Men have been seen in public with one painted fingernail, and the rationale is very cool and for a good cause.

Men may opt to paint one or more fingernails on each hand, and the color they pick may differ from man to man.

It’s true that some dudes take it up a notch by adding a design on top of the color, but the solitary meaning that it signifies remains unchanged.

This male-only fad originated Down Under, but enterprising American dudes are bringing it stateside.

While on the road with a group called Hagar International, Elliot Costello encountered a young girl named Thea, who inspired him to paint his nail and spread the idea further.

Elliot and the group arrived in Cambodia with the intention of making a difference in the lives of the people who live there.

In turn, the smallest villager made the greatest impression on Elliot, who learned of a problem that affects children all throughout the world, especially in the United States, and not just in Cambodia.

Elliot took the time to get to know tiny Thea by engaging with her in ways that she would enjoy.

Nail polish was a must for this girly-girl. She painted one of his as they chatted about her life and her troubles, and he painted one of hers.