
Painting one fingernail a different colour to the others is often referred to as an 'accent nail'. This is usually done to add variety to a manicure without the cost of painting all nails. However, there are also several cases of people painting a single fingernail as a means of symbolism. For example, the Polished Man project encourages men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1 in 5 children who will be a victim of sexual violence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Accent nail |
| Purpose | To add variety to a manicure |
| Purpose | Symbolism |
| Symbolism | Support for the Polished Man project, which raises awareness of sexual violence against children |
| Symbolism | Penn Jillette paints one nail in memory of his mother |
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What You'll Learn

It can be called an accent nail
Painting one fingernail a different colour to the others is generally called an "accent nail". It's a way of adding variety to a manicure without the trouble or cost of doing something fancy to all of your nails. Sometimes, the accent nail is the plain nail while the others are fancy. The accent nail can be used to add a specific pattern, symbol or shape to your look, or it can be an accent colour that matches your favourite clothing colour, your jewellery or other accessories.
In some cases, painting one fingernail can be used as a means of symbolism. For example, the Polished Man project encourages men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1 in 5 children who will be a victim of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
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It can be a way to add variety to a manicure
Painting one fingernail a different colour to the others is known as an 'accent nail'. This is a way to add variety to a manicure without having to go to the trouble or expense of doing something fancy to all of your nails. The accent nail can be the plain nail while the others are fancy, or it can be a specific pattern, symbol or shape. The accent colour might match your favourite clothing colour, your jewellery, or something else.
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It can be a symbol of a personal pledge to speak up about violence against children
Painting one fingernail can be a symbol of a personal pledge to speak up about violence against children. The Polished Man project encourages men to paint one fingernail for a week to represent the 1 in 5 children who will be a victim of sexual violence. This trend can be a catalyst for good, with men taking a pledge to end the cycle of violence against children, which is often perpetrated by men.
Painting one fingernail can also be a way to add variety and interest to a manicure without the cost of doing something fancy to all nails. It can also be a way to add a personal touch, such as a favourite symbol or shape, or an accent colour to match an outfit or jewellery. In some cases, it can be a way to remember a loved one, such as Penn Jillette, who paints his ring finger in memory of his mother.
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It can be a way to remember someone
Painting one fingernail can be a way to remember someone. For example, Penn Jillette paints the ring finger on his left hand in memory of his mother. When he first began performing, she told him to get a manicure because people would be looking at his hands.
Painting one fingernail can also be a way to symbolise a personal pledge. The 'Polished Man' project encourages men to paint one fingernail for a week to represent the 1 in 5 children who will be a victim of sexual violence. Seeing other men with a bright nail is a sign that they've taken the same pledge to speak up about violence against children.
In addition, painting one fingernail can be a way to add variety and interest to a manicure without the trouble or cost of doing something fancy to all your nails. It can be your 'thing', with a specific pattern, symbol, shape or accent colour that matches your favourite clothing or jewellery.
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It can be a way to add interest to your nails
Painting one fingernail is often referred to as an 'accent nail'. It's a way to add interest and variety to your manicure without the time or cost of doing something fancy to all of your nails. You can add a specific pattern of polish to your look, like always having your pinkies done in black, or having your favourite symbol or shape on the nail. It can also be a way to match your accent nail to your favourite clothing colour or your jewellery.
In some cases, painting one fingernail can be used as a symbol or to raise awareness for a cause. For example, the Polished Man project encourages men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1 in 5 children who will be a victim of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting one fingernail is called an "accent nail". It's a way to add variety and interest to a manicure without the cost of doing something fancy to all your nails.
The Polished Man project encourages men to paint one fingernail for a week. The single nail on a hand of five nails represents the one in five children who will be a victim of sexual violence.
Some people paint one fingernail as a way to symbolise something personal, such as Penn Jillette, who paints the ring finger on his left hand in memory of his mother.
You can add a specific pattern, symbol or shape to your accent nail. You can also use it as an accent colour that matches your favourite clothing colour, your jewellery or other accessories.











































