In 2013, Australian social entrepreneur Elliot Costello visited an orphanage in Cambodia, where he met a 10-year-old girl named Thea. She had suffered unimaginable trauma after losing her father and spending two years in the orphanage environment. Despite her past, Thea displayed remarkable strength and warmth, leaving a deep impact on Elliot. During their time together, she painted one of his fingernails—an act that became a symbol of her story and the countless children who endure abuse silently.
Determined not to let her experience be forgotten, Elliot made a promise: he would keep that one nail painted as a reminder and use it to fuel change. From this personal moment, the Polished Man movement was born. The initiative encourages men to paint a single fingernail to represent the heartbreaking statistic that one in five children worldwide experience sexual violence before the age of 18. It serves as a quiet but powerful conversation starter, urging men to become visible advocates for child protection.
Since its founding, Polished Man has grown into a global campaign supported by influential figures including Chris Hemsworth, Zac Efron, and Kelly Slater. The movement has successfully raised over $8.7 million, which funds trauma recovery programs, prevention initiatives, and support services for survivors around the world. More than just a symbol, each painted nail stands for action, awareness, and advocacy.
By participating in this movement, individuals help spark meaningful dialogue and contribute to building a safer world for children. So, if you see a man with one painted fingernail, it may not just be a fashion choice—it could be a quiet statement of hope, a show of solidarity, and a powerful reminder that no child should suffer in silence.