Manicures for Men – More than a Girly Beauty Treatment

“Did you just say manicure? A manicure for a guy? Manicures for men? What, you have got to be crazy.”

This can’t be right; manicures are for girls, for women, for my mom, for my girlfriend, for my sister, for my Aunt. They aren’t for guys, for men, for my Dad, for my brother, for my Uncle, for me…are they?

Traditionally, manicures have been branded as one of those “girly beauty treatments” that women have sworn by over the years. It is one of their regular routines that helps them stay groomed and looking nice. However, recently, the tides have begun to turn, and it seems that an increasing number of men (yes, guys like you and me) are starting to take part in spa services traditionally targeted at women, such as MANICURES!

I’m sorry to say it, but it seems the good old days when a man’s masculinity was shown by his torn and worn hands are no more. But it’s okay, fellas—we live in an era where our masculinity is rarely threatened. And anyway, these treatments must be for men; after all, the word “MAN” is in the title, right? RIGHT!

What Is a Manicure, Anyway?

In technical terms, a manicure is a “cosmetic beauty treatment” (sorry, fellas) for the nails and hands that is enjoyed by both sexes. A manicure can treat just the nails, just the hands, or both. Your standard manicure involves cleaning, filing, and shaping the nails, along with the application of polish (for women, and maybe some men?). The treatment of the hands typically includes soaking the hands in a softening substance, helping to remove dead skin, followed by the application of hand lotion.

As for those performing the manicures, they are called manicurists or aestheticians. These professionals are regulated and licensed in most places due to the skin manipulation and possible risk of infection when tools are used on multiple clients. Proper sanitation and regulation are therefore critical.

What Should I Consider?

So, you’re going to try a manicure and are looking into your local spa to see if they offer this service for men? Good for you! Here are a few things to consider when you visit.

Remember that getting a manicure, for a guy like yourself, should be treated as a nice little indulgence. Having someone else clean and groom your hands and nails is a quick and affordable way to feel pampered. You might feel a little nervous since this is your first time at a nail salon, but that’s normal. Why not book an appointment with your wife or girlfriend? She’s been there a thousand times and knows exactly what to do. Plus, you aren’t the first guy this spa has seen, so just relax and enjoy the experience.

Also, if you are currently single, or trying out a new salon, make sure the spa follows the proper safety guidelines for treatments like manicures. Ensure that the services are provided by a licensed manicurist (they should have a certificate from the local Board of Health or Department of Cosmetology, and it should be displayed). If you’re not careful, you could pick up an infection. Check that any tools used are either disposable, disinfected, or sterilized to avoid the risk of contamination.

It’s also important to ensure that the spa is in tip-top shape—clean floors, bright lighting, and a tidy environment are all essential for safety and sanitary purposes. If the spa is quiet, ask yourself why that might be. Make sure the manicurist wears latex gloves, or at the very least, washes their hands with disinfectant before working on you.

But Every Guy I Know Thinks Manicures Are Ridiculous…

Of course, like any stereotype, the belief that “manicures are strictly for women” is a tough one to break. But more and more men are crossing over into the “women’s world of spas” and enjoying these treatments on a regular basis. If you’re worried that your friends, family, or co-workers will make fun of you for considering a manicure, don’t worry. No one is forcing you to try it. But if you’re the kind of guy who doesn’t care what others think or if your confidence easily wins others over, then go ahead and get yourself into a spa today.

Depending on what you do for a living, this type of treatment could quickly become a necessity. In jobs where the appearance of hands is important, such as concert pianists or card dealers, manicures can become essential. Many business executives and boardroom professionals are embracing this treatment more and more as well.

Remember, dirty, ragged fingernails and disgusting-looking cuticles are a huge turnoff. Think about it—doesn’t that make your stomach turn just to imagine it? So, don’t let your nails get to that point. Treat yourself to an hour at the spa.

Girls, Are You Having Trouble Convincing Him to Try?

Ladies, if you don’t already know the power you wield in a relationship, let me fill you in: If we (guys) are in a relationship with you, we are attracted to you, and we want to have sex with you. It’s on our minds, and you hold the key.

When it comes to convincing your guy to get a manicure, it’s simple. You can seduce him into it. Just talk about how sexy you think it would be for him to get a manicure, or offer him a night of lingerie or a sexy weekend getaway if he gets one done. I guarantee that 9.5 out of every 10 guys will do it the next day—or at least look into it.

You can also point out some men they might know who have had manicures, or even name a few celebrities with polished hands. Bring it up the next time you watch TV or a movie together.

A Beer with Your Manicure?

What’s more manly than enjoying a nice frosty mug of beer, right? Well, that’s the atmosphere at a men’s salon in New York City called John Allan’s, which offers beer with their haircuts, massages, shaves, and yes, manicures. They even have a pool table and TVs with sports. This is a trend many salons are following—creating a more “manly” atmosphere for guys who are getting “not-so-traditionally-manly” treatments.

If all spas haven’t yet embraced this mindset, they definitely should.

Are the Spas Ready for Guys?

The answer is a resounding YES. Men are boosting spa business like never before as they embrace the traditionally female-dominated world of grooming and relaxation. Spas are making this transition easier by offering more masculine versions of treatments that used to be exclusively for women. They’re also making the environment less feminine and introducing masculine creams and scents. The renaming of treatments—like the “man hands pedicure”—and the addition of TVs with sports has helped. Today, men make up about 29% of spa business, a huge jump from just a decade ago.

Do It Yourself…

If you’re a bit shy and don’t want your friends to know you’re getting a manicure, but you’re curious to see the reaction from your coworkers and the women in your life, don’t fret! There are at-home manicure kits for guys. These are affordable and usually come with instructions.

The kits include:

• Nail clipper
• Nail file and buffer
• Cuticle pusher
• Cuticle nipper
• Nail brush

If you’re still confused after looking over the instructions and equipment, consult your girlfriend, a female friend, or any woman in your life for tips.