What does white nail polish mean on TikTok? It's probably not what you think

What does white nail polish mean on TikTok? If you were in search of a few beauty tips and tricks, we hate to disappoint you, but you've come to the wrong place. 

While the video-sharing platform is filled with plenty of makeup tutorials—the white concealer trend, the glowing TikTok setting spray hack, etc—white nail polish actually has to do with matters of the heart. (Remember how the TikTok mascara trend had nothing to do with makeup, either?) 

If you're curious about what's happening on your FYP, and you're debating getting a mani, we'll fill you in on the trendy phenomenon.  

What does white nail polish mean on TikTok?

Apparently, when you're wearing white nail polish in a TikTok video, this means you're single and putting out feelers. White nail polish is like a clean slate, and Gen Z decided to run with that notion when it comes to romance. (And there's a coordinating color if you're in a relationship, too: just like Georgia Miller opting for baby blue for her untraditional Ginny & Georgia wedding dress, on TikTok, the color signifies that you're taken.) 

Since February is a particularly lovey-dovey month, we're not surprised to see the trend making the rounds. Actually, it seems to have gotten a start at some point in 2021, if we're judging from Top videos on the service, but now the super-sleek look has gone into high gear, perhaps with hopes that the white nail color will give a signal to virtual cupid to get his act together.

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How to get in on the white nail polish trend:

So the next time you spot a cutie lurking somewhere on your FYP, take a gander over at their manicure for a relationship status update. If you're thinking about adding the neutral shade to your fingernails, why not try last year's TikTok trend, milky white nails? That style—which has nothing to do with love, FYI—is meant to appear a little less intense than a bold white and give off a glossy texture. What's more, you can pick and choose how to style it: add small prints, throw in a statement nail, attempt a reverse French manicure, etc.

And, ahead of the most romantic day of the year, everyone's taking a look at fun Valentine's Day nail art inspo. Why not try a heart-tipped French mani with a white base coat and a pink or red tip? Could be a fun way to get in on this new TikTok craze! 

But if you're attempting the white-polish trend post-February 14, might we suggest taking a page from style icon Hailey Bieber's book? As we're sure you're well aware, the Hailey Bieber nails and trendy glazed foundation look are the TikTok clean girl aesthetic, personified.

But regardless of what's popular on social media, if you're searching for a spark with someone, have a look at our 2023 dating trends. These expert-backed tips will help you find something special, no matter what nail color you've opted for.