Let me ask you one thing — how many times did you wear your favorite nail polish and wondered how it has an influence on your mood?
If you are like me then you select a color based on the type of clothing you are wearing, the season or simply out of impulse.
However, do you know that the colors we apply on our nails are not only able to complement an outfit?
It quite simply means that they can actually have an influence on how we feel!
Starting with the kind of dresses we put on to the tones we paint our rooms, color is known to have the ability to pick us up, soothe us or even ignite our imagination.
Nail polish is no exception either!
Think about it: your nails are a part of yourself which you look at several times on a daily basis, so why not make it a more positive experience and be creative?
In this article I am planning to explain more about the psychology of various nail polish shades and how you can maximize your happiness levels with their help.
Looking to spice up your life?
Let’s get into it!
How Colors Affect Our Mood
But before getting too carried away with the different varieties of nail polish, let us get acquainted with some of the basics of color psychology.
You all know the sayings, “seeing red” or “feeling blue” , don’t you?
These phrases originate from the fact that colors are believed to have a correlation with feelings and can affect the feeling to a certain degree.
For instance, the warm colors such as red, orange and yellow have generally been perceived to represent energy, positivity and enthusiasm.
They can make you feel your best and ready to conquer the world.
While cool colors such as blue, green and purple have a relaxing or cooling effect hence encourages relaxation on the users end.
Still, color psychology is not a very precise field since people may have their own emotional response to colors regarding their life path or cultural background.
There are emotional connotations that can be attached to these hues for the most part, and that is what we are going to be looking at in relation to your nail varnish.
The Power of Red: Bold, Confident, and Passionate
I’ve always felt that there is some form of strength possessed by red nails.
Red symbolizes confidence, passion and even a hint for danger.
Having red nail polish means you do not have to say anything and you are making a statement.
It’s bold, it’s bright and it can change the dynamics of the day once you put it on.
Every time that I am not feeling great or when I need that extra boost of confidence, a bright red color will do the trick.
You sort of could say that it’s my secret weapon when it comes to getting through difficult days.
For women with low self-esteem or those with a decision to make the best out of themselves such as attending meetings, dates or just outing with friends, the red nails will boost that morale, confidence you never knew you needed.
However, let me tell you one thing about the color red- it is a color that people would be forced to look at.
Well therefore if for a moment you want to be a little less social and just blend in you might want to go with something softer.
However on days when you feel that you are up for it and ready to conquer the world then there can be nothing better than a classic red.
Feeling Peaceful with Blue and Green Tones
Well, if you’re like me there are those days when all you require is some quiet time or peaceful moments.
That is where the blue and green nail polishes come in.
The cool, soothing tones I’d like to see can make everything seem just a little less edge-of-nerve-tightening.
Blue, especially, is known to relate to trust, calmness and stable feelings.
To me, for example, deep sky blue or even a calm navy can be helpful when I am overwhelmed, nervous or stressed.
It’s something about the cool, serene tones beneath me that makes me want to just take a deep breath and relax.
Green, on the other hand, is all about balance.
It is generally associated with nature and increases thus if you feel that you have been surrounded by negative energies, smearing green shades will do you a lot of credit.
That is why I find it comforting to put on a soft mint or an earthy sage when I feel that more balance is required in my life.
Orange and Yellow: The Ultimate Mood Boosters
Feeling a little down?
It is time to pick up a bright shade of nail polish, for example orange or yellow!
They are those cheerful, sunny hues which make you feel as if someone has injected happiness straight to your soul.
It’s just that these colors look very provoking and indicative of optimism in as much as energy.
Orange symbolizes vigor, energy and even passion in different aspects in life.
It is one of those fashionable colors that will come handy when you want to take a risk or when you want to make your boring day a little bit exciting.
And if it’s summer, nothing dozes off the summer sun better than a tangerine nail shade, at least it does for me.
Yellow, on the other hand, is associated with sunshine, which is synonymous to happiness and sheer pleasure.
With bright and cheerful yellow, it is difficult to go around feeling glum all day.
To give you the extra burst of energy that you need, a lemon yellow or a rich mustard color would do the trick.
They will amuse and I am certain will brighten up your day very fast but do not underestimate the power of laughter.
The Elegance of Neutrals: Finding Comfort in Simplicity
Life is not always a canvas where one gets to paint in bright and daring colors.
Once in a while it is not bad to go for something plain and more elegant.
And that’s where natural colors such as beige, nude, and soft pink come in handy.
All of these shades are elegant and designed with focus on comfort.
As for myself I know that there is nothing quite like having my nails painted in nude or light pink polish because I always feel calm and elegant.
They are also good if you are in some sort of taste limbo, if you will.
Perhaps, you just feel confused over your emotions or need to basically put yourself together once again.
In such cases, I come to realize that applying a neutral color is quite comforting.
Embracing Your Playful Side with Pinks and Purples
Pink and purple are the utmost fun colors to my understanding.
They’re fun, feminine, and full of personality.
Those of us who rocked soft baby pink or bold fuchsia know that these shades do something funny to you – they make you feel flirty and youthful.
It has often been linked to love and kindness and the purity of it.
All the things that are associated with it are gentle and compassionate.
It’s a color that just feels like they are wrapping you up in a warm blanket they’ve been keeping by the fire.
That is why if you are in a romantic mood, or you just want to feel the breeze of romance or something like that, use pink for your nail polish.
But if you really want to leave fear behind, then it is recommended that you go for hot pink – this is the most fun and fearless color there is.
And lastly, purple as a color is associated with creativity and people’s freedom to be themselves.
It is associated with spirituality and mystery so if you fancy brooding or artistic type then go for deep plum or a soft lavender.
Whenever I feel that I need to go through creativity or when I just feel like wearing something that is not basic, I prefer wearing purple.
Dark and Moody: The Allure of Black and Deep Shades
Most people have this soft spot for black or dark nail polish and anything in this dark range such as very dark purple or dark green.
These shades carry a touch of class and danger into it.
It’s perfect for days when you feel a little more intense.
Black nail polish gives you this cool dark, rebellious, slightly dangerous feel.
Okay, before I go any further, I must say that there is nothing I despise more than a black nail polish – It’s classy, stylish and sinful all at once.
If you’re feeling like you want to channel your inner rock star or just want a break from the usual bright colors, black is always a good choice.
Deep, rich shades like burgundy, plum, and navy also fall into this category.
They’re elegant, but with a bit of drama.
I love wearing these colors in the fall and winter when I’m feeling more introspective or want to embrace a moodier vibe.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Mood
To sum it up, what nail polish is really unique about is that there’s no such thing as right or wrong decision.
It is all about how you feel at some specific time and what you want to share.
The colors you select can in fact improve your mood, build up your self esteem or make your day just that little bit happier.
So when you are choosing your next nail polish color, make sure you pause for a moment.
How are you feeling?
What type of energy do you wish to introduce in your life?
Is it time for you to get a confidence builder, or perhaps you wouldn’t mind some relaxation?
Color is a personal choice so let the color you make decide on best depict your mood or personality.
Thus, no matter if you decide to use an intense red, a soft blue or giddy pink, do not forget that the hands with nail polish are more than just accessories, they are mood enhancing devices.
Happy painting!
