Males & their nails: the rise in colour choices & nail art

Following backlash team USA sprinter, Noah Lyles, received for sporting nail art in the Paris Olympics men’s 100m final, male manicures are a hot topic. Elaine Watson, global education director at Light Elegance, shares insight into how to tailor your treatments and support their nail needs…

Elaine Watson

I was at the auto shop for an oil change, expecting grease-stained overalls and a firm handshake. But something unexpected happened. My customer rep, Wes, greeted me with a smile – and a flash of what could only be described as a killer shade of sapphire blue peeking out from under his (somewhat) perfectly manicured fingertips.

Now, I wasn’t exactly undercover. I was sporting a flawless set of Light Elegance’s latest gel creations. The urge to compliment Wes’ bold colour choice was strong, but I held back. We chatted about the car, the weather, the usual stuff. However, Wes’ nails kept nagging at my professional curiosity. Here was a young man clearly interested in self-care, yet his polish lacked that long-lasting, salon-quality finish.

The rise of the modern manicure

This encounter perfectly exemplifies the rise of the modern men’s manicure. Forget outdated stereotypes of burly dudes flinching at the words ‘gel polish’. These days, men are increasingly embracing well-groomed hands and colour as a badge of honour that’s not just for celebrities.

It’s about self-care, folks. Hands are constantly on display: shaking hands, typing away and (let’s be honest) sometimes picking at hangnails. A good manicure keeps them healthy, prevents snags and projects confidence – perfect for closing deals or acing that first date.

Men’s manicures: a tailored approach

The key to a successful men’s manicure first lies in adapting your service. Men’s nails tend to be thicker and stronger than women’s. Ditch the high-shine block and focus on cuticle care, shaping and a subtle buff. 

Communication is key! Talk to your client and find out what they’re comfortable with – a bare minimum clean-up or perhaps a P+ gel polish colour or nail art. Be open to all requests – do not assume that all men seek a natural-looking finish.

Light Elegance: a choice for men’s manicures

Light Elegance offers a fantastic range of professional-only, Hema-free products that are perfect for men’s manicures, ensuring long-lasting results. Here’s where the amazing Lexy Line comes in:

• Strong & flexible base coat: JimmyGel provides a superior foundation that prevents chipping, even for the most active hands.
• High-shine top coat: Delivers a long-lasting gleam that won’t dull or fade. But for those who prefer a more understated look, Light Elegance also offers a matte finish top coat for a natural-looking finish.
• LEpro Cuticle Oil: Keeps cuticles hydrated and prevents hangnails, promoting overall hand health.
• Sheer or clear P+ Gel Polishes (optional): If your client desires a natural finish, offer a subtle hint of colour or shine.
• Light Elegance ButterCreams: Let’s not forget those who want to embrace a bolder look (like Wes)! Light Elegance’s ButterCream colours apply thinly but offer the protection of hard gel: perfect for giving a manicure a pop of colour or adding nail art.

A clean, polished look that says, ‘I take care of myself,’ is the first goal for many men. By offering men’s manicures and showcasing colour and art options, you can expand your client base. So, ditch the stereotypes, grab your arsenal and get ready to conquer the world of men’s manicures – one perfectly groomed hand at a time!

For more information on Light Elegance, visit www.lightelegance.com / www.lightelegance.co.uk

Read Elaine Watson’s Scratch column series in our digital magazine editions, or purchase a print subscription or copies.