Have you ever taken a moment to consider what mood you were in last time you updated your manicure? Most of us have heard about the psychology of colour and how it can both reflect and affect our mood, and it turns out, just like the dress colours we wear, our attraction to certain nail shades can speak volumes about our personality too. Sounds a bit ridiculous we know, but according to some scientists, different colours actually send signals to your brain which can completely change how you think and perceive things. We sat down with manicurist to the stars Michelle Humphrey (@nailsbymh) to get the lowdown on what your go-to shade might be giving away…
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 Neon
Wear it for: an instant energy kick
Neon represents energy and spontaneity. 'My younger clients tend to experiment with brighter shades and textures, while my more mature clients tend to stick with more conservative shades of red, pink and nude' explained Michelle. If you’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately, a bright neon hue could be just what the doctor ordered.
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2 Red
Wear it to: nail a big presentation
Red represents power and attitude. Heading for a job interview or feeling jittery before a first date? This classic hue is the perfect shade, exuding both strength and flirtatious undertones. 'I often find women choose red to feel powerful' explained Michelle; 'From burgundy to post box – nothing radiates confidence quite like this crimson shade.'
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3 Yellow
Wear it if: you're running low on steam
'Nail colour certainly has the power to lift your mood – it's a representation of how you're feeling and your mind set' Michelle explained, and unsurprisingly, yellow is said to evoke happiness and energy, and is also the first colour the human eye notices. A naturally energetic person might pick it subconsciously, but if you’re running low on steam, this cheerful shade could be just the ticket to shake up your mood.
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4 Nude
Wear it if: you're feeling indecisive
'Nude is always a fail safe shade that stays every season' Michelle explained. If you wear it often chances are you're a professional working girl with an assertive yet laid back personality. It's high glamour without being high maintenance.
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5 Pastels
Wear it if: you need to wind down
Soft pastel colours such as pale pinks, creamy beiges and light yellows and coral create feelings of warmth and relaxation. If you’re feeling frazzled, pick one of these shades to help you wind down.
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6 Pink
Wear it to: your next date, duh
Pink, you guessed it, is linked to romance and love. Those who wear it regularly often wear their heart on their sleeve and are generally more of an ‘open book’. The deeper the pink, the more passionate they are, 'But of course it totally depends on your personality and whether you let colour effect your mood' Michelle pointed out.
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7 Orange
Wear it if: you need a hit of confidence
The colour orange in all its varieties is said to convey social communication and optimism. Also known to be ballsy and impulsive, if you rock this shade on the regular you're certainly no wall flower. 'Nail colour is the one beauty treatment that you get to enjoy for yourself' Michelle explained; 'If you put on a lipstick, you have to check it in the mirror, however your nails are at your fingertips, and you can stare down happily at them all the time – an instant mood booster!'
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8 Blue
Wear it if: you're feeling sensitive or unsettled
Associated with depth and stability, you might subconsciously choose the colour blue if you’re feeling happy and content in your life. 'I definitely agree that brighter shades make me feel uplifted, while darker shades are more mysterious and moody' Michelle mused. Also linked to trust and peacefulness, this tranquil colour can soothe and relax if you’re feeling unsettled.
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9 White
Wear it to: the first day of your new job
Crisp and clean, white represents new beginnings. Whether you’re buying a new home or starting a new job, this blank canvas leaves you open for endless possibilities. 'I honestly believe colour can be a direct extension to how you're feeling at a particular time, and I've seen this in my clients over the years,' explained Michelle; 'I once had a client that requested grey nails as she had an awful week and the weather was bad. She was literally feeling grey!'
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10 Black
Wear it to: create an air of mystery
According to colour psychologists, black relates to the hidden, secretive and unknown, and as a result creates an air of mystery. Wearing black is a way of rebelling against the norm and showing off a daring aspect of your personality.