Nail Painting Emoji: What Does 💅 Mean?

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Learn more about how people use the nails emoji and why
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Are you wondering what the 💅 (nail polish) emoji means? This unique emoji is taking TikTok, WhatsApp, and other texting apps 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 its many meanings to how to use it , plus similar emojis that share the same sassy vibe.

What does the nail emoji (💅) mean?

The nail emoji or 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, or that you’re not concerned with something others are upset about.

Section 1 of 4:

💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji Meanings

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  1. People often 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, “I’m all that,” “What are you going to do about it?” “I said what I said,” or, “Yeah, what about it?” It’s defiant, confident, unbothered, and too cool. [1] This usage is especially popular on TikTok, Twitter/X, and other social media sites, where it can sometimes frustrate other people when they see the user is acting sassy.
    • Example: “I’d rather be painting my nails than talking to you 💅”
    • Example: “If you don’t accept me at my worst, you don’t deserve me at my best 💅✨”
  2. Of course, the 💅 is an image of someone getting their nails painted, and that’s how it’s used sometimes. You may see someone replacing words like “manicure” or “nails” with a 💅, or pairing it with other makeup emojis like the 💄 and 💋. [2]
    • Example: “We’re going to look absolutely fabulous!! 💅💋”
    • Example: “So excited to get my 💅 done! Gonna match them to my 💄!”
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  3. 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. Social coach Cher Gopman says that using an emoji here and there in your messages, like the nail polish emoji, to show you’re having “lighthearted fun.” [3]
    • Example: “Gotta make sure I look amazing for our date tonight 💅😉”
    • Example: “Nothing’s going to stop me! 💅💃🏻”
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use the 💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji

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  1. 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]
    • Example: “Honey, he doesn’t know what he has coming 💅”
    • Example: “Love me or hate me, I’m still gonna shine 💅💁”
  2. A little bit of confidence never hurt anyone, and this sassy emoji can show the world you’re a force to be reckoned with.
    • Example: “Like the new cut? I decided to go short, and I’m OBSESSED 😍💅”
    • Example: “Tonight’s dinner look 😘💅”
  3. This unique emoji can come across as a bit haughty and pretentious, but in a fun, catty way. It’s a simple way of saying, “I couldn’t care less,” without being entirely rude.
    • Example: “It’s not like I care what he thinks 💅”
    • Example: “You guys are ridiculous 🙄💅”
  4. 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.” [5]
    • Example: “Sometimes you and the bestie just need a little TLC 💅💆🏼‍♀️🧘‍♀️”
    • Example: “The 💅 are looking good!!”
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Section 3 of 4:

💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji Variations

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  1. 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
Section 4 of 4:

Similar Emojis

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  1. 1
    💁 (person tipping hand) This emoji depicts a person with a raised hand, positioned as if they’re carrying a tray. More and more, though, users online are using it to add sass or flair to a catty response, since it kind of looks like someone flipping their hair, or giving a half-hearted shrug.
    • Example: “If you can’t understand my message, that’s a you problem. 💁🏽‍♀️”
    • Example: “People hated this movie, but I still really love it. I guess that’s just taste. 💁🏼‍♀️”
  2. 2
    🙄 (face with rolling eyes) This emoji shows a face in the middle of an eye roll. You can probably guess it’s used to give your message a whole lot of attitude or sarcasm, and to show other people that you’re so over it.
    • Example: “Yeah, right, as if that will ever work. 🙄”
    • Example: “Everything’s just sunshine and rainbows for you, huh? 🙄”
  3. 3
    💆🏼‍♀️ (person getting massage) This emoji shows someone getting their forehead and scalp massaged, and is used to convey relaxation, luxury, or treating yourself, like the nail polish emoji sometimes does.
    • Example: “Can’t wait to get out of class and watch my shows.💆🏼‍♀️”
    • Example: “Sorry, I can’t come. I’m too busy staying in my lane.💆🏼‍♀️”
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    What does medium skin tone mean?
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    It just means an emoji with a medium skin tone. Because people come in different colors, the emojis are made to reflect that.
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      Tips

      • Sometimes the nail polish 💅 emoji is used to refer to someone in the LGBTQ+ community. For example: “I’m a little 💅 if you know what I mean.” In this case, it’s often humorous and not serious, as an LGBTQ+ in-joke.
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      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.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/27/emoji-true-meanings-explained
      2. ↑ https://yaytext.com/emoji/nail-polish/
      3. ↑ Cher Gopman. Social Coach. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.emojiall.com/en/emoji/💅
      5. ↑ https://emojiguide.com/people-body/nail-polish/

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