I know what you’re thinking, ‘nail care for men?’ Yup, you heard us right. Nail care isn’t just a ladies’ affair. It isn’t only about flashy colours or aesthetic designs, it’s about presenting a well-groomed, polished image and showing care to your hands and feet at the same time.
In this guide, we’ll have a look at practical nail care tips tailored for the modern man. From quick routines to essential products, discover how a little care can go a long way in making your hands a statement of confidence.
Why is Nail Care Important for Men?
Your hands, just like any other part of your body, perform a lot of tasks during the day. One minute you are hammering something into the wall, the next you’re probably fixing something in the house. Our hands participate even in the tasks that you don’t even think about twice e.g. opening a door.
Hence, it is very much okay and even encouraged for men to care for their nails.
Here are a few more reasons why nail care is important for men:
- Regular nail care helps prevent common issues like hangnails, ingrown nails, and infections. Trimmed and clean nails reduce the risk of bacterial growth, preventing fungal nail infections.
- Clean and trimmed nails make a positive impression, reflecting attention to detail and self-care. Picture this; you’re at an event, you meet someone and you’re stretching your hand to greet them. The hands feel and look clean, well cared for, and not dry. See what we mean?
- Clean and well-maintained nails are an essential part of good personal hygiene. Regular nail care helps remove dirt and bacteria from under the nails, preventing potential health issues.
- Changes in nail colour, texture, or shape can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Regularly observing your nails during care routines can prompt early detection of potential health concerns.
- For those who appreciate style and fashion, well-groomed nails complement an overall look.
How Should Men Care For Their Nails?
Taking care of your nails is simpler than you think…
1. Keep Your Nails Clean
The first and most basic step. As we’ve mentioned, your hands perform so many tasks throughout the day. During these interactions, all sorts of dirt and bacteria accumulate underneath your nails. This poses a health risk to you as you may end up ingesting the bacteria, it can lead to issues such as unpleasant odours, discolouration of the nails, and the development of infection.
Wash your hands with soap, water, and a small brush to ensure a more thorough clean. Pay attention to the spaces between the fingers and the areas around the nails where grime tends to collect. Regular cleaning is especially crucial before engaging in any nail care routine, ensuring that you’re working with a clean canvas for trimming, filing, and moisturizing.
2. Keep Your Nails Short
Keeping your nails short involves knowing when is the best time to trim them, actually trimming them, and filing them out. Consider trimming your nails when you feel that they have exceeded the length that you can manage. For some people, this may be two weeks, for others it may be three weeks.
If you notice any uneven lengths or jagged edges, it’s a good indication that it’s time for a trim. Regular maintenance prevents nails from becoming excessively long, reducing the likelihood of breakage and ensuring a clean stress-free appearance.
Remember to use a quality nail clipper or manicure scissors to trim your nails straight across.
Follow the natural curve of your fingertips to shape the tips in a gentle curve. Avoid cutting too close to the skin to prevent injury or ingrown nails. After trimming, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges, filing in one direction to prevent splitting
And there you have it, neat polished nails, easy, right?
3. Get Mani Pedis Regularly
While the idea of stepping into a nail salon might initially feel unfamiliar for some men, it’s an increasingly common and widely accepted and most importantly encouraged practice.
A professional manicure goes beyond a simple trim. We at Luxe Nails offer gents mani-pedi that involves:
- Shaping of the nails,
- Exfoliating with a non-irritating scrub,
- Cuticle care,
- A relaxing massage and flawlessly done clear nail polish or super-shine finish.
All this, while including the use of high-quality products that nourish and protect the nails. Look at it as an opportunity to relax, and unwind.
4. Moisturize your hands
Moisturizing your hands is a simple, yet impactful practice. It helps restore moisture and seal it back into your skin. The skin on our hands is exposed to various elements daily, leading to dryness, cracking, and discomfort.
You can start this simple practice by moisturizing your hands after washing your hands or sanitizing them. Water and soap can strip away the natural oils, leaving your skin vulnerable to dryness. Applying a nourishing hand cream before bedtime is also effective, allowing the moisturizer to work its magic overnight.
Choose a high-quality hand cream and apply a generous amount, ensuring thorough coverage on the back of your hands, fingers, and delicate cuticles. Massage the moisturizer into your skin, taking your time to let it absorb fully.
Pay attention to any specific concerns that you may have, such as extra-dry areas or maybe ragged cuticles, and apply the moisturizer accordingly. Keep a travel-sized hand cream near you for quick touch-ups throughout the day, ensuring your hands stay supple and well-nourished.
5. Protective measures
Putting in protective measures when it comes to your hands is like giving them a shield. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project, gardening, or engaging in activities that pose a risk to your hands, protective measures are your preemptive strike against potential damage. They guard against cuts, abrasions, and exposure to harsh chemicals.
Invest in a good pair of gloves suited for the task at hand—pun intended. Whether it’s sturdy work gloves or waterproof ones for gardening, the right choice adds an extra layer of defense. Ensure a snug fit to maintain hand functionality while providing ample coverage. Slip them on before you start on what you are about to do, and let your hands thank you for the protection. It’s a straightforward habit that shields your hands from unnecessary stress.
6. Fuel from Inside
Your nails need care from both the inside and the outside. Key nutrients such as biotin and keratin obtained from the food we eat play an important role in maintaining the strength and health of your nails. They are so important that if you don’t take a diverse diet and your nails end up being brittle not even moisturizing them will help solve the issue.
So go ahead and take those two liters of water. Make sure you also take a diverse diet and consult a nutritionist to get a tailored meal plan. By making conscious choices in your daily meals, you not only support your overall health but also contribute to the resilience and vibrancy of your nails and skin.
7. Assess Your Nails Frequently
Observing and assessing your nails is an important aspect of nail health. Changes in nail colour, texture, or any unusual changes in the appearance of your nails may indicate a deeper issue that may need some attention.
When you are trimming your nails, or moisturizing take note of any spots, discolouration, or change in texture. If you observe any of these or anything unusual, consult a healthcare professional. This is also where a benefit of mani-pedis comes in, when the nail technician notices something unusual they will inform you and advise you to seek medical care.
Nail care for men isn’t about complicated routines; is about embracing simple practices that make a significant impact. As you incorporate these practices into your routine, you’re not just caring for your nails; you’re elevating your overall grooming game.
Talk to us via Instagram DM, WhatsApp, or a call on 0711187367 to book an appointment and let us contribute to your grooming game!
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