What Does the 💅 Nail Polish Emoji Mean?

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: April 9, 2022

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.

Section 1 of 3:

💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji Meanings

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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]
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Research source}
- “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]
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Research source} 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 💅”

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use the 💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji

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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]
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- “Sometimes you and the bestie just need a little TLC 💅💆🏼‍♀️🧘‍♀️”
- “The 💅 are looking good!!”
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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]
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- “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 🙄💅”

Section 3 of 3:

💅 (Nail Polish) Emoji Variations

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