"When I was young," editor Colleen Loggins recalled, "my aunt, after seeing my red toenails and pink fingernails, declared that I was making a huge fashion faux pas. She said your finger- and toenails simply cannot be different colors."
Colleen's aunt's reaction might seem odd, especially to younger generations, but it turns out the question of whether your manicure and pedicure should match is a hotly debated issue—at least on our social media page. We polled editorial employees and our Facebook followers, and here's how the just-shy-of-100 responses broke down:
The most popular opinion: no
As Facebook user Christine N. put it, "No! I like to keep people guessing when they go to look at my feet! Ha!"
Facebook user Vivian E-L put a more nostalgic spin on the same response: "Back in the day, everything was coordinated, but in this day and age nothing has to match anymore."
Mostly, though, the people in this camp seemed happy and relaxed, with a penchant for employing the sunglasses emoji.
The second-most popular opinion: no, but they should go together
These people used words like "mesh," "coexist," and "complement." Overall, they were of the opinion that your mani pedi color combos shouldn't clash, but some finer distinctions developed among the commenters.
Many people noted that in the winter (especially, as Terrie S. pointed out, Wisconsin winter), coordination matters less—your toes aren't on display unless you've invented thermal sandals. Complementary colors may work best, however, at more formal summer events like weddings. In other words, the importance of matching is situational.
The contrarians: yes
Even with their emphatic "yes!" responses, the people advocating for matching mani-pedis have the minority opinion. But we can at least learn from their style. It's direct, upbeat—and may we all one day use such confident exclamation points!
Our verdict: nope, no need to match!
Just like our editor Colleen, who decided that her aunt's advice was an "old-fashioned rule", we're siding with the majority of our survey respondents on this one. Plus, with so many great manicure and pedicure ideas out there these days, we're happy we get to try out different looks on our fingers and toes. Check out the links below to see the mani-pedi looks we're currently obsessed with.
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FAQs
Q: Should my mani and pedi match? A: The answer, in a word, is no. The nail colour on your hands needn't be the exact same shade that's on your toes.
Do manicures and pedicures need to match? ›
Simply put, no – you mani and pedi doesn't have to match. Back in the day, it used to be mandatory to match the colour on your fingernails to your toes but, over the years this trend has become predictable and a little boring too.
What color toe nail polish goes with everything? ›
A timeless tone of beige or nude goes well with both formal and casual ensembles. It has a refined and tidy appearance that complements any color scheme. Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting.
What two nail colors look good together? ›
Nail Colors that Go Together
- Red, White and Blue. Pick a sparkly blue for the majority of your nails. ...
- Mauve and Pink. This combo is not too surprising, but go with a sparkling or glittery mauve. ...
- Berry Gold. A deep berry color is always classy and interesting. ...
- Minty Orange. ...
- Neon and Nude. ...
- The Blues.
During your appointment, avoid talking on your phone unless it's an emergency. You and everyone else at the salon or spa are there to relax. It's also considered proper etiquette to tip your pedicurist – about 15-20% is considered appropriate.
Should my fingernails and toenails be the same color? ›
According to Mamamia Out Loud's host Holly Wainwright, sorry, but you should absolutely never be matching your toes to your finger nails.
What summer nail color goes with everything? ›
Off-White. Another great neutral to turn to is a classic white. “[It's] perfect to rock from winter to summer as they go with everything and still feel so minimal, yet fresh,” says celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen. She recommends going towards an off-white shade for something a bit more unexpected.
What color toenail polish do men find most attractive? ›
Soft Pastels – A Touch of Sweetness
Soft pastel shades like baby pink, lavender, or light blue can evoke a sense of sweetness and femininity. These colors are often associated with a gentle and approachable personality. Many guys find pastel nail polish attractive because it gives a feeling of innocence and charm.
What is the most flattering nail polish color? ›
“Nail polish colors that have cool tones—like blue, lavender, and light pink—typically complement people with cool undertones,” says celebrity manicurist Queenie Nguyen. Pastel colors, blue-based reds, and jewel tones are also very flattering. If you're choosing brown nail polish, lean toward taupes.
What color toenail polish makes you look tan? ›
Warm-toned nail colors like coral, peach, or bronze can enhance your tan. These shades create a harmonious and flattering look that brings out the warmth in your complexion. Experiment with different warm-toned shades to find the ones that complement your skin tone the best.
Lighter Tones: Choose lighter shades of any color, such as pastels or light grays. Lighter tones help to brighten the hands and create a more youthful appearance. Sheer and Natural Finishes: Consider using sheer or natural finishes, like a sheer pink or a clear coat.
What color looks best on toes? ›
Bright Red, Coral Pink, Hot Pink, Turquoise, Cobalt blue, Navy, Emerald Green, Fuchsia, Black, and White in the brightest of brightest hues on your toes will marry back best of all.
Do pedicurists judge your feet? ›
Don't Feel Embarrassed About Your Feet
Your pedicurist is a pro. He or she sees dozens of pairs of feet every week, and it's unlikely that yours are the worst. It can also come off as a subtle insult to your pedicurist, implying that you look down at their job or that the work they do is lowly.
What not to do during a pedicure? ›
Do not leave your toes wet. Moisture increases the risk of nail infections and conditions such as athlete's foot. Do not cut cuticles as they protect your nails against infections and bacteria. When you cut cuticles, you increase the chance of infection.
How much do you tip for a $50 pedicure? ›
"For example, if your service costs $50, you should see it as costing $60." The widely accepted minimum tip in the industry is 15 percent, Kandalec says, but the most common tip at a nail salon is 20 percent. This is similar to what's expected when tipping at a hair salon, or for a massage or spa treatment.
Do your nails have to match your outfit? ›
You don't need to match your nail polish precisely with your outfit. Instead, you can choose colors that complement it. For instance, if you wear dark blue clothes, gray, white, or lighter shades of blue would look stunning with them. You just want to make sure that the colors won't clash.
Do bridesmaid nails need to match? ›
If the bride doesn't have any preferences, Brooklyn-based nail artist Erica Hipp has a good rule of thumb for bridesmaids to follow: “You never want to upstage the bride," she says. “When choosing a nail polish color, it's probably safest to go neutral or match your [bridesmaid] dress."
Is it necessary to have a manicure and pedicure? ›
Although manicures and pedicures are frequently perceived as self-indulgent treatments, they are more than that. It not only improves the appearance of your hands, feet, and nails but also benefits your general health in the long run.
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