What Does the 💅 Nail Polish Emoji Mean? (2025)

Co-authored byAly Rusciano

Last Updated: February 24, 2025Fact Checked

What Does the Fingernail Emoji Mean?

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1. 1

   A 💅 represents nail polish or makeup. 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 💄!”
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   The 💅 radiates self-confidence. 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! 💅💃🏻”

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   A 💅 indicates a sassy tone. 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 💅✨”
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   The 💅 says “Whatever.” 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 💅”

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1. 1

   When you’re getting glammed up: 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. 2

   When you’re feeling confident: 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 😘💅”
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   When you’re feeling sassy: 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 💅💁”
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   When you’re over it: 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 🙄💅”

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1. With various skin tones, there’s a 💅 for everyone! 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

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• Sometimes the nail polish 💅 emoji is used to refer to someone in the LGBTQI+ community.

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