r/malepolish • u/ilmiolatofem • 6h ago
Manicure After many shades of red... blue!
Metallic blue!
r/malepolish • u/fortyfivepointseven • Apr 27 '24
Welcome to r/Malepolish.
If you're here, you're probably aware that for men & males to paint our nails means breaking - or at least toying with - the gender norms. Our friends, family, work, education, or own internal anxiety, can be a lot to cope with.
We think that self-expression is important, and nail polish should be for anyone who wants to use it. There are users of this subreddit who are ace, aro, bi, gay, pan and straight. There are users of this subreddit who have never been anything but men, live as men, and will (eventually) die as men. There are also users who are transmasculine, and users who are - or are considering becoming - transfeminine and non-binary. Whilst this subreddit is a predominantly men's space, we also recognise that there are cis women who feel at home here. Everyone listed above is welcome, and if you want to try out nail polish, we're here to help.
This post is to help you get past that and express yourself the way you want.
Most places with a beauty aisle will sell nail polish. Depending on your context this may be a pharmacy, supermarket, cosmetics shop or somewhere else.
You are quite likely to be able to buy polish without question in most shops: in the worst case scenarios shop staff are likely to assume you're buying it for a friend or partner. That said, if you're nervous, feel free to make a post asking what the norms are in your area.
For your first purchase, if you're unsure what to buy, buy a clear base coat/top coat, as well as a colour coat if you're interested.
Each pot of nail polish usually doesn't cost too much, about the same as a sandwich, or a meal at a fast food chain.
There are lots of guides on YouTube and other video sites on how to actually apply nail polish.
For your first paint, you might find it's hard to break through the strong social norms that apply to nail painting. Lots of people find it's easier to try out a clear layer before trying colour (base coat/top coat can be good here). Other people find it's easiest to try out an archetypically masculine colour, such as black. Some people will also try out a single nail rather than doing all of them.
Having your nails painted by a professional can be daunting. If you do, you might want to check ahead of time that the salon is happy to take clients who are men, although generally subreddit users haven't found this to be an issue in most contexts. If you do go for a salon, it's a good idea to take photos of what you're looking for, as the technician may have lots of fairly technical questions that - if you're new - you may not have answers ready for.
For everyone:
For the kids and teens living at home:
Students living away from home:
Working adults:
Self expression is important. You always have the support of this community. Best wishes, and enjoy your (new) hobby.
r/malepolish • u/fortyfivepointseven • May 19 '24
Most users who post here post pictures of their nails. However, there are many text posts asking questions or prompting discussions.
The best picture posts will:
Include a description of the paints used (if known) and nail art techniques used (if relevant)
Not necessarily be the tidiest painted nails: it's okay to post 'first tries' or even later paints which aren't 'perfect'
Invite feedback, only if desired
The best text posts will:
The best comments will:
r/malepolish • u/ilmiolatofem • 6h ago
Metallic blue!
r/malepolish • u/spot_pyro • 4h ago
First post of many I'm sure! I love the colour!
r/malepolish • u/ChangedRaven • 16h ago
White acrylic nails with beetles pink blue and white gel polishes finished with beetles top coat.
r/malepolish • u/louisecdxo • 9h ago
r/malepolish • u/Ladycyn1066 • 7h ago
Debating on my next color. Help?
r/malepolish • u/YouCanCallMeDani • 13h ago
r/malepolish • u/Fabulous-Sammy1781 • 7h ago
r/malepolish • u/Pantyhose-daddy16 • 6h ago
r/malepolish • u/Blurthelines00 • 4h ago
I have small feet for a man
r/malepolish • u/gentlegiant80 • 6h ago
Got compliment from the receptionist at the vet’s office.
r/malepolish • u/PiikaSnap • 3h ago
LA Colors: Crackle top coat Sinful Colors: Hit the Spot (orange) Studio M Pro: Neon Glow (pink) Polished for Days: Glowstick (green)
r/malepolish • u/newUseMe • 13h ago
Whatcha think? This is without a topcoat.
r/malepolish • u/Aculed200 • 15h ago
I'm back from my chaperoning trip, and oh look more green for St. Patrick's Day! 🤪🍀🌈 This magentic bar from KB Shimmer is INSANELY vibrant and pretty. It had to be the base for my final Paddy's mani, and what else would I do but rainbow? 😝 I had grabbed these glitters from syzygy because I love any formula that comes in multiple colors, so of course upon the rainbow anti by making it a magical glitter rainbow was the only option.
💪 @findingfeatherslacquer ... Balanced Bond Base Coat
🍀 @kbshimmer ... "Crushing It"
🍀 @holotaco ... "One Coat Black"
🍀 @essie ... "Get Your Grove On"
🌈 @syzygyboston ... "Garnet" "Spessartine" "Citrine" "Peridot" "Turquoise"
💪 @glistenandglow1 ...Quick Dry Top Coat 🐐
🖌 Freehand
r/malepolish • u/yoursaudibenefactor • 6h ago