This article from The Polish Addict got me thinking about something I've wondered about for a long time.
Women all over the world love nail polish. Most women own at least one bottle, and very few would turn down a nice salon manicure or pedicure.
Nail polish looks good. It can help you portray a specific image- professional, clean, wild, fun, sexy, spooky.
It is not only socially acceptable for women to be seen wearing nail polish, it's often a requirement.
Manicures and pedicures are relaxing and are, in my opinion, essential grooming. Gnarly feet, broken nails and cracked cuticles don't just look bad, they're downright uncomfortable.
If it's so normal for women to care for their nails, why isn't it the same for men?
My question: Why don't more men wear nail polish?
I suppose the main answer from all the guys would be, "that's for girls!" I can't get my husband to wear nail polish, but I've sure tried.
I don't understand why it's perceived as girly when it can be equally manly.
Observe:
Steven Tyler does it...
Ozzy Osbourne does it....
Dave Navarro does it....
Kirk Hammett does it...
Alexi Laiho does it...
Richard Kruspe does it...
Hell, even Nathan Explosion does it.
All of these guys could contend for Ultimate Badass, so why don't more badass men rock nail polish? These are shining examples of how nail polish can be the exact opposite of girly.
There's even a company that makes nail polish especially for men- ManGlaze. They feature edgy artwork by Joe Simko, who's also done artwork for GWAR, and if you think that's still wimpy... Their black polish is the exact color of a Glock.
Hard Candy even had a nail polish line for men called Candy Man, but I can see why that one failed...
My message to men: It's okay to wear nail polish! And not just black. Any color your heart desires. And it doesn't have to be badass, it can be whatever you want it to be- hell, it can even be girly if that's what you want.
And another question: Why are women so opposed to men wearing polish? A lot of women will scoff in disgust when presented with the thought of a man in polish. I've seen many women respond negatively to pictures of manicured or pedicured men. Why is this? I just don't understand.
Do women feel like it's competition? Do they feel that it's not right because painting nails traditionally a women's activity? This isn't women's underwear, people, it's nail polish. Chemical soup in rainbow colors. To me, that is completely gender-neutral.
Hopefully, in the future, a manicured or pedicured man will be accepted as normal- not 'goth' or 'girly'- just normal.
What do you think? Are you uncomfortable or are you delighted with the idea of men wearing polish? I'd love to hear your opinion on the subject!
While you're at it, check out this man's experience with the fish pedicure.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Why don't men wear nail polish?
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I reckon the blokes can do whatever they want - girls have acquired so many masculine trends as their own, it's only fair the boys get some back.
Id love to see some guys wearing polish. Maybe not feminine colours because then we'd have competition ;o;
Regarding men with nail polish: I think nail polish and manicures is a mark of femininity. That's a good thing. And only my opinion. My hope is that this beauty trend stays with the ladies. To me a well groomed women has nice nails. However, a young gal at the oil change place always has a professional manicure. Her hands are dirty, but still very attractive and feminine.
Glad you are back. Now, I compare all other manicures to your nails! You have,without a doubt, prettiest natural nails, I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing them.
Scott
hmmm, think of it: a whole new market fot men's nail polish! More polishes, yay!!
I totally agree! It seems like taking care of your nails=gay and black nailpolish=ok on "rockers". That's what I call prejudiced! I saw a tv show a while ago, where a woman should send two men to try something new and vice versa. She sent them to a spa, where they should get hand/face massage and a nail treatment mani. Both of them are building carpenters, and before they where like "this is so silly and gay". They got their nails done etc. and by that I mean hand/finger massage, cuticle care, nail treatment and a matte clear polish on top. Afterward they had admit that they've been so biased, because it was so comfortable and relaxing and overall a good experience. So why does it have "GAY" whritten all over it like it's a bad thing? I really don't understand.
oh, ok you can prob. see it's me above! clicked to fast;)
Personally I see it as survival of the fittest thing. Women are more attracted to the stereotypical masculine image when they are ready to mate. Men who have manicures and paint their nails look as if they do not do any work with their hands. If no work is done with their hands then what makes them a suitable specimen to mate with? Are you seeing where I am going? ...but that's just the Anthropologist in me. I have made my own husband get manicures at the salon and had them use a clear matte polish to finish. He actually liked it...I think. :-) But I'm glad he doesn't raid my stash because it starts with nail polish and next thing you know he's using my Chanel makeup!
I am totally all for men getting a mani/pedi because that is just all about good groming. Gnarly hands and feet are gross! But I think the mani/pedi should stop at a buff and shine. I am in the camp that thinks nail polish is for girls. I view it as makeup. The only guys that can wear make up and nail polish for that matter and get away with it are the rockers that you showed. For them, it is totally cool!! But it is not practical for everyday, normal people. It just isn't socially acceptable for men to wear makeup - how often do you see a man in lipstick? Nail polish on a man would evoke the same feelings.
But I am also in the camp that people should do whatever the heck they want! So if a bunch of men want to start wearing nail polish and it becomes a trend, wonderful! But I don't think it will stick around, if that is the case.
OK, I am outing myself, but I do watch American Idol, and I was tickled to see David Cook wearing green polish in a couple of clips....a rocker who wasn't wearing black was great!
My hubby loves my polish obsession, and lets me manicure his nails once in a while, but shies from the polish application. I keep teasing him that I am going to paint his toenails while he sleeps :).
was asking Swedish fashion designer Lars Wallin in my interview with him. He thinks - it will come. Rock stars already wear nail polish, so it can be trendy some day for others.
I think most men think it is not just girlish but not "straight" enough.
Once I painted my ex boy friend nail green. That was lovely but he was ashamed to wear them on public.
I actually would like to reserve this occupation only for girls. There should be something that makes us different. If HE would do the same I could not say "Dear, wash dishes, please, do not you see, I make my manicure" :)
I think that men should be able to wear if they want. I actually appreciate it when a man has well-cared-for hands and feet. Nail polish wouldn't bother me either. If a man could carry of nail polish with style and confidence, I would probably find it attractive.
Lots of things change over time. There was a day when a man wouldn't be caught in a pink shirt, there was also a time when a man displayed his wealth and power by wearing lace. So trends change (more slowly for men's fashion) but they do.
I'm *really* not into guys who are homophobic, and too concerned about looking "gay". I'm looking for a level of confidence that allows a man to be who himself.
Also, I really hate the stereotype that there's a "Gay Look" as if there is only one type of gay person. Being gay cuts across social, racial, and economic lines.
I do like the rocker style dark polishes on men for sure. I saw a man in NYC with sandals and black polish on his toes, and I loved it.
I love guys in nail polish. My boyfriend lets me swatch on him all the time, and occasionally lets me paint his toenails. He tends to pick almost black colors, like Midnight in Moscow or Royal Rajah Ruby. Last week, he mentioned he really liked Run With It when it was swatched, so maybe he'll be branching out.
First let me say I believe everyone should be able to do whatever they want without any judging them. Having said that though, my personal preference is not to have most men wear nail polish. I like nice hands and feet but not polished. It's makeup and very feminine. It's like a woman growing a goatee (if we could). I think depending on the line of work the person is in also matters. Anything *artsy* is more acceptable than some man in a business suit on the train wearing China Glaze Wagon Trail to his office where he is Partner at a law firm. I totally support those who do, but if my hubbie came home with painted nails it would come off ASAP! :-)
Bad Idea.. we want manly men. Not girly men.
Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller) has been rocking Essie Jelly Apple for years.
Well said, Scrangie!!
Nail polish is awesome, for all the great reasons you state. And like so many women already know, it's just darn fun to wear. Changing colors when you feel like it, even the act of polishing one's nails is therapudic in a way.
In fact, I know of a number of men who regularly wear nail polish, primarily on their toes (I'm one of them!). But, since I am into it (my wife actually got me started!), I have actively looked for others who share this interest.
I think your attitude about men wearing nail polish is admirable. I sincerely wish more people were as open-minded and accepting as you are. Not sure why, but many, many people seem to think that everyone should follow their rules and share their values, or they label them as "strange".
Well, I sure enjoy reading your posts, and as I said, even though I'm a guy, I really like this stuff!
I second vampy varnish! I like men well groomed, but no nail varnish or make up, thank you very much!
Mens hands look best when they look like MENS hands!
Oh, in case you are curious about what a guy's toes can look like polished, here is a link to some pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/toepaintguy/
Since my wife introduced me to this (in an effort to get me to take better care of my feet), I have had no reservations about wearing my toes polished. It feels completely natural to me now.
More men should really try this. More women should really encourage their men to try this! You will both like it - honest!
Hey, is Steven Tyler rockin' the Italian Manicure? Woohoo. Anyway, I am all for whatever floats your boat. It is fingernail polish. I don't want someone judging me because I am 39 and like to wear green nail polish or glitter, who in the hell am I to tell a whole gender they shouldn't wear polish. If you are well groomed then great. My DH doesn't but I think he would. I give him manicure and pedicures at home and don't use polish but he loves the pampering and I like that he looks nice. I showed him the Manglazes and he was like "I need those" haha. So I am getting them. Polish does or doesn't make the man. It is just polish. Back in the 1700's men wore face powder, fake beautymarks, wigs and tights. They were still men and not one thought they were gay.
Men who wear nail polish are the manliest men! It's simple - if you are manly enough, there's no nail polish that can change that. Also, I think a man with nail polish will have an open mind (or maybe just an attention problem).
Btw, yes - black matte polish is too easy! My husband wore China Glaze Branding Iron a while ago and next in line is a baby blue holographic one :)
I'm all for sharing these traditionally feminine things, it's time men learned what it is to be judged by appearance.
Thank you for your post!
Recently I've seen a lot of NP on dudes (I got a Flickr account, that is:). 99% of the time it's absolutely cringe-worthy.
The examples you've pointed out are excellent, but those men are creative types, who've always been allowed a greater leeway with their appearance. But I bet they still look dodgy to most women and men, who think makeup and nail polish are one hundred times more frivolous on men. Men who look up to people like Steven Tyler or Dave Navarro for style cues are probably already more open to the idea of wearing nail polish already. :)
For many women, nail polish is a nice 'finishing touch' that goes with the makeup and perfume territory. But most men, since they barely do anything to make themselves up, they don't "need" to use nail polish and so they won't. Just like women, men take their sartorial cues from well-known icons - the Marlboro man, George Clooney, football players, they don't wear nail polish, so why should they?
But things change - black and vampy nail polish are starting to lose their 'goth' connotations, and so I think nail polish for men could take off. For the next round of American Idol, perhaps all the male contestants should be *ahem* forced to pick a nail polish shade to wear on stage. Or the option should be given to them as the makeup artists are prepping them for the performance. >) For nail polish to be really accepted by men, we also need more prominent non-creative types to wear polish. Fingers crossed!
I was reading your article with my SO behind me and he says... "Is she... holding a Glock?" LOL
I think the Hard Candy line for men should have been named "Hard Man" not "Candy Man".
I like seeing polish on a guy's toes. Black nail polish on the right guy's hands is really sexy. I am totally up for giving a man a pedicure. I almost prefer to do it for him. I don't want a man looting my stash, ya know? I think I would have heart failure if I saw a man using my OPI Rainforest and leaving the cap off too long or shaking the bottle. It would be my worst nightmare. We would have to have a paint on nails, paws off stash policy. Otherwise, the romance would be gone.
It's a little depressing how many people are so set in their socially assigned gender role mindsets.
I love men in nail polish. I polish my DH's toes all the time, and his nails on special occasions. I'd never make assumptions about someone's manliness based on the color of their nails - or their shirt - or their hair.
And for the people who want it to stay women-only so they can feel special, well that just seems weird to me.
I feel like it's similar to the whole "real men wear pink" trend. really it should be "real men follow trends."
I'm not against it but I wouldn't like it on my guy.
It's an interesting gesture but as a guy I prefer nail polish on females and would personally never wear polish... even clear.. Polish is great and sexy on women and that's about it.
Like I said over on the Polish Addict's page, I don't see why anyone shouldn't be able to wear it! My boyfriend and I are animators, so we are always using our hands, so they need to be in good condition. I did his nails once (without polish, just a nice trim/buffing) and he loved it! He actually asked me the other day how much a full mani would cost at a salon! I said I'd do it for him, and he was all excited!
Granted, my bf is not into many masculine things, and he's very open to new things, but I think all men should be in to such good hygiene!
Yeah, um hate to break it to you but that is not Steven Tyler. Just so you know.
I like polish on everyone. While I wear it most of the time and in all colors with a preference for the brightest, it's my wife who won't. I've gotten her to a spa twice and, while she generally enjoyed the experience, she removed the clear and/or white polish the next day. (I am a carpenter, artist, and trike rider/seller for those concerned about context.) I've been around long enough to have been the first guy I knew of to wear earings in both ears. While things are moving faster than ever, I'm not optimistic that polish on men will become common any time soon, more's the pity. I'd even settle for more women with more color--polish, clothing, hair, etc. I truly appreciate your blog and positive comments. The more color, artistic freedom, and tolerance in the the world the better.
Chip
Woah, is that your Glock?
And I would love me some Richard Kruspe *drool*
As for men and nailpolish I frankly do not care, but my SO only lets me use clear on him, I wish he would wear colors that would be so much fun! and something for us to share =)
some weeks ago i did a mani on one of my best friends - lavender purple and i liked it (i love his nail shape, i wish mine was so perfekt).
but he needed to take it off for job matters 1 day later. hmpf.
i wait for the day, everbody can look as he/she likes, without thinking of such things...
Here's how I feel about it: the ones who can pull it off - like Steven Tyler et al - should rock it out. The other 99.999% should leave the nail polish to the girls.
-Melanie
Stef, that's true! I've definitely seen a lot of "guy-liner" lately...
Steph, I agree about the feminine colors, just because I think it would look weird. Guy in sheer pink polish, maybe not. Guy in bright blue polish, yes please!
Scott, ah, I see! I can understand that for sure. Thanks for your comment! (and the compliment!)
Fashionista, oooooh I like the way you think!!! Right on!!
Sanna, exactly what I wonder about! I think people are very confused.
Elvira, ah, yes, very interesting! I never thought about it that way- it makes sense. Thanks for your comment :D
Katee, I see :) I totally understand that. Thanks for sharing your opinion with me! :D
Melli, I'm not really an Idol watcher, but I'm totally going to have to check that out! That's awesome!
Anna, haha I like that :) Thank you :)
HoneyHoney, yes, CONFIDENCE! Exactly!
Emily, that's so cool!
VampyVarnish, I understand :) Thanks!
Mom, I had a feeling you would say that!
Jessica Rose, SERIOUSLY? How did I not know this?? That's awesome!! Thanks!
Jason, thanks! I understand it's not for everyone as well, but no one's MAKING anyone wear nail polish, you know? I guess I understand both sides now! Thanks!
Micha, I can totally see where you're coming from now. Thank you!
Jason, those feet look more well-groomed than most women's feet I've seen. Impressive!
Angel, exactly. That's how I see it, but now I understand both sides :)
Marie, definitely! And I'm not saying all men *should* wear polish, but if you like it or want to, why the hell not?? That's awesome about your husband too :D
Masa_inn, lol! I haven't looked! Maybe I should stay away! I see enough bad manicures on ladies, seeing more bad ones on men would make me cry lol
Shryh, AWESOME post. Thanks for posting that!
Steph, lol! I am. Too cute! :D
Tarotbydiana, I don't know how Hard Candy thought that would get men to by polish. Cute name, yes, but Candy Man??
But stash looting- omg. I never thought of that. Get 'yer own, boys!!!
Kitty, thanks for your comment! :D
Dami, lol. Real men follow trends. Great comment!
Suichi, thank you for your comment! I love hearing your point of view!
MariahGem, people would be surprised by the sheer number of men who love manicures and pedicures. Who doesn't love a nice mani/pedi?! Honestly! I think men should be included.
Carmen, I was hoping no one would notice :D It's a Steven Tyler impersonator. But, I couldn't find the old black and white picture of Steven posing showing off his nails and this is *almost* the same! But thank you for noticing, keen eye :)
Chip, aha thank you! I agree- MORE COLOR! Green, pink, orange, blue, yellow!!
Pinky, yes, it is :D
And I'd love some Richard too, maybe even throw in a little Till and Oliver and Paul and Doom and Flake... hehehe
Ray.of.night, sounds like fun! But sad that he had to take it off :(
Melanie, hehehe I agree- you should be able to pull it off before you flaunt it but I think the percentage is a *little* higher than that hopefully :D
you forgot about perttu kivilaakso :)
Scrangie--Rock the Glock two-handed, your choice of color. I would love to see another great pic of you, too. The little shot of you on your profile is Sa-weet
Scott (not a stalker)
Scrangie, when my wife was pregnant and could not bend down to paint her toes, she asked me do it for her. Not pretty at first, but I got away with it since she could not see them! In time, I got better at 'staying between the lines'.
Oh, and just so you don't get too nervous about the idea or sharing nail polishes... my wife and I have our own polish collections, and though we share a few, we respect each other's 'stash'.
Besides, I tend to like blues, blacks, greens, browns and silvers...and she likes reds, pinks, purples and golds.
We work it out.
I don't really care if a guy takes care of his feet or hands. But, I wouldn't be into a guy who painted his nails. Thats my teritority. Its simple, boys and girls were created different. Boys want to get dirty, and eat, and burp, and play sports, and play video games. Theres nothing wrong with it. Were just different. I want to paint my nails. He wants to play Madden 09. thats perfectly normal.
from 'St. Louis Punk-Rocker' -
I totally dig this subject! nail polish on dudes has been a long time coming! I also do not know where some people get the idiotic notion that a dude who wears nail polish is less manly - bullcrap! I've been wearing the stuff ever since I was ten, and all the rock and roll gods got into it. I could name hundreds of rock stars, pro-athletes, and other celebs that are into it. I hope the day does finally arrive that if a dude feels like wearing some black or gold or chrome polish on his nails, no one will think a thing about it. Thanks for the cool blog! (ps - want to see some sample photos of my polished nails? Just go to Flickr, type 'nail polish' into the search box,' and look for photos from the 'St. Louis Punk Rocker.') Thanks!
Scrangie, thank you for posting this subject on your blog. It's really cool to see how many different opinions there are on this! I'll add one more to stir the pot...
I guess I have always noticed when women wear their nails polished. I love the look of it! It had not occured to me to try it myself until my wife encouraged me to do it. She's pretty fun and open-minded, and so these kinds of suggestions are one of the ways we keep our marriage exciting and interesting.
Honestly, I don't really care whether I wear it or not, but she is crazy about it on my toenails, and so it works for us.
If I can pass on just one thing to all of you that may be of value, I reccommend that you open your mind up enough to try new things with your partner. Some will certainly not work, but many will bring more fun and intrigue to your relationship. And you will not know what those new exciting things are and be able to experience the enjoyment they could bring unless you try them.
I think men should be 'allowed' to take care of themselves and enjoy some of the many personal-care advantages that us women have been enjoying for generations.
Pedicures and manicures are defintely for everyone who wants their feet and hands to look cared-for and nice. It's even good hygeine in the case of pedicures so that one does not develop ingrown toenails, foot odor, callouses and other diseases of the feed.
And I am all for the use of nail polish by guys! If I told you that I thought Johnny Depp looked gross wearing eye liner, most of you women would consider me a conservative, backward bit**. So what's the big deal with men having great-looking nails too?
Does it not sit well with many of you because a popular celebrity like JD has not openly endorsed it yet? Well open you eyes! There are many men who wear nail polish - fingers and toes! And it looks totally HOT on them!
Well, I guess we're all entitled to our opinions, so here is my vote FOR guys getting their nails polished.
Just don't be stealing my polishes, okay? Get your own, guys!
I'm a guy and I used to bite my fingernails all the time, and my hands always looks bad and hurt worse... so last month I decided to stop and haven't bitten them since. Well then my nails started growing... Surprise! So since I don't have a girlfriend, and my 2 girl cousins live far off. I went to the local nail salon for a manicure. They did not put on polish, but I had a great time, it was very relaxing. So last week I went to get another manicure and see what a pedicure was like. This time the lady asked if I wanted nail polish and I don't mind trying new things so I said ok and got clear on my toes and fingers. I have to say I really enjoy it, they stand out more and in my opinion look great. My friends keep saying im gay and shouldn't wear it. But thats what happens when you live in small towns... people aren't nearly as open to change. I wouldn't do colors, especially not girly colors, but I really cannot see why ANYONE has a problem with clear... I mean... its CLEAR!?!? It just looks better. Perhaps more of the problem is them thinking about you putting it on as being girly... but really it takes me like 5 minutes to do my fingers... quite fast & easy (Especially since it's clear, you really can't mess it up that bad) I think more guys ought to at least wear/be able to wear clear. (Matt or Gloss)
I am a manly man on most days and a metro on some. Nothing is more gratifying to me than to shake it up by wearing purple polish, while dressed like a construction worker. People find it difficult to understand, and the homophobes are afraid to comment!
I wear nail polish often, but here is the problem.
-It chips off quickly when working on a car.
-A chainsaw and gloves will rub it off in hours leaving nasty chipped polish.
-To have nice looking nails, you need at least .1" of free edge to shape. Doing "manly" stuff breaks that edge off.
If you want to be somewhat "manly", I suggest the Sally Hansen "Hard as Nails Extreme Wear". It lasts seven days on a woman and two days on me...
I feel that if a man is comfortable with wearing polish, whether on fingers and/or toes then who gives a crack of what others think. I wear polish on both and I am not gay. I am partial to dark colors, even shades of purple, red, brown/plum, blues, green, etc. My friends, family and wife thought I was becoming a picther & catcher but then saw that I do take care of my hands and feet more than I have done in the past, and must say that they look better than some of the ladies/women that I have met. I would actually like to meet others with the same interest that do not blame their nail painting on booze or kicks! I wera it 24/7.
Hey, I need to say a big "THANK YOU" to all the open-minded people (both women and men) here who think that men can show a little pride in their appearance without thinking that there is something wrong with them!
I have tried nail polish on both my fingers and toenails, thanks to a especially convincing gal that I dated for a while. I didn't really care for the look of polish on my fingernails, but I still wear it on my toes because I really do like it (and it lasts a lot longer too). It probably helped me feel this way because she thought it was 'hot' too.
Why shouldn't men be able to do this? Is it certainly less permanent than a tattoo or even a piercing. And is it exclusively feminine? Ancient Egyptian men wore their nails colored to show their status. Even men in the 1600s wore makeup and wigs. Sure, more women wear nail polish than men today, but IMHO it looks equally great on anyone who takes the time to have their nails smoothed and properly trimmed.
And I agree on color selection. Maybe pink or red are not the ideal colors for men, but there are plenty of other colors that look good on guys like black, dark blue and green, silver, charcoal etc. Just use your imagination and see what works for you!
I don't think it's wrong to wear finger nail polish if your a man, I do, and on my toes as well. I am not gay but in my opinion if a man feels comfortable wearing it then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I wear different colors as well, i.e., blues, purples dark reds, greens, plums, etc. My friends and family had thought at first that I started to pitch & catch but then discovered that nothing has changed. I also seem to take care of my hands and feet more than I have in the past which actually look better than some of the women/ladies/chichs that I have met and I have been a auto mechanic for 25-years. But I will not grow them long. I wish I could actually meet other men who do the same as I do and are not ashamed. I live in the High Desert part of California, 92356.
Scrangie, I want to compliment you for your boldness in bringing this subject up, and especially for suggesting that men feel free to wear nail polish.
I picked up this interestingly satisfying 'hobby' a number of years ago from my girlfriend and have privately been wearing my toenails polished ever since then.
I have experimented with pretty much every color (as you also suggest!), and find that I tend to like charcoal, silver, purple and blue (my gf's favorite!).
I have not worn nail polish in plain sight, but after seeing you enthusiastically supporting it and reading the many comments here also in support of it, I think you may have given me the confidfence to try it!
This is like a big weight lifted off of my shoulders because both me and my girlfriend really like it, but I just never felt that I should wear it openly.
Thank you for encourging this kind of discussion. You're blog is awesome!
I am really glad to see a lot of women approve of guys waring nail polish! I am a guy who likes to look after my nails and I love nail polish. My wife is cool with it as long as the clos aren't too girlie. I tend to ware pale or natural cols mostly. I wish it was more fashionable for guys to do this so that I can ware it all the time...
I think it's a bit silly to think it's about "competition" since the discussion is typically about straight men and how straight women feel about them wearing polish.
It's deep within our psychological makeup to be attracted - or unattracted - to certain things. In the same way that a man might not be attracted to women with short hair or women with pubic hair or any other such thing, I think it's just as within a woman's right to say she's unattracted to men who wear makeup or nail polish. It is something that is typically associated with the feminine. While I think any man should do whatever he likes and feels good about, I am not attracted to men who wear makeup or polish (likewise, I don't like men who wear a lot of jewelry).
It all just boils down to personal preference and hard wiring in the department of attraction.
I realize this is an older post, but I just found it today and felt compelled to comment because it is interesting to me.
I actually had this happen recently. My husband asked me why I thought nail polish was only for women. I said that I did not know and asked him why he wondered about it. He said that in nature, the male species is the one who is more colorful and bright, where the female blends in with her surroundings. But with humans, it's the women who tend to wear bright colors, and he liked some of the colors that nail polish is available in.
I really do not know why nail polish is not intended for men. I guess it could be.
I am glad that finally men want to get noticed...having nice nails is not just a girly idea, it shows that someone takes pride in themselves. So don't judge men for wanting to paint their fingernails..we don't call women that wear mens clothing lesbians do we nooo...I think we should stop being the judge and just let men have their turn and don't get jaolous so much
All the examples listed of male nail polish wearers are rock stars.
Males wearing nail polish is unheard of outside of the entertainment business (or ordinary ppl copying rock stars,etc) because it looks ridiculous out of this context, just as wearing eye make up does.
It just isn't something that men do. Have you ever seen a man with plucked eyebrows? It makes men look like drag queens.
The exception is men wearing clear nail polish...one of the idiotic trends created by the "metrosexual" fad.
Leave make up to women. If women want to paint their nails & faces, let them...but most men view wearing make up of any kind as completely alien.
I've noticed an increase in men wearing sandals, and with more mens feet being exposed, I've begun to notice the generally poor condition they are in too! I am all for guys taking better care of their feet! Why even show them when they are so gross?
More related to this discussion though, I think that if a guy were to keep his feet looking nice (nails trimmed and callouses buffed down), then maybe a dark polish (like black or dark blue) might actually look good on his feet.
I have never really liked the very dark colors on women anyway. It makes their feet look heavy. But on men, I think it works. Might be pretty cool!
There are some really hypocritical views in these comments. I notice a lot of people saying men should not paint their nails because men's hands should look like men's hands or other spurious comments. Honestly, if that were the case women should stop dressing like men and wear the stereotypical girly girl clothes.
Personally, I would not be able to stand it if my cuticles were damaged or my nails weren't filed into shape. Even things like moisturizing are met with criticism from some people. Are we as men expected to live a double standard of looking nice but not actually caring about our appearance?
Even the social bias on men wearing "girly" colours in clothes that come from both genders is absurd. Colours like pink are close to red which is socially accepted as a masculine colour whereas blue is represented as things soft, calm, and delicate, traits that are attributed as feminine. How then did pink become the girly colour when it in fact used to be blue that was girly?
I feel that we should not be so paranoid about doing something we want to do. I myself already push the borders by wearing high heel boots (though, not stilettos because they are less comfortable). Even my favourite colours being purple and pink (and having matching mobile phones in those colours) raises some eyebrows now and again. But it's become well accepted among my social groups now, and I will often get reassuring compliments when I try something new and bold.
In all honesty, any person should be able to wear what they are comfortable wearing. Obviously some things look better than others, but it all comes down to personal taste on what you choose.
I am only 14 and when my parents go out for the night or at weekends I paint my toes. I love doing this, i have been obsessed with women's shoes and polished toes since I was young and I have a big foot fetish now. Whenever I go out to the beach or something it is like heaven lol. I just dread to think what my mum would say if she found out that I paint my toes! What does everyone else think to this? Do you think I should ask her to paint mine when she is doing hers or just keep it as one of my guilty pleasures? And what would they think if i went to the shops and bought nails polish?
Replies to Anonymous of March 17, 2009 9:35 AM
>>All the examples listed of male nail polish wearers are rock stars.
Do you really need examples? Step up, be your own person. Unless your the lead dog, the view never changes.
>>Males wearing nail polish is unheard of outside of the entertainment business (or ordinary ppl copying rock stars,etc) because it looks ridiculous out of this context, just as wearing eye make up does.
It’s not “uheard of” just because YOU haven’t heard of it. Check New York, Los Angeles, London – look around a bit.
>>It just isn't something that men do. Have you ever seen a man with plucked eyebrows? It makes men look like drag queens.
I’m a man – I do it?!?! Wait lemme check… Yup still a man :) Just like anything else plucking can be overdone and look “bad”.
>>The exception is men wearing clear nail polish...one of the idiotic trends created by the "metrosexual" fad.
What if it’s NOT a fad? EEEEEKKKK, run for your lives. And… no I’m not a metro, but I do know a few.
>>Leave make up to women. If women want to paint their nails & faces, let them...but most men view wearing make up of any kind as completely alien.
For the women does that include the: pretty, ugly, fat, skinny, hairless, "wookies" and all those in between? Wait, I don’t remember seeing you at the Manly-Man Union meeting last week. Oh that’s right, you were on the Anonymous People Know Everything Sub-committee, that was kicked out in the hallway, deciding what “most men” think. BTW we voted on this one -- you guys are wrong.
Okay, I’m not trying to “bash on” this particular Anonymous' comment, it just looked like the most fun to respond to and it actually got my hackles up.
Now a little about me: 41 year old Desert Storm vet, currently a Corrections Officer (prison guard), 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate*, married twice, three children (teen, tween and single digit) and totally heterosexual.
*Yes, I've been to class with painted toes. A few strange looks, a couple of questions (mostly "WHY") and then on with class. When it comes down to it do you want to be more concerned about the burgundy toes or the black belt.
I got into this by accident – setting up a surprise spa visit for my wife, the spa owner talked me into trying a pedicure. At the end the lady asked if I wanted clear or color, while holding up a bottle of clear polish. Caught off guard I replied with the ever popular and suave, “Ummm…” She countered with, “You’d look good with color.” (and yes, she was HOT) Next thing I know I’ve got painted toes, my wife likes it, I like it and my 7 year old understands “It makes Daddy happy and no one gets hurt.”
“Oh my, I hope I don’t ruin my pedi… as I’m kickin’ ya teeth down ya throat!” :)
It's seems amazing that women will call men chauvinist pigs and old fashioned antiques when women are fighting to be treated equally to men, but when a man wants to take something that is perceived as feminine and use it himself, those exact same women feel fine calling him gay or girly. Isn't that wrong ladies? You don't like it when you are stereotyped, so why stereotype us then?
Rock the polish, dudes. It looks hot. Well, generally...it depends on what they're wearing and what their feet look like.
But it's just paint. Have fun with it.
There is a reason why nail polish companies are introducing colors for men now. Guys are starting to express some creativity and style!
And it's about time!
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