October 31 may seem light-years away, but if last-minute Halloween costumes stress you out, then you know it’s never too early to start planning for a killer getup. Makeup and hair are a given, but the perfect costume isn’t complete without an amazing mani. This year we’ve pulled out all the stops with a mega-roundup of the scariest, spookiest, and all-around amazing Halloween nails ever. From black-cat French tips to pumpkin-face nail art to the most stellar sugar-skull nails we’ve *ever* seen, here are 40 manicures that are basically costumes for your nails.
DIY Halloween Nail Art To Try
Brit + Co
Snakebite Nail Art
Okay, technically these have a little bit of red on them. But we think you’ll forgive us and our favorite nail artist SF Party Nail AKA Taylor Watson.
Bellacures
Red Blood French Tips
Your decision to dress as Jason Vorhees for Halloween won't be complete with these red blood french tips. They're the perfect complement to the faux bloody machete you'll be carrying.
Brit + Co
Golden Ratio
Perfect for the lazy-girl nail artist who wants to hit two holidays with just one mani. Do this on Halloween day and then carry it all the way into the New Year!
Brit + Co
Cute Cat Ear Tips
This is a great mani option for anyone and everyone who wants to be on the couch with their cats at any given moment. Just use a thinner brush to make the triangles for the ears. You can use another brush or even the tip of a bobby pin to dot on the eyes!
Burgundy Nails With Gold Flecks
Craft a sweet witch's brew to match your burgundy nails with gold flecks.
Black With White Spider Nail Design
If you don't have a fear of spiders, let this white spider design help you craft the perfect Halloween treat.
Depois Dos Quinze
Stitch of Lilo & Stitch
Let these Hawaiian nails add some fun to your Halloween costume. Don’t worry, they won’t cause as much havoc as you think.
Black and White Spooky Halloween
Your scary Halloween costume won't be complete with this black and white nail design.
All That Glitters
If you love all things glam, you don't have to wait until New Years to go crazy with the glitter. Pick darker colors to make this mani extra moody.
Halloween Nail Art Inspo
Bony Gal
Keep your Halloween digits looking eerie with a skeleton design scattered along your nails. A matte black and red polish underneath looks even more appropriate for the holiday.
Feelin’ Spidey
Scare the ish out of all the arachnophobes with your spooky spider nails.
Spooky Minimalist
A ghostly manicure instantly puts you in the Halloween spirit. Plus, if you’re more of a minimalistic gal, this simple design will ring true.
Sweet Skulls
Even if you’re not a fan of Halloween, these designs let you take part in October fun without the spook factor. This manicure is trendy and colorful and will match any outfit you pair it with.
Mixed Finishes
You don’t have to deck out your digits in skulls and ghosts to be festive. A fancy orange and black mani gives you just the right amount of edgy flair.
Orange Evil Eye
The evil eye can mean a curse in many cultures around the world. What better way to celebrate the spooky holiday than with protective nails featuring these talismans?
Twist on a French
Pair your black polish with a simple white to elevate and invert this classic, yet very Halloween-appropriate, finish.
Shimmer and Spiders
Statement nails featuring sparkles and spider webs turn the dial up on Halloween glam. Balance it out with a neutral gray shade as your base color or keep it negative with a bare nail layered with a top coat.
Scratch It Up
Destroyed ombre nails feel spooky but still stylish. Achieve this jagged mani look by coating your nail with black and using a scratcher tool to uncover the natural hue underneath.
Spooky Kitty
Instead of opting for the scary nail art route, go spooky. Cute, pointy-eared kitties are purrfect for Halloween.
Squiggly Black Lines
Start off with a neutral base coat, then get funky with dark and random squiggly lines.
Bloody Nails
This spine-tingling nail art will give you all the holiday feels this October. Drip polish down from your cuticles, and clean up your skin with a nail polish remover-soaked cotton swab. Done and done.
Moody and Matte
Feel like sporting your artsy side? Paint an entire creepy scene onto your nails for a unique mani. Adding a matte top coat lets the designs be seen even better.
Marble Print
This looks tough but is actually fairly easy. Begin by using black nail polish and a small brush dipped in acetone, draw on lines with the polish and then blur them by swirling with the brush.
Art Dark-O
One small black line from top to bottom of your nail bed makes for an artsy addition to a skeleton-inspired Halloween look.
Candy Corn
It’s easy and it’s a classic. Just a warning: You may have to resist the urge to nibble your fingers!
Shattered Nails
Give your fingers some sharp angles to give the illusion of jagged nails.
Matte and Glossy Meet
Spice up the typical matte nail with a glossy French tip.
Frankenstein Stitches
We’re already haunted by this funky, yet totally appropriate Frankenstein pop art.
Picasso Line Art
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about zombies and mummies. Instead, try a fine-art approach that’s still wacky enough for the holiday.
Halloween Collage
Can’t decide which Halloween fave to go with? Use a different nail for each October 31 icon so no one misses out.
Jack Skellington
We love this black, white, and sparkly tribute to a Halloween classic.
Disney Princesses
If you can’t decide which Disney princess you want to be this year, then just be all of them! This mani shows off their goofy side because even a Disney princess knows how to have fun too.
Halloween Nails You Can Buy
Dashing Diva
Dashing Diva Glow Potion Gloss Palette
Add some magic to your nails with a glow-in-the-dark set that features all your favorite Halloween motifs with a fun color palette.
Etsy
Black Bat Halloween Nails
Switch up your base color every time you add one (or multiple) of these stickers, and you'll get a different look every single time!
Etsy
Black Spider Web Press On Nails
The coolest part about these Halloween nails is the two-in-one finish they have. Even though they're monochromatic, the glossy and matte textures provide some unexpected contrast. (via LilyNailsArt/Etsy)
Etsy
Ghost Nails
The detail on these tips stand out against the simple base, and add a spooky touch to all your fall outfits!
Glamnetic
Lady Web
Give your spidery web nails a cute update with these press-on nails! The glitter will make them less spooky as you brew one of your famous Halloween cocktails.
Walmart
Salon Perfect Matte Checkered Cat Nails
Witchy nails are meant to be as chic as they are thrilling. Lucky for us, Salon Perfect understood the assignment when they created these cute matte checkered cat nails!
Walmart
Salon Perfect Black Moon Ombre Nails
Dressing up as a mysterious and sexy tarot reader for Halloween? Don't forget to add these black moon ombre nails to your costume.
Want more Halloween nail art and beauty inspiration? Be sure to check out our Pinterest page!
This post has been updated.
Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.
Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”
Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."
It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)
However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.
“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”
What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?
Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”
“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”
Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!
Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?
JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel
With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 was delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.
Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.
Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025. Based on the schedule for Spider-Man: Far From Home, we could see Spider-Man 4 in the summer of 2026.
What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel
We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!
What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:
- Captain America: Civil War
- Spider-Man: Homecoming
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Avengers: Endgame
- Spider-Man: Far From Home
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!
This post has been updated.
My French manicure has overstayed it's welcome, but it's only because I've been so busy saving fall nail ideas to my Pinterest board for next season. I've officially checked out of summer because there's almost always a daily heat wave or run-in with a pesky mosquito that thinks it's discovered liquid courage within my legs' veins. I'm over it, and more than ready for fall!
Do you need some new autumnal options too? Good, then get in because we're going shopping! Get ready to take as many screenshots as your phone can handle because the fall nail ideas are going to make sure you're ready for cozy weather and spooky season.
Stylish Fall Nail Ideas
KISS
Kiss Voguish Fantasy Press-On Nails (Unbroken Love)
Whether you've got fashion week or pumpkin spice season on your mind, these nails have fall written all over them. Okay, they technically have 'love' and cute French chrome accents on them, but you get what I mean.
They're subtle enough to match fall's cozy vibes without fading into obscurity and it's the type of thing I love. I'd personally wear this nail idea as soon as fall starts to show my gratitude for my favorite season.
They serve as the perfect transition between two seasons so you could actually get them a few days before summer ends!
Jasmine Williams
Black And White Abstract Nails
Don't count abstract nails out because there's still a way to make them work for fall. Opt for a black and white color palette to serve as your base while letting the hand drawn designs do most of the talking.
This is still one of my favorite sets to date because it went with everything outfit I chose to wear. Athleisure? No problem. Cowgirl status? You bet!
Bellacures
French Metallic Nails
Love the first couple of fall nail ideas, but want to focus on a chrome French manicure? You've come to the right place!
Similar to the first idea, these nails can be transitional because they're ambiguous and aren't beholden to any rules. You can request these at your nail next appointment or you can wait to debut them after fall's been around for a month.
They'll go with plenty of the fall fashion ideas you're saving to your Pinterest board.
Target
Chillhouse Chill Tips Nail Art Press On Fake Nails (Gone Glamping)
I know you plan to go glamping this fall, so let your nails match nature with a pop of forest green! It's arguable whether you should wear press-on nails in the great outdoors, but no one said you had to do any of the heavy lifting.
If you plan to keep existing in your soft girl era, these press-on nails from Chillhouse are a cute fall nail idea to take on your overnight trip in the forest.
Paintlab
PAINTLAB Tortie Press-on Nails
If you don't buy these press-on nails, I surely will! I love anything tortoise shell — I'll run up the hill towards it every time. It's this close to replacing my love for leopard print, but that's TBD. The point is, these nails are another great fall staple to have.
The only fall rule I have is that varying shades of brown and black together create the best fall neutral. Once you pair it with a rounded almond nail shape, you have one of the best fall nail ideas out there.
I could tell you to stop scrolling because you don't need anymore options, but there's still so much more to explore!
Cozy Fall Nail Ideas
Target
Olive & June Press-on Oval Medium Fake Nails
If you're taking a break from nail art, focus on getting basic nail colors! You can still wear press-on nails this fall, but you'll look like a chic Editor from Runway magazine with these oxblood nails.
You'll be able to secure them with non-toxic and on-damaging glue which is a relief. No one said anything about cute fall styles and damaged nails!
Londontown
Londontown Posh Forever Metallic Nail Polish
Give yourself a gorgeous gel manicure at home with Londontown's metallic nail polish! Thanks to the amazing formula of proprietary kur care, you'll receive a nice dose of strength, moisture, and cute fall nails with each brush stroke.
Also, it's obvious that this nail polish is a must-have for anyone who's been counting waiting to order their drink from the Starbucks fall menu. As you can see, it looks gorgeous against a cream rib knit sweater! You can also pair it with neutral matching sets while you're at it.
Ella + Mila
Ella + Mila Bags Are Packed Blue Nail Polish
Jewel tones are so fall, so go for a true blue nail polish like this one by Ella + Mila. It doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients which is great for anyone who prefers vegan beauty products. It also dries really quick and claims to be chip-resistant. That's a great feature if you use your hands a lot!
Bellacures
Peek-a-boo Black Nail Polish
Classic black nails will always be in. You can call these nails moody, but it doesn't change the fact they're going to be the most versatile idea you wear this fall.
Since there's no additional rhinestones or nail designs associated with this idea, you can actually recreate this at home. It can be your way of saving money so you don't have to choose between toilet paper and wine à la Shonda Rhimes.
Spooky Fall Nail Ideas
Glamnetic
Glamnetic Sandworm Press-On Nails
"Look! You've been to Saturn! I've been to Saturn! Whoa, sandworms, you hate ’em, right" is one of my favorite unhinged quotes from Beetlejuice that match these press-on nails perfectly.
Since we're finally getting a long-awaited sequel to the cult classic, it feels fitting that I include these beauties in the fall nail ideas roundup. They mix a bit of the sandworms' design with the classic Beetlejuice suit I love to see Michael Keaton wear so I think this means you just discovered your Halloween costume. 👀
Walmart
Salon Perfect Halloween Press-on Nails (Orange Pumpkin)
The first movie I think about when I see these nails is Scream. That's one of my favorite teen slasher films that I still watch to this day so I love how these designs seem to pay homage to Ghostface.
The pumpkins and orange crochet lines are an added touch that takes the edge off the 'killer' aspect which may make some people feel more comfortable looking at your nails. Then again, it doesn't really matter if other people don't get them.
Bellacures
Spooky Spider Nails
Undoubtedly someone doesn't have a fear of spiders and I applaud you for having the courage I don't. So, if you're trying to think of your next spooky Halloween costume, let these nails be your guiding light.
They're deliciously witchy and seem like you can conjure pumpkins to break out in a jubilated song.
The current season isn't over yet so check out 33 summer nails we love!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image via Bellacures
Every year since I was old enough to choose my Halloween costume, I've gone with my current fictional character hyperfixation. We're talking Amy March from Little Women, Lucy from Narnia (twice), Belle from Beauty in the Beast (three times), and even Eurydice from Hadestown. So I know a good pop culture Halloween costume when I see it.
New York Comic Con 2024 was filled with people who love movies, TV, and comics — and who know how to put together a good costume. This past weekend I saw everything from Disneybounds (a catchall term for easier, streetwear version of iconic costumes) to cosplays involving lights and smoke. And I catalogued them all away because they make incredible Halloween costume inspo. The best news is these are all pretty easy and they're definitely recognizable. So no more having to explain who you are! Here are 17 of the coolest pop culture costumes I saw at NYCC to use for your own 'fits this year.
Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'
Universal Pictures
My jaw literally dropped when I saw two cosplayers in full head-to-toe costumes from the new Wicked movie. And when I say full costume, I mean it — people were having to step around Glinda because her ballgown was so big! If you're not so sure about a full gown, opt for a pink corset and mini skirt for G, or a little black dress for Elphaba, instead.
'The Handmaid’s Tale'
Brit + Co
A white cap and a red cape? Babe, it literally doesn't get easier than this.
'Agatha All Along' Costumes
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
Agatha All Along is Marvel's newest hit show, and as a costume girlie I was so excited to see outfits from the series IRL! I was also shocked at how easy they are to recreate. Billy just wears a sweater and jeans (which you probably already have in your closet), while Agatha opts for a teal trench.
Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'
Chloe Williams/Brit + Co
And of course it wouldn't be a comic con without dozens of Scarlet Witches! Wanda Maximoff is such a beloved character, it only makes sense that fans would wear full cosplays, or turn her iconic costume into a sweater & jeans look like I did! If you're feeling crafty like me, I was inspired by @MagicWithMeg's jeans and painted the design on a pair of black jeans. The only thing you'll want to note here is that I made sure to paint white on the base before the red — it made it stand out perfectly.
Obviously, I wore my Scarlet Witch shirt to meet Wanda herself, Elizabeth Olsen.
'Game of Thrones'
Brit + Co
Winterfell will never go out of style! Reuse that red cape from The Handmaid's Tale costume, or go for a leather look. Either way, you'll look very stylish.
Megan
Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures
One pop culture costume that made me laugh out loud was M3gan from the 2022 flick of the same name. Buying the costume dress will save you a ton of hassle (meaning you can focus on scaring your neighbors), but all you need to recreate it is a khaki mini dress.
Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'
Ken Woroner/Netflix
Anne of Green Gables is one of the stories I hold closest to my heart, and I was so excited to see a duo dressed up as Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert! Especially since it's just an excuse to wear cottagecore dresses all Halloweekend long.
'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes
Allyson Riggs/A24
Everything Everywhere All At Once costumes are so easy to recreate — and this Elvis costume x pink wig combo is simply too iconic to pass up. I'll take any excuse to have a bagel in-hand.
Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'
Warner Bros. Pictures
Dune 2 has a lot of iconic duos. Paul and Chani, Feyd Rautha and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. But the combo I didn't expect to see at Comic Con was Princess Irulan and a sandworm. But now I need this tan dress and chainmail ASAP.
Harry Potter and Hermione
Brit + Co
I also saw plenty of Hogwarts students during my time at NYCC, and Harry and Hermione are always a great choice for a Halloween costume. Grab some Wizarding robes — after you figure out your house of course.
Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'
Disney Channel
Troy and Gabriela might be the easiest couples's costume of all time. An East High jersey and a red mini dress are all you need! (Microphones not needed, but encouraged).
Glen Powell in 'Twisters'
Universal Pictures
White tee? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Tiny, adorable dog? Check. My friend, you've got yourself a Twisters Halloween costume!
Cinderella
Jonathan Olley/Disney
The 2015 Cinderella rewired my brain, and seeing someone show up to Comic Con in Lily James' gorgeous blue ballgown rewired it all over again!! If the full gown is too much, try our easy DIY Cinderella outfit instead!
'Star Wars'
Brit + Co
Dressing up as a Jedi really just means wearing the most comfy Halloween costume ever. Just grab some leggings and wrap some fabric around your body and you've got an easy Rey costume for the holiday.
Baby Yoda
Disney
And in the Star Wars of it all, I also saw a baby dressed up as Grogu and I couldn't handle the cuteness! This onesie is a must.
The Powerpuff Girls
Amazon
While I saw someone rock a Powerpuff Girls tee, you can also grab a matching set in blue, green, or pink to make this costume more screen-accurate.
A Camp Half-Blood Student From 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'
Matthias Clamer/Disney
I'd definitely consider Percy Jackson'sCamp Half-Blood my home away from home, and if you snag this camp shirt, you can wear it all the time — not just on Halloween. Grab some cosplay armor and your favorite pair of denim shorts and you can be a camper ready to fight evil!
Check out 65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators for more!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.
I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!
I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.
The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'
Amazon
If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."
Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."
To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.
Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."
If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.
And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.
1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's
I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.
Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.
"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."
The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.
2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice
Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"
This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.
"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."
It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.
3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful
"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.
My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.
Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.
Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.
4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults
Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.
She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"
Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."
If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.
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