Why Some Men Are Painting Just One Fingernail—And the Powerful Story Behind It
You might spot a man with one painted fingernail and wonder why. What looks like a simple style choice actually carries a deeply emotional and powerful meaning. It all began with a man named Elliot Costello and a young girl named Thea in Cambodia.
During a volunteer trip, Elliot met Thea, a child who had survived horrific abuse. As they spent time together, Thea painted one of his fingernails. Moved by the encounter, Elliot made a vow: he would keep that nail painted as a symbol of her story, and a reminder of the millions of children facing similar pain.
This small but meaningful gesture inspired a global campaign known as #PolishedMan.
The #PolishedMan movement urges men to paint one nail in honor of the 1 in 5 children worldwide who experience sexual violence before the age of 18. It’s a call for men to stand against abuse, to break the silence, and to be part of the solution. Statistics show that men are responsible for the overwhelming majority—96%—of such abuse, which is why the movement focuses on male accountability and leadership.
Elliot once said, “As she painted my nail, I told her I’d keep it that way. To remember her. And through her, all children like her.”
But it’s more than just awareness—#PolishedMan also raises money to fund prevention programs and provide recovery resources for young survivors. The painted nail becomes a conversation starter, a visible symbol that challenges harmful behavior and sparks dialogue around an often hidden issue.
Supporters hope to see more men, including influencers and public figures, join in—making a bold, visible stand for change, one painted nail at a time.