According to author and color expert Walaa AlMuhaiteeb, the polish we put on our fingernails can have a real impact on our mood, energy, and relationships, both with ourselves and those around us. "When we wear a certain color on our body, we're telling our nervous system and our unconscious mind, This is the energy I want to tune into," AlMuhaiteeb explains. "What I like to do is think about what I have coming up in the weeks ahead, figure out what I want to channel and what my intentions are, and use that to inform the color I choose."
From what AlMuhaiteeb calls "the breakup polish" to the shade that promotes self-love, scroll through for her guide to harnessing the power of color with your next manicure.
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Red
If You Want: Energy
"Red signifies action and movement," AlMuhaiteeb says. "It has a really strong influence on energy, so when you're feeling low, red is a great nail color to choose. It helps you pick yourself up. "
Essie Rock The Runway, $, available at Essie
Pink
If You Want: To Channel Self-Love
"If I'm going through a really tough time and I know I need more self-compassion and self-love, I'll go for a pink nail polish," AlMuhaiteeb says. "It reminds me that I need to be kind to myself, watch my thoughts, and notice how those thoughts are testing me."
NCLA Late Checkout, $, available at NCLA
Orange
If You Want: To Get In Touch With Your Emotions
"I sometimes call orange 'the breakup color' because it's emotional," AlMuhaiteeb says. "Orange helps you release grief and go through change; it's such a beautiful color to help you cry and get all of the emotion out."
Pear Nova It's Summer Somewhere - Classic Lacquer, $, available at Pear Nova
Yellow
If You Want: Confidence
"I like to use a subtle pastel yellow when I'm trying to feel confident," AlMuhaiteeb says. "Not a big, vibrant yellow, because that can be too stimulating for the brain, but a happy yellow that makes me feel good."
CND Smile Maker Vinylux, $, available at Beyond Polish
Green
If You Want: To Connect With Your Vulnerable Side
"I used to feel repelled by greens because I was really scared about being vulnerable," AlMuhaiteeb admits. "But I spent a whole month working with green and wearing it on my nails, and it really helped me tune into my vulnerable side — and now it's empowering."
OPI That's Hula-larious, $, available at Target
Purple
If You Want: To Get Creative
"Purple is a good choice if you want to feel creative," AlMuhaiteeb says. "It may add a little bit of drama around you, but it's fun and can help you think outside of the box. "
Mischo Beauty Babylove, $, available at Mischo Beauty
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