In recent years, the social media platform TikTok has given rise to a number of beauty and style trends. One such trend that has gained popularity is the “white nails” look. Users, primarily young women, have been posting videos showing off white painted nails and claiming that it means something specific about their personality or interests. But what exactly does having white nails mean on TikTok? Are there certain meanings and associations attached to this nail polish shade and style? This article will explore the origins and symbolism behind the white nails TikTok trend.
The Rise of White Nails on TikTok
While white nails have been a classic and timeless manicure choice for decades, the trend seemed to take on new meaning and popularity on TikTok starting around 2020. Footage with the hashtag #whitenails has amassed over 240 million views on the platform so far. The videos feature users showing off their pale nail sets, often paired with certain aesthetic choices in fashion and makeup. Comments indicate that many viewers now attach symbolic meaning to white nails when seen on TikTok creators. But where did this trend originate and what exactly do white nails mean in TikTok culture?
Meaning and Symbolism
Many TikTokers claim that white nails have taken on the following symbolic meanings and associations:
Innocence
Since pale white is associated with purity and innocence in color symbolism, white nails may represent a desire to exude a sweet, shy, youthful, or virginal image. The color evokes notions of cleanliness and simplicity. So those who want to showcase their innocence or sweet personality traits are drawn to white nails as a way to express that visually.
Neutrality
White nails are the blank canvas manicure. Devoid of bright colors or designs, the shade represents minimalism, neutrality, and balance. Those who want to keep their look demure, elegant, and versatile opt for white nails as the perfect nude/neutral shade for any outfit or occasion.
Subtlety
In a similar vein, white nails project an image of subtlety and softness. For those aiming to avoid bold looks or statements, white nails are an ideal way to still put polish on your nails while keeping a low profile and understated appearance. The minimalist subtleness offers a stylish, yet muted look.
Femininity
The pale, delicate nature of white nails makes them a feminine choice. Choosing to don such light, bright white polish is seen as a way for TikTokers to embrace traditional signals of femininity and girlishness through their manicure. Going with white nails is often a conscious aesthetic choice in line with restrained, graceful, ladylike preferences.
Negative Self-Image or Mental Health Issues
While most link white nails with positive meaning, some worry that a fixation with ultra pale nails instead represents body image problems, low self-esteem, depression, or mental health issues. There is speculation and anecdotal evidence of a correlation between gravitating to extremely white nails and dealing with inner struggles relating to confidence and emotional stability.
Nail Health Problems
On the more innocuous and practical side, TikTokers often sport white nails to cover up issues involving nail damage, discoloration, disease, or infection. Those with nail problems like discolored, brittle, split, or bitten nails will sometimes default to clean white sets to hide any flaws.
Other Symbolic Meanings
Beyond the most commonly discussed meanings listed above, some other symbolic associations made with white nails on TikTok include:
Professionalism
White nails may be chosen to give off an image of being clean, neat, respectable, and professional in fields like healthcare or food service where pale nails are preferred.
French Manicure Variation
Full white nails provide a modern, youthful alternative to the traditional French manicure tips look.
On-Trend
White nails are “in” right now according to TikTok trends, allowing users to showcase their fashionable sense.
Creative Canvas
Those who enjoy nail art may select white as the ideal blank base on which to create designs.
Personality Signaler
Certain personalities like minimalists, introverts, etc. may be drawn to white nails as a reflection of their temperament.
Criticism and Controversy
However, not everyone views the TikTok white nails trend in a positive light. Some criticisms include:
Promotion of Eurocentric Beauty Standards
The emphasis on pale, white nails is accused of upholding damaging beauty standards that equate whiteness with attractiveness. This fixation on light colors ties into historic prejudice against darker skin and idealization of paleness.
Poor Nail Health
Constant use of bleach products and avoidance of any natural nail discoloration to maintain ultra white nails can lead to brittle, damaged nails over time. The trend promotes appearance over health.
Perpetuation of Anxiety About Aging
White nails help conceal any yellowing or dullness that occurs naturally with age. But this sets up unrealistic youthful beauty expectations that stigmatize growing older.
Consumerist Ploy
Some argue that the TikTok white nails fixation is manufactured by cosmetic companies seeking to market unnecessary products. They accuse the trend of existing just to drive profits through convincing young users to repeatedly purchase polish, acrylics, and nail whitening treatments.
Lack of Self-Expression
Choosing plain white nails to fit in with a trend represents a missed opportunity for creative self-expression through unique nail art colors and designs. Conformity is prioritized over standing out.
How to Get the Trendy White Nails Look
For those interested in trying out the white nails trend seen on TikTok for themselves, here are some tips:
Prep Nails
Start with clean, healthy nails. Trim and shape them neatly. Push back and clean up the cuticles. Use remover to strip off any old polish or oils. Buff the nails lightly to smooth any ridges. This helps the white polish go on cleanly.
Primer
Apply a primer or base coat formulated for strength and longevity. This gives the white polish something to adhere to.
White Polish
Paint on two thin coats of high-quality bright white nail polish, allowing each coat to dry first. Stay flawless white by avoiding sheer or yellowish whites.
Top Coat
Seal on a shiny top coat, which helps the manicure last without chipping or fading to yellow. Quick-dry top coats are ideal for impatient TikTokers!
Upkeep
Store polish correctly and check for expiration dates to prevent yellowing. Use nail oil daily to hydrate nails and cuticles. Fill in any regrowth and re-paint when needed to keep nails a perfect white.
Do’s and Don’ts
To sport the trendy TikTok white nails properly:
DO:
– Choose a creamy, blue-based bright white polish without sheer or yellow undertones
– Use a nail primer and top coat for long-lasting perfection
– Shape nails neatly and evenly before polishing
– Replace polish before it expires and oxidizes
– Remove polish gently to avoid thinning nails
– Whiten tips only for a modern French manicure twist
DON’T:
– Apply white polish to damaged, peeling, or discolored nails
– Use low-quality polish with gritty or globby application
– Let nails chip, yellow, or grow out unkept
– Skimp on nail oil, hydration, SPF protection, and upkeep
– Overdo bleaching products that weaken nails
– Assume white nails suit all skin tones or occasions
Conclusion
While still a somewhat controversial trend, white nails remain popular on TikTok for their symbolism tied to innocence, neutrality, femininity, and subtle grace. But critics argue the fixation upholds problematic beauty standards and ageism. For those interested in trying the look, start with healthy nail prep and find an opaque, blue-based white polish. Apply properly and care for nails to keep the trendy manicure looking freshly painted. Although open to interpretation, white nails certainly make a noticeable statement on beauty-loving TikTok.