What Does the 💅 Nail Polish Emoji Mean?

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Are you wondering what the 💅 (nail polish) emoji means? This unique emoji is taking TikTok and WhatsApp by storm and popping up in the most unlikely of places. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the 💅 (nail polish) emoji, from meanings to how to use it. Read on to see why and how this emoji can bring some sassy glam to your messages.

What Does the Fingernail Emoji Mean?

The nail polish emoji (💅) can refer to makeup and nail polish, but is often used to convey a nonchalant or sassy tone. It’s the online equivalent of looking at your nails after saying something, just to show you don’t really care.

Section 1 of 3:

💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    First and foremost, the 💅 is an image of someone getting their nails painted. You may see someone replacing words like “manicure” or “nails” with a 💅, or pairing it with other makeup emojis like the 💄 and 💋. [1]
    • “We’re going to look absolutely fabulous!! 💅💋”
    • “So excited to get my 💅 done! Gonna match them to my 💄!”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Painting your nails can be an instant mood booster, and the 💅 is no different! Someone may use a 💅 to say, “I’m feeling confident,” especially if they’re talking about makeup, beauty, or relationships.
    • “Gotta make sure I look amazing for our date tonight 💅😉”
    • “Nothing’s going to stop me! 💅💃🏻”
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Someone may use a 💅 to show that what they’ve sent is to be read in a bold and cheeky way. In this context, the emoji means “bougie.” [2] This usage is especially popular on TikTok.
    • “I’d rather be painting my nails than talking to you 💅”
    • “If you don’t accept me at my worst, you don’t deserve me at my best 💅✨”
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If someone wants their message to be read with an eye roll and nonchalance, they’ll add a 💅 to set the tone. This little emoji tells you that the sender is unbothered by whatever’s being discussed.
    • “Guess she’ll have to live with it 💅🤷”
    • “It’s not like I control what he does anyways 💅”
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

How to Use the 💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the 💅 to caption a picture of your latest mani and pedi. Above all else, the 💅 is a super cute representation of a manicure. You can use this emoji to replace the words “manicure,” “nail polish,” “nails,” or even “self-care.” [3]
    • “Sometimes you and the bestie just need a little TLC 💅💆🏼‍♀️🧘‍♀️”
    • “The 💅 are looking good!!”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Caption a gorgeous selfie with a 💅 to say, “I’m feeling myself!” A little bit of confidence never hurt anyone, and this sassy emoji can show the world you’re a force to be reckoned with.
    • “Like the new cut? I decided to go short, and I’m OBSESSED 😍💅”
    • “Tonight’s dinner look 😘💅”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Add a finger-snap to your message with a 💅. The 💅 radiates bold energy most closely related to the 💁, especially when you’re dishing some tea! Try adding this playful emoji to your texts or TikTok captions. [4]
    • “Honey, he doesn’t know what he has coming 💅”
    • “Love me or hate me, I’m still gonna shine 💅💁”
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tell someone you can’t be bothered with a 💅. This unique emoji can come across as a bit prestigious. It’s a simple way of saying, “I couldn’t care less,” without being entirely rude.
    • “It’s not like I care what he thinks 💅”
    • “You guys are ridiculous 🙄💅”
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji Variations

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-the-Nail-Polish-Emoji-Mean-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can pick the emoji that resonates the most with you, or even one representing a friend. Either way, there are five variations you can choose from:
    • 💅🏻: Light Skin Tone
    • 💅🏼: Medium-Light Skin Tone
    • 💅🏽: Medium Skin Tone
    • 💅🏾: Medium-Dark Skin Tone
    • 💅🏿: Dark Skin Tone

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What does medium skin tone mean?
    Community Answer
    It just means an emoji with a medium skin tone. Because people come in different colors, the emojis are made to reflect that.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Sometimes the nail polish 💅 emoji is used to refer to someone in the LGBTQ+ community.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Sometimes the nail polish 💅 emoji is used to refer to someone in the LGBTQI+ community.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      What Emojis Mean Sex?
      What Does the 🤍 White Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🩵 (Light Blue Heart) Emoji Mean?
      The Top Emojis Guys Use when They Like or Love You
      The Top Emojis a Girl Will Use if She Likes You
      What Does the 💚 Green Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Do All the Different Hand Emojis Mean?
      What Does the 🥹 (Holding Back Tears Emoji) Mean?
      What Does the 🤗 (Hugging Face) Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 🙌🙏 Two Hands Emoji Mean?
      What Does the 💛 Yellow Heart Emoji Mean?
      What Does the OBJ () Emoji Mean?
      What XD Really Means in the Digital World
      What Does the 😘💋 Kiss Emoji Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://yaytext.com/emoji/nail-polish/
      2. ↑ https://stayhipp.com/glossary/nail-polish-emoji-💅/
      3. ↑ https://emojiguide.com/people-body/nail-polish/
      4. ↑ https://www.emojiall.com/en/emoji/💅

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 86,880 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement