Nail Care 101: Why every man should care about nails
Nail care is a simple and easy men’s grooming step, yet so many men neglect their nails because they only associate nail care with using male nail polish. There’s a stereotype that using nail kits and nail polish for men isn’t the “manly” thing to do, but in reality some steps are just for the sake of your own health.
Instead of using basic nail grooming tools, a lot of men will just pick at their fingers or bite their nails in hopes of a better appearance. While it might be more convenient to nibble away at a hangnail, you could actually be doing more harm than good to those precious fingers. You use your nails for everyday tasks from opening objects to flipping pages, so don’t take your nails for granted or judge those men painting nails too quickly. Here’s why every guy should care about his nails.
Common misconceptions about men wearing nail polish:
There are a lot of misunderstandings and stigmas around nail polish for men from social-media memes to Reddit groups. First of all, just because you’re wearing men’s nail polish colors or visiting a nail salon, doesn’t mean you’re not being “man” enough. It’s becoming totally acceptable, and even encouraged, for guys of all lifestyles and sexual orientations to get a manicure for men. You can even spot male celebrities today on the red carpet rocking men’s nail polish colors, such as Johnny Depp, Machine Gun Kelly, Harry Styles, A$AP Rocky, and so many more. Nail art is being expressed in a variety of styles from pure black nail polish (a common shade you can buy at online trendy stores like Differio) to floral nail-art designs. More importantly, nail care doesn’t just involve using nail polish for men and calling it a day. There’s so much more to nail care, including nail oil, hand cream, nail clippers, cuticle pushers and more!
When to keep up with your men’s nail care routine:
- Meeting a date for the first time
- Going on a job interview
- Preparing for a formal event - wedding, nightclub, business meeting, etc.
- Taking professional close-up photos
- Before going away on vacation
Basic Nail Health for Men:
If you’re a guy that’s felt weird about men wearing nail polish so much so that you’ve neglected your own nails, there are some warning signs you should heed. For some people, complete neglect of nail care can lead to obvious health concerns. It’s OK if you’re feeling weary of wearing nail polish for men, but you should at least take into consideration some basic nail-care guidelines. Here are some concerns to look out for if this is your first time caring for your nails.
Nail Fungus
Nail fungus usually occurs on toenails, but in some cases it can also affect your fingernails. If you’re experiencing discolored, disfigured nails with a foul odor, you most likely have nail fungus. You can seek a doctor for oral or topical treatments. For a more natural remedy, tea tree oil has been said to have antifungal properties.
Nail Discoloration
Discolored nails can range from colors, such as yellow, pale white, and dark streaks. Depending on what discoloration you have will determine what is the underlying condition. If you’re suffering from yellow nails, you can also get Côte's garlic nail treatment for men to help treat the unwanted yellow tint.
Nail Loss
Nail separation happens, whether it’s from a painful injury, skin diseases or nail infections. If you’ve suffered from a recent nail injury, you should avoid using any kind of nail polish for men to let it heal, unless it’s a topical treatment prescribed by a doctor. As long as your nail is still attached to the nail bed, the nail should grow back.
Dry Hands
If you’ve ever gotten a manicure for men, you might’ve noticed that the nail techs almost always apply lotion to your hands before starting the manicure and pedicure routine. This is because dry hands can also lead to dry, brittle nails. As long as you reapply hand cream any time your hands are feeling dry, you’re one step closer towards strengthening your nails.
