beauty rituals. She surrounded herself with the color and saw it as a symbol of nobility, extravagance, and the divine right of queens. Today, women still wear light violet or lilac nails when they want to channel regal ambition or creative expression.
Lavender
Soft, elegant lavender evokes spring blooms and pastoral beauty. It bridges the gap between the whimsy of pink and the depth of purple. Lavender nails represent refinement, grace, and femininity. This pale purple shade has a nostalgic vintage vibe. It’s ideal for romantic ladies with a sophisticated sense of style. Think light, airy dresses, antique lace details, and fresh florals. You can make lavender nails really stand out by accenting them with white flowers or pearls.
Wisteria
Slighter deeper than lavender, wisteria purple gets its name from the lush hanging blossoms on wisteria vines. These flowers symbolize new life, growth, and imagination. Women may choose wisteria purple nails when they want to revitalize their mind, body, and spirit. It’s a color associated with freeing yourself from unwanted patterns and restarting fresh. Pair wisteria nails with nature inspired accessories and clothing that makes you feel alive.
Lilac
Dreamy, romantic lilac represents first loves and springtime nostalgia. It’s a soft, feminine shade that captures the magical feeling of young crushes and new beginnings. Women often select lilac nails when they want to encourage self-love and self-care. Some shade their whole nail lilac, while others do an accent nail as a pop of color. The lighter your lilac polish, the more whimsical and sweet the meaning behind it. Dusty deeper lilacs convey more maturity and introspection.
Orchid
Exotic orchid purple stands out as one of the boldest nail polish choices. Orchids themselves are associated with rare beauty, refinement, and mystery. In color psychology, rich orchid symbolizes maturity, wisdom, and dignity. It’s a shade that amplifies confidence and individuality. Powerful, ambitious women drawn to leadership roles often wear orchid purple. The color orchid pairs beautifully with gray nail art and abstract metallic accents.
Eggplant
Deep, dramatic eggplant purple nails make a seriously stylish statement. Eggplant conveys wealth, extravagance, and decadence. This jewel-toned shade first became popular in Victorian England. Aristocratic, fashionable ladies wore the rich color with lavish gowns and hat feathers. Today, eggplant nails still represent luxury. The shade is bold enough for a formal event yet creative enough for everyday wear. For added flair, embellish with gold sparkles or enamel accessories.
Amethyst
Regal amethyst is a jewel-inspired purple, named after the precious gemstone. In ancient times, amethyst crystals were linked to royalty and said to protect against drunkenness. The color amethyst promotes peace, balance, and diplomacy. It combines the spiritual wisdom of purple with the intuitive energy of pink. Women choose amethyst nails when they want to enhance their feminine intuition. Light reflects uniquely off these shimmery nails, giving them a magical, protective quality.
Grape
Playful, edgy grape purple nails have a punk rock vibe perfect for nonconformists. Grape is a fun alternative to black for goths, eclectics, and artsy free spirits. But unlike harsh black, grape purple exudes eccentric creativity. It feels futuristic, visionary, and avant garde. Grape nails look awesome with studs, glitter, or metallic green accents. This shade empowers you to shake up stale norms and think outside the box.
Plum
Mysterious, moody plum nails tap into your dark romantic side. Plum combines the depth and maturity of purple with the boldness of red. It speaks to exoticism, intrigue, and passion. Women choose plum polish when feeling provocative or wanting to amplify their allure. Pair with black lace or leather for a brooding, vampy effect. Keep accessories minimal to let the rich plum shade take center stage. A touch of gold sparkle illuminates its seductive quality.
Periwinkle
Soft, sweet periwinkle mixes blue and purple pastel hues. It’s associated with blossoming gardens, serene skies, and the first days of spring. Periwinkle symbolizes hopefulness and pleasant nostalgia. Its soothing presence calms worries and inspires cheer. For women who could use an emotional lift, periwinkle nails have a gently uplifting effect. Let the pale purple shade renew your perspective. Accent with white flowers for a touch of whimsy.
Lotus
Lotus purple gets its name from the elegant water flower. Lotus blossoms represent rebirth, enlightenment, and rising above the darkness. The shade combines mystical purple with pure white touches. In Buddhism, the lotus embodies spiritual awakening. Lotus nail polish similarly represents expanding your consciousness and outlook. It’s perfect for women embracing their creativity and seeking new horizons. Pair with metallic accents for an enlightened glam vibe.
Mulberry
Rich, juicy mulberry is a lush purple that celebrates abundant beauty. It stirs up a sensual mood and speaks to confidence. In Renaissance paintings, mulberry drapings symbolized wealth, status, and decadence. Today, the color still conveys lavish extravagance. Paint your nails mulberry when going out for a big night or wanting to feel like a work of art. Have fun teaming it with gold baubles and luxe makeup.
Boysenberry
Bold berry-inspired boysenberry nails have a straight-from-nature vibe. Boysenberries themselves are a superfood linked to health and wellbeing. Their deep purple shade promotes vigor, resilience, and a zest for life. Boysenberry polish is perfect for an invigorating pick-me-up when you need more energy. It pairs beautifully with shades of emerald green and looks great on short nails. A few glossy topcoat layers really bring out its juicy richness.
Conclusion
With so many gorgeous shades to choose from, purple nails offer a fun way to express your individuality. Darker jewel tones convey mystery, creativity, and luxury. Pastel purples like lilac and lavender represent elegance, nostalgia, and romance. And vivid purples like grape and orchid make bold, artistic statements. So explore the options and see which purple polish speaks to your mood and style.
