Today we'll talk about what a man's manicure is. Cuticles, burrs, French – it would seem that these terms sound appropriate in the lips of well-groomed ladies, but not in the conversation of brutal bearded men in expensive suits. However, this is a dangerous delusion, because grace is to the body the same as a book to the mind. In 2q17, strong and successful men became frequent visitors to nail salons, especially since in this direction the beauty industry can offer young people and respectable men something special – devoid of pretentious shine, but not devoid of appropriate gloss (spoiler: a French manicure is also possible!).
In Europe, aesthetic hand hygiene became fashionable in the 19th century. For example, in Leo Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina, there are references to long nails that were worn by all courtiers, including men. It was an expensive pleasure: very quickly well-groomed hands became a sign of a privileged, educated and successful person, and uneven nails, burrs and rough skin immediately gave out dressed-up dandies of low-class noblemen and artisans.
How does a man's manicure differ from a woman's
Self-expression for women, status for men
For women, manicure is a way of self-expression. The color of the varnish, the pattern and the overhead accessories can tell about the owner of the nails no less than a reticule, style of dress or account on social networks. For men, the desired result is not a bright design, but an aesthetic appearance of hands and nails, which allows, along with a correctly selected tie, expensive perfume, high-quality shoes and appropriate hairstyle, to create an image of a respectable person.
Physiologically, the nail plate of men is thicker and stronger than that of women. This is due to the increased content of keratin, which gives strength to the nails, so it takes longer to shape the male nail. The skin of the hands is coarser than that of women, and because of this, the nail bed requires more frequent and careful maintenance.
A man's occupation has a significant effect on the condition of the nails and dermis. Office workers are faced with dry skin and burrs. For computer repairmen and workers in the physical industry, the dermis of the hands becomes coarser, and the nails can become stained due to contact with various coloring elements.
Men's manicure: types
In salons, men can be offered several options for manicure. As a general rule: contact only a specialist in men's nails, because, due to the differences mentioned above, the work of a master specializing only in women's hands can cause you negative results. So, let's look at manicure technologies that are suitable for men.
Classic trim manicure
Classic edged men's manicure
It is done with scissors and a nail file, and the hand is pre-soaked in a bath. This is the only manicure technique that can be applied to severely neglected hands, so a trim manicure is a godsend for people who work physically. However, in the apparent simplicity, there is deceit: an inept craftsman can damage the cuticles, so the technique is not suitable for people with swollen cuticles and poor blood clotting.
European manicure
European 'dry' manicure
Refers to the 'dry' type of manicure, which does not require preliminary soaking of the hand in the bath. Adherents of this technology practice rejection of potentially traumatic scissors: cuticles are not cut, but pushed back with special sticks: burrs are removed with safe tweezers; the nail is polished with a nail file and covered with nutrients. Due to its gentle nature, the procedure is indicated for men with sensitive skin of the hands, but will not be effective in the case of very rough skin or a large amount of burrs.
French manicure
French manicure for men
French manicure is a classic of the genre that will never go out of fashion. In accordance with the technology, the nail is given a certain shape, and the tip of the nail is highlighted with the help of an accent, which is 'popularly' called 'smile'. In the male version, the most common option: the edge of the nail plate is adjusted along the pad of the finger and covered with a flesh-colored varnish: the tip of the nail is almost completely cut off and covered with white varnish. French manicure will hide the defects of the nail plate, mask the pigmentation or yellowness of the nail, and this is its main advantage. As for the disadvantage … well, if you are, for example, a road worker, colleagues may not appreciate your desire to look elegant, and the French manicure itself requires respect.
Manicure using a professional apparatus
Manicure using an apparatus for nail masters
A quick and practical way of processing the nail plate by a master using an apparatus. As a result of the treatment, the growth of the cuticles slows down, the shape is corrected, and all problems associated with waviness or stratification of the nail pass, like a bad dream. The technology is safe and minimizes the risk of injury, unless, of course, you come across a completely untalented master who suffers from tremors. Unfortunately, with running hands, this method will not work, because the cuticles are not trimmed, but cleaned of dead layers.
Hot manicures
Hot men's manicure using herbal bath
There are many different manicure techniques, united by one idea – a man's hands are preliminarily immersed in a composition of various – medicinal, moisturizing, relaxing – substances, then a massage is performed. With the help of such procedures, you can get rid of diseases of nails and cuticles, as well as avoid discomfort with sensitive skin. However, this is the most expensive type of manicure.
All of the above types of manicure should be done only by specialists, but this does not mean that well-groomed hands are the lot of people who have time and money for salons. The simplest procedures can be done at home.
The simplest procedures at home – video
Set for manicure at home
Start by watching YouTube tutorials. You will need:
- A hard file with an abrasive index of 100-120 for initial work, and a soft file with an abrasive index of 220-320 for polishing.
- Nail tweezers.
- Metal (pusher) or orange stick (sold in pharmacies and specialty stores).
- Moisturizers (check with your pharmacist, there are no general guidelines).
- Antibacterial agents in case you get hurt (if this is your first time, you will definitely get hurt).
Wash and dry your hands first. Then take a file with an abrasiveness of 100-120 and saw strictly in one direction from one edge of the nail to the other. Attention: do not change direction (risk of delamination) and do not touch the corners of the nail (subsequently, the nail may grow into the finger).
Next, place your hand in warm water with moisturizers previously dissolved in it, and hold it for a while. After the skin is wet, gently push back the cuticles with a stick / pusher and remove the burrs with tweezers. Keep antibacterial products on hand, as this is where you are most likely to harm yourself.
The final touch is to polish the nails with a soft nail file in the same way as with a hard one: from edge to edge, without touching the corners. If you've made it to this stage, congratulate yourself! Now you know in practice that beauty requires certain sacrifices.
Finally
The topic of men's manicure is diverse and cannot fit into the format of one article. In the future, we will take a closer look at all types of manicure, from professional masterpieces of a nail master to hand-made at home. Let's also talk about the shape and length of the nails. You might be surprised, but some men wear long nails! However, you need to remember about the measure: not everything that suits an uncooperative young rock musician or a middle manager befits a solid manager or a wise gray-haired gentleman.
Friends, how do you feel about men's manicure? To be or not to be?
