Phoenix man with painted nails got asked how he could be a teacher. So he broke it down like he was teaching a class
Luke Red broke down the question into two parts to make it easier
Teachers get asked silly questions all the time, but not all of these questions are from students. Luke Red (@lukeredtalks), a Phoenix teacher and content creator, was asked by viewers why he wore nail polish as a male teacher. Instead of ignoring the question, Red took to TikTok on August 18, 2026, and explained in detail how he's a teacher with painted nails, the exact same way he would to a student. The video racked up 1.5 million views, 239,400 likes, and 11,500 comments.
Three degrees
Red began by breaking down the question into two parts: Why he's a teacher, and why he wears nail polish. Addressing the first question, Red said, "I'm a teacher with painted nails because I went to college and I got my bachelor's degree." He added that he had to study further to get a Master's degree in Education, and clear his certification examination to become a teacher. To clarify even more, Red said, "I also did another Master's degree after that to get another degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Okay, so I have three college degrees, and I have a teacher certification. That's how I became a teacher."
Nail polish deets
As for the second question, Red said that he went to the store, got nail polish, and painted his nails. He went a little further and described his nail polish while showing them off to the camera. He said, "This one specifically is a black gloss base, and then on top of it I put a pink glitter." He concluded by saying, "So yeah, when you put those two things together, that's how I'm a teacher with painted nails." Adding a dash of sarcasm, Red said, "So yeah, let me know if you're still confused, and I can explain more."
@lukeredtalks Back to school! #teacher #teachersoftiktok #teacherlife #nailart #bts ♬ original sound - Red Talks
Makeup stereotypes
Even though it is already 2026, several people still have stereotypical views about men and makeup. A 2016 YouGov poll found that the majority (50%) of respondents said men wearing makeup is considered a "bad" thing, while only 11% seemed to accept it. Furthermore, when asked about how acceptable it was for men to wear nail polish, the majority (41%) of the younger generation (18-34 years old) were okay with it, compared to 17% of the older generation (aged 55+).
Even though younger people are beginning to accept men wearing makeup and nail polish, Red still had to deal with those who had issues with the way he presented himself. However, Red has also received comments and messages from people who want to support him getting his nails done. Red accepted their donations, but clarified they would be going into supplies and materials for his class.
'Draw pictures with crayons as you explain'
Several netizens supported Luke Red in the comments. @cadyengland5, another teacher, commented, "I'm also a teacher with painted nails. No one ever says anything like that to me because I'm a woman. It's almost like... it doesn't impact the job at all." @sherivalerio chimed in, "As an elementary teacher, it might be helpful if you draw pictures with crayons as you explain using fewer steps — visuals are helpful."
You can follow Luke Red (@lukeredtalks) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.
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