Stop Wearing Pale Pink: Why 'Safe' Nail Colors Can Actually Make Mature Hands Look Older

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Whether you love bold nail polish that draws attention to your nails or you’re partial to softer hues that make a more subtle statement, the color you choose for your manicure says a lot about your personality and style preferences.

Manicure trends may come and go, but some colors, like pale pink, have certainly solidified their status as nail polish icons. However, one nail pro wants you to stop wearing pale pink on your fingernails, and she recently told Parade why “safe” nail colors can actually make mature hands look older.

We chatted with Vicki Ornella, a manicurist and global educator at Salon Perfect, and asked her to explain why women over 50 should consider ditching pale pinks next time they stop by the salon for a manicure.

Since pale pink isn’t the only color that can potentially age your hands, Ornella reveals a few more shades that mature women should consider avoiding.

After reading her tips below, you may find yourself in need of some alternate go-to hues, so she has also shared the best nail colors that keep mature hands looking youthful and offers up some suggestions for the best expert-approved nail polishes to try right now.

Related: The #1 Thing a Nail Technician Wishes Clients Asked More Often 

Why ‘Safe’ Pale Pink Nail Polish Can Age Mature Hands

Pale pink nail polish is pretty, and it’s a nice neutral hue. However, it can sometimes age hands.

“Pale pinks have cool undertones that can actually draw attention to blue veins, age spots and any yellowing in the nail bed,” Ornella tells Parade.

As a result, you could be unintentionally making your hands look older when you choose this soft polish color.

Related: The Genius Trick for Youthful Hands We Wish We’d Known Sooner

3 Nail Colors That Keep Mature Hands Looking Youthful

If you decide to avoid pale pinks, Ornella says the following colors have “enough warmth and pigment to complement mature skin tones instead of washing them out.”

“These shades flatter the skin by softening the appearance of veins and age spots rather than highlighting them,” she tells Parade.

1. Dark berry

“A rich, dark berry gives mature hands a little richness and depth without looking harsh. It draws the eye to the color of the polish itself rather than the hand, which is really the goal with any of these shades,” Ornella says.

2. Bright corals and rich pinks

“A bright coral or rich pink adds a youthful pop of color that still flatters mature skin because of its warmth. It’s a fun way to feel a little more playful without straying into shades that work against you,” Ornella says.

3. Warm nudes

“Warm nudes are one of my go-to picks because they mimic the natural nail bed but with a healthier, shinier and overall more even tone. They make the whole hand look put together without looking like you’re trying too hard,” Ornella says.

Related: Manicurists Swear By These 9 Cuticle Oils for Hydrated, Stronger Nails

The Most Flattering Nail Shapes for Aging Fingers and Hands

Similar to nail polish colors, nail shapes also have the power to flatter your hands.

“The most flattering nail shapes for aging fingers and hands are oval and square oval (sometimes called squoval). Both shapes elongate the finger and create a softer, more polished line than a blunt square or overly pointed shape would,” Ornella says.

Related: The Best Nail Shape for Mature Hands, According to a Celebrity Manicurist

3 More ‘Worst’ Nail Polish Colors for Mature Hands

Aside from pale pink, there are a few other colors that have a tendency of aging your hands if you’re over 50.

1. Black

“Black can look beautiful for certain occasions, but on mature hands it can sometimes create too much contrast against the skin, making fine lines, veins and texture appear more noticeable,” Ornella says. “If you love a darker manicure, a rich berry or deep burgundy offers the same sophistication with a much softer, more flattering effect.”

2. Cool-toned greys

“Cool greys can leave mature hands looking washed out since they don’t add warmth back into the complexion. Warmer greige (gray-beige) or taupe shades create a much healthier, more polished appearance while still giving you that chic neutral manicure,” Ornella says.

3. Cool-toned purples

“Very cool-toned purples, particularly lighter lavenders and blue-based violets, can make mature skin appear dull because they emphasize cooler undertones in the hands. If you enjoy purple shades, opt for warmer plum or berry tones instead, which add richness and warmth,” Ornella says.

Related: A Celebrity Manicurist Says This Daily Habit Actually Weakens Nails Over Time

5 Expert-Approved Nail Polishes To Try Right Now

Here are some specific shades recommended for mature hands.

1. China Glaze Sun-Set the Mood (Vibrant Coral), $9

“This vibrant coral instantly brings warmth to the hands and creates a fresh, youthful look. Coral is one of my favorite shades because it adds color without emphasizing signs of aging,” Ornella says.

Related: The 11 Best Retinol Hand Creams To Tackle Signs of Aging

2. Salon Perfect Tropicool Punch (Fruity Red-Pink), $7

“Tropicool Punch is a bold, cheerful, bright pink that instantly livens up the hands. Because it’s another warm, saturated shade, it flatters mature skin much better than cooler pinks will and it gives nails a fresh, modern feel,” Ornella says.

3. China Glaze Moonlit Merlot (Rich Berry), $8.50

“A rich berry like Moonlit Merlot adds depth and elegance while creating contrast that feels sophisticated rather than harsh. It’s a beautiful alternative to black for women over 50. Not to mention, this color is a favorite for autumn and winter,” Ornella says.

Related: We Asked 4 Dermatologists the #1 Habit That Makes Skin Look Older—and They All Said the Same Thing

4. Salon Perfect Birthmark Beauty (Warm Mauve), $7

“It’s a sophisticated warm mauve-brown that gives nails a polished, healthy-looking finish without washing out mature skin. Its rich, earthy undertones help create an elegant manicure that feels modern, timeless and incredibly flattering on everyone,” Ornella says. 

5. China Glaze Strawberry Fields (Bright Fuchsia), $8.50

“Strawberry Fields is a bright, warm pink that adds energy and vibrancy while remaining incredibly wearable. The warmth in the shade helps hands look healthier and more radiant, while the sparkles and shine makes it feel more youthful and fun,” Ornella says.

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Related: Everyone Is Requesting These 9 Toenail Colors This Summer, According to a Celebrity Nail Artist

Source:

• Vicki Ornella, manicurist and global educator at Salon Perfect