'Blue means no dating, AT ALL.' The hidden meanings behind every shade of nail polish.

Those tiny rigid squares that sit at the end of our fingers wield more meaning than you've been giving them credit for.

Yep, your fingernails – and the polish you paint them with – have the ability to signify a whole bunch of thoughts, feelings and intentions. So you better get up to speed with what colour means what, before you accidentally send a message to someone with your shade.

Watch: How to remove your SNS nails via the bag method. Post continues after video.

Here, I walk you through what the internet believes to be true about nail polish colours and their not-so-secret meanings.

... And yes, you have full permission to bring this cheat sheet to your next appointment at the nail salon.

White Nail Polish Colour Meaning

Girlies who opt for white nails are classic introverts. White is a bold choice for a quiet gal, so it's a statement for them, even if it looks subtle to their extroverted mates.

White nail polish, if it's not your usual go-to, may mark a blank slate or deep craving for a fresh start. Because nothing says 'I'm looking at life like a blank canvas' more than a fistful of blank canvases. 

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The old faithful resource for all things truthful, Urban Dictionary, declares white nail polish as absolute confirmation that the wearer is single and ready to mingle. They also declare that white nail polish means the wearer has 'nice titties', so perhaps take all definitions with a giant block of salt.

Blue Nail Polish Colour Meaning

Now this definition I back wholeheartedly: If someone has painted their fingertips blue, then it means they are taken bacon. They are happily partnered up and have no interest in pulling in a between-the-sheets mate.

This has never been more true when referring to light blue nail polish. Baby blue fingertips signify a very loved-up individual.

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There are also a few internet theories floating around that blue nail polish signifies a 'youthful spirit', claiming that those who lean into their blue (fingernail) era are people who are young at heart and have a serious zest for life.

Nude Nail Polish Colour Meaning

Can I get a 'hear, hear' for the classic gals?!

Nude hues mean almost exactly what you probably think they mean: Classic, reserved and perhaps the most professional of all the lasses at the nail salon. Nude nailers are known to place a really high value on their career goals and are famously organised. Like colour-coding their calendar level organised. 

Psst! Have a listen of this episode of You Beauty. Post continues after podcast.

Red Nail Polish Colour Meaning

Red is a hardcore passionate colour – we all know that. But what's the meaning behind donning red on your fingernails? Well, it means that you're a daring, dramatic human who doesn't shy away from the spotlight.

But, according to TikTok, it might also mean that you're subliminally trying to manifest a hot love interest. 

In a now-viral video, @girlbosstown explained that whenever she gets a red manicure, she receives a hecktonne more compliments from the opposite sex. Her theory as to why that might be? Well, it's a bit icky:

“Every time I have red nails, a guy comments on it,” she says. ”They’ll be like, 'Oh, I like your nail colour.' I always thought red was a grandma’s nail colour… Then it hit me. In the ’90s, when we were growing up, women had red nails a lot, especially our mums… I think guys are attracted to our red nails because it reminds them of their mums when they were growing up, taking care of them.”

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And while that's... gross, there are genuine studies that have been conducted that show that one-third of people surveyed genuinely believed that if someone wears red nail polish they are categorically a more passionate person.

So, if you're keen to draw in a dude that's a little bit in love with their mum, go for a sweep of red nail polish!

Yellow Nail Polish Colour Meaning

Fact about the colour yellow: It's the first colour the human eye notices. So if you're wearing yellow clothes, have a sick pair of yellow shoes or flashing some yellow nail polish, it'll be the first thing someone clocks.

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Beyond it grabbing attention, yellow nail polish usually means the wearer is quite happy and stuffed full of energy.

Pink Nail Polish Colour Meaning

As the designated colour choice for all baby-girl gifts, pink has an intrinsic tie to femininity. But the shade also represents a person with a 'lighthearted and positive mindset' more generally.

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Some corners of the internet also suggest that a penchant for pink nail polish signifies a nurturing personality – but as I look down at my pink nails, I catch sight of the dying plant in the background and I know this simply cannot be true.

Black Nail Polish Colour Meaning

Black nail polish means business. Which is a little odd, because I specifically remember it being banned from my first job. But apparently, it has the power to relay in record time that someone is confident and serious. 

According to colour psychology, black represents the hidden, secretive, and unknown mysteries of life, but when translated to nail polish it means you're daring, brave and back yourself big time. 

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It also has strong ties to business time *wink wink* as people believe that black nail polish wearers are more sexually dominant. Nothing to do with the whips and chains you wear in tandem, obviously.

Image: Instagram + Mamamia.