Men’s nail grooming is arguably the least talked about aspect of a well-rounded grooming routine…but, don’t mistake that as a reason to skip out on maintaining manicured hands and feet.
Are you ready for some truth? Women talk about these things!
It’s hard not to notice your nails when you’re reaching for that cocktail on a date or if your feet look like you’ve been barefoot in NYC on the occasion you wear sandals. It comes down to effort and taking a little extra time on small (important) grooming details.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Bethany Newell is an influential A-list celebrity manicurist known for her clean and flawless work and commitment to quality.
We asked her for her best tips, tricks, and shortcuts for the upkeep of men’s nails.
Below, her tips for guys on men’s nail grooming:
1. Keep nails clean and clipped
This applies to your hands and feet equally.
It’s a few extra minutes in the shower or a last minute step before you leave for your next day…easy enough, right?
2. Keep your hands moisturized
If you’re already using body lotion to stay moisturized, you’re on the right track.
According to Newell, a “nice emollient hand cream” is important abo ve and beyond the body lotion.
A rich cream will repair the dryness that comes from multiple daily hand washings (hello Covid!) and seal in moisture longer throughout the day.
Because guys, shaking hands with a man whose palms feel like sandpaper is not fun.
3. Stay buff(ed)
Two or more times a week use a foot buffer on your feet in the shower.
“I like to use the paddle on dry skin first then with water to finish for smooth bottoms of the feet paying attention to the area on the balls of the feet, the heel and around the toes that may have rough edges/callous,” says Newell.
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Three tricks to keep your nails groomed at home:
- Invest in two different nail clippers – one smaller, more precise nail clipper with a rounded edge for your hands, and a larger version for your toes. Use regularly.
- Use a nail brush with hand soap daily to get the grime out from your cuticles and under your fingernails.
- Go the extra mile and use a nail file to smooth the edges of your fingernails after clipping.
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But…Don’t count out the nail salon just yet!
At the end of the day, don’t be afraid to take a trip to the salon for a mani-pedi. Luckily, it’s 2021 and guys can and should feel comfortable taking care of themselves in this way.
Nail care is like a good haircut, just another core component of a grown man’s personal style routine.
Oh, and it’s relaxing af!
Everyone deserves to kick back, relax and unabashedly enjoy some self-care. Guys included.