Anne Hathaway and Lili Reinhart adopt red nails and confirm the theory of seduction this spring

In the spring of 2026, the red nail theory is back in the spotlight. Anne Hathaway and Lili Reinhart both adopted this passionate hue within days of each other. Their choice rekindles the craze for this color associated with seduction and self-confidence.

Anne Hathaway and Lili Reinhart go for red

Red has never been so popular in the world of beauty. Between the cherry-red trend that has swept the fashion world and the beauty trend of red lipstick theory, this color is seducing a growing number of stars. As a result, it-girls are seizing on this shade to assert their style.

In the space of a few days, two actresses have tuned their violins to adopt the shade of passion on their nails. First, Lili Reinhart, known for her role as Betty Cooper in the Riverdale series, flaunted the hue while promoting her new film Forbidden Fruits. Next, Anne Hathaway followed suit for the second instalment of The Devil Wears Prada.

During a promo with her partner Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway opted for a total red look. Her outfit ranged from dress to lipstick, right down to the tips of her fingernails. This chromatic consistency immediately captured the attention of photographers and fashion fans alike.

Anne Hathaway’s red French manicure

For Anne Hathaway, the directive was clear when she attended the film’s premiere in Mexico City. Our Andrea Sachs wore red from dress to lipstick to nails. In a short but daring French manicure, the traditional white tips were replaced by an intense red.

“The traditional white spikes were replaced by an intense red, reminiscent of Miranda Priestly’s devilish stiletto heel in the film.”

This stylistic choice was reminiscent of Miranda Priestly’s devilish stiletto heel in the film. In this way, the actress paid tribute to the iconic aesthetic of the saga. The result was both elegant and subtly provocative.

Lili Reinhart’s cat-eye manicure

For Lili Reinhart, the color red was interpreted in a polished manicure requiring the skills of a professional. In fact, she called on her nail technician to film the result on TikTok. The result was a glittery, magnetized nail polish reminiscent of shiny fruit.

• Micro heart manicure for a romantic effect
• Cat’s eye nails with magnetic effect
• Chilli pepper micro manicure for an original touch
• 3D manicure with subtle relief
• Red ribbon manicure for refined style

The actress compared her nails to “love apples”, as she puts it in the video. She added that this choice was “intentional and appropriate, as my character’s name is Apple”. This attention to detail shows just how much a manicure can become a narrative element in its own right.

An eye-catching magnetic effect

The cat-eye effect creates a luminous reflection that moves according to the angle of the light. This technique requires a special varnish containing magnetic particles. Using a magnet, the nail technician draws a shiny line down the center of the nail.

This type of manicure is gaining in popularity on social networks, notably TikTok. Tutorials are multiplying and inspiring nail art enthusiasts. The red nail theory finds new creative variations every season.

The red nail theory: myth or reality?

This craze for scarlet manicures is reminiscent of the red nail theory trend, very popular on TikTok. According to Internet users, wearing red nail polish makes a person more attractive. The color is culturally associated with passion, confidence and seduction.

Some psychology studies suggest that red can indeed influence the perception of attractiveness. However, this theory remains largely simplified and scientifically unproven in the specific case of nails. Research is more focused on clothing or facial make-up.

One thing’s for sure: red catches the eye and makes you want to wear it as a pattern, French manicure or cat eye all season long. Whether you believe this theory or not, the hue remains a timeless classic. It crosses eras and trends without ever losing its radiance.

Why is red so appealing in 2026?

Red is establishing itself as a color of character, far from the neutral hues often favored. In spring 2026, women are looking for ways to assert their personality. Manicure becomes an accessible and visible means of expression on a daily basis.

What’s more, stars directly influence their fans’ beauty choices. When Anne Hathaway and Lili Reinhart adopt the same trend, the ripple effect is immediate. As a result, nail salons are flooded with requests for red nail polish in all its forms.

• red nails