Polish Protocol

American Beauty

By Abby Gardner

Flawless, short red nails say classic and meticulous to us — kind of like Jennifer Garner. She's one celebrity who has never made any embarrassing moves and tends towards the simple and understated when it comes to her style choices.

Drama Queen

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you've got Heidi Montag. While Chanel may be classic, wearing the interlocking Cs on your nails is really about grabbing attention. It's a flashy choice, to be sure.

Fashion Fan

Longer, pointy nails like Selita Ebanks' are all the rage on high fashion runways at the moment. As a model, it's not surprising that she is right on trend. Wearing this shape definitely tells people you're fashion-forward.

Casual Cool

Buffed, well-manicured (but not polished) nails like Jennifer Aniston's say, "I'm laid back, but I still care about how I look." Very appropriate for the California girl and longstanding America's sweetheart.

Mismatched

While Jen's nails look perfect, we're not so sure what Whitney Port was thinking here. She's all dressed up for the fancy CFDA Awards (basically the Oscars of fashion), but she didn't seem to take time to get her nails done. That length without polish seems to indicate she's not taking it all very seriously ... not the best idea for an up-and-coming designer.

Beauty Boy

They don't call him Glambert for nothing! Adam Lambert isn't the only rocker boy to take to nail polish, but we dare say no nails are as perfectly manicured as his. This American Idol is definitely not afraid of spending time at the salon.

Tried & True

Black nails have been happening for a while now. And Kim Kardashian is definitely a trend follower, as well as someone who goes with the same look pretty much every time she goes out. She's a creature of habit, but maybe it's time she started playing around with a new shade.

Pop Rock

When you substitute a "$" for the "s" in your name, no one really thinks you're going to do the expected. Ke$ha's blue nails are definitely very hip right now and not as dark and moody as the rest of her outfit. We approve ... though we do wish we could now get "Your Love Is My Drug" out of our heads.

Tough Chick

We think it's safe to assume that if you choose long, fake nails like Amber Rose's, you don't work with your hands. These are definitely statement nails that give off a "don't mess with me" vibe.

Anything Goes

Rihanna's nails certainly make a statement, too. But they seem perfectly appropriate for the pop star. She is exactly the kind of person who can pull off anything fashion- and beauty-wise, even smiley (and sad) face nails. We don't suggest this for just anyone.

Making A Statement?

Could this one nail painted a different color be a small act of rebellion on Jessica Alba's part? There's usually nothing random or out of place in her cool style choices. On the other hand, maybe she just ran out of that greige shade.

Perky Princess

Spunky and playful is how we'd describe this poppy shade. And the adorable Kristen Bell. If she were a nail polish, this is the one she'd be.

Solid Gold

Super shiny, metallic gold nails say diva, diva, diva all the way. And Mya is working this look to the fullest. Pick this shade and you're definitely asking people to notice you.

Dressed Down

Drew Barrymore's style goes back and forth between hippie chick and grunge goddess. The messily painted white nails remind us of days applying Wite-Out to our nails and listening to Nirvana.

Glitzy Gal

Neon nails will make people do a double take. And we're sure that's exactly what young starlet Annalynne McCord is going for. It's all very new 90210, no? Oh to be young and rich. ...

Dog Days

What does it say about you when you paint your dog's nails? Well, in the case of the Beckham family, we think it means Victoria needs a daughter. And her name is Coco. Need we say more?