Before I started bringing my own nail polish to the salon, it would take me 10 to 15 minutes to pick a color for my manicure and pedicure. And I'd often regret my decision with the first swipe of polish, sending my manicurist into a hissy fit.
Ultimately, my mood determines which nail polish color I choose. If I'm feeling especially feminine, I reach for a sheer nude with a hint of pink like OPI Samoan Sand. If I'm feeling big and showy, I stick to a vibrant yellow or pink color from Avon Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel line. When I'm just indecisive, crazy nail art tends to happen.
According to Paintbox manicurist Gerry Holford, a person's attraction to particular shades can speak volumes about their personality. Holford believes that there's a certain psychology to nail polish colors, and she shared her take on the subject with us below. Where do you fall?
If you always wear black nail polish, you are...
"I feel that a beautifully painted black manicure is extremely chic. Having said that most gals wearing a black mani are creative types that think out of the box -- and a little bit of a rebel. I think it takes a lot of confidence to wear a black manicure, and for most women that do wear one, it's their signature look."
Pro Polish Pick: Nails Inc. Black Taxi
If you sport neon nail colors, you are...
"Bright colors are an awesome visual for anyone wearing them. You have no choice but to get your energy up and get going!"
Pro Polish Pick: Floss Gloss Con Limon
If you are into pretty pastels, you are...
"Soft colors like pale pinks, creamy beiges and even variations of bright colors like a soft yellow or coral can definitely add to a relaxed state."
Pro Polish Pick: Essie Romper Room and Deborah Lippmann Build Me Up Buttercup
If your go-to nail polish is orange, you are...
"Shades that would be ballsy or impulsive are a bright pop of orange, an opaque baby blue or a metallic green."
Pro Polish Pick: China Glaze Orange Knockout, Sephora by OPI Havana Dreams and Dior Mystic Magnetics #802
If your nails are painted in a rich wine shade, you are...
"Sexy, sultry for me is always a dark burgundy nail. It’s a modern classic."
Pro Polish Pick: Chanel Le Vernis Vamp
If you prefer a clean white mani, you are...
"My favorite manicure at the moment is a solid white one. It’s fresh and very chic. It works on all ages and lends an element of youth to anyone wearing it."
Pro Polish Pick: Chanel Le Vernis Eastern Light
If you like to mix it up with neutral and bright colors, you are...
"My go-to happy manicure right now is a beige nail with a pop of metallic, bright or neon color on the tips. You can even switch it up by putting a different color on each tip. Play around with designs, too; you can do a chevron tip, a classic French, asymmetrical or even a row of dots. The possibilities are endless!"
Pro Polish Pick: Dior Vernis Safari Beige Nail Lacquer and Zoya Pippa
If your nails are always a fiery shade of red, you are...
"I’d like to think there isn't such a thing as an 'angry' manicure, but if I had to choose, I would venture to say a blood red manicure could be construed that way."
Pro Polish Pick: MAC Maleficent Nocturnelle Nail Lacquer
All art by Raydene Salinas/HPMG.