The modern man is stepping into the spotlight of elevated grooming, and nail care is no exception. Once considered a purely feminine domain it is now a vital aspect of a man’s overall appearance.
No longer just a quick trim and buff, men’s manicures are now evolving into a sophisticated grooming experience. From customised treatments that tackle everything from hangnails and rough cuticles to dry, lacklustre skin, luxurious nail spas, advanced manicures, and personalised consultations are now the norm, with salons offering a tailored approach that caters specifically to the client’s needs.
StyleSpeak gets the inside scoop on this exciting trend from Nalini Ahlawat, Founder of Nail Story by Nalini, who shares her expert insights on what’s buzzing in men’s nail grooming.
Basic Manicure
A well-maintained manicure isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of good hygiene, confidence, and self-care. Think of it as a tune-up for your hands, which are always on display. “The classic manicure is the first thing that we offer men who come to the salon for nail grooming. It consists of nail trimming, shaping, cuticle care, buffing, and moisturizing”, says Nalini.
Nail Strengthening Treatment/ No gel-Manicure
Men’s nails, while usually thicker than women’s, aren’t immune to weakness and breakage. “A Nail Strengthening Treatment is ideal for men with weak, brittle, or peeling nails”, says Nalini. This treatment typically involves cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and the application of a nail strengthener packed with ingredients like calcium, keratin, or vitamins, finished off with a relaxing light massage. The payoff? Stronger, healthier nails that are far less likely to split, crack, or break.
After the strengthening treatment, a gel-based coat is applied to the nails. “The magic happens with the application of a clear or matte gel top coat to give hold to the nails while maintaining the natural look. This adds to the durability and is perfect for men who have brittle or fragile nails”, adds Nalini.
Think of the top coat as an invisible protective shield for the nails. Beyond the clean, well-groomed appearance, this manicure actually strengthens the nails and provides a long-lasting, natural-looking finish that can withstand the daily wear and tear.
Cuticle Care Treatment
Cuticles are those sometimes annoying bits of skin around the nails. Rough, damaged cuticles can definitely take away from even the most perfectly manicured hands which a dedicated cuticle care treatment can solve!
According to Nalini Cuticle Treatment focuses on the softening, trimming, and hydration of cuticles to avoid hangnails and infections. “Paired with a hand massage, deep moisturising treatment, and warm towel wrap it offers relaxation and stress relief while keeping nails neat.”
The result? Clean, well-defined nail beds that look fantastic, and reduce the risk of hangnails.
Anti-Fungal Nail Treatment
Men are often more susceptible to fungal nail infections. . An Anti-fungal Nail Treatment is designed to tackle these infections head-on, promoting healthy nail growth and preventing infection from spreading.
In this treatment, the affected nails are first inspected, followed by a thorough cleaning and filing. A targeted anti-fungal medication is applied to get to the root of the problem. The end goal? This is done not only to treat the current infection but also to prevent it from spreading and restore the nails to their healthy, natural appearance because healthy nails are happy nails!
Spa Pedicures
Spa pedicures aren’t just a treat for women; they offer significant benefits for everyone. A Spa Pedicure is a total foot revival. We’re talking serious pampering that goes beyond basic nail care to address dry, calloused skin – something many guys struggle with.
What does it entail? A warm foot soak followed by a vigorous exfoliation with a scrub to slough off dead skin. Thereafter, tough calluses are dealt with, the nails are primed with a trim and the cuticles with some TLC. But the best part? A relaxing foot massage followed by a rich, hydrating lotion. The result? Soft, smooth feet, reduced calluses, improved circulation, and a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
“Ultimately,” Nalini concludes, “these nail grooming treatments offer a wealth of benefits. Beyond just looking good, they’re crucial for foot hygiene, help in reducing infections, and prevent that unpleasant foot odour Plus, they boost blood circulation and provide much-needed relief from tension and pain, which is especially important for men. And finally, well-groomed hands and feet make a fantastic impression, whether you’re in a boardroom or out socialising.”
So, there you have it – men’s nail care is officially a thing. Get on board and help “guys” put their best nails forward!
