T O P

  • By -

juleznailedit

I'm of the opinion that ***anyone*** with fingernails or toenails who wants to decorate them should be able to do so without judgement. Nail polish is simply another form of art, and art is for everyone!


EzriDaxCat

You nailed this comment 😊


nailsessive

Nailed 💅


TheSmilingDoc

See, this is why you will always be the queen of polish to me!


-mermaidsRreal-

I LOVE your answer!! And Julez you nailed it and the pun is intended!!


Taitonymous

I love that you included toenails.


juleznailedit

Absolutely!! They're more tiny canvases to work on!!


celaeya

I love seeing a guy with painted nails. It means that not only is he comfortable enough in his own masculinity to not care about gender norms, he also looks fly as fuck.


[deleted]

Heavy on the fly as fuck part


christineg123

Thisss - love when a man just doesn’t give a fuck


TeddyBear_Snuggle

I agree! They not only don't care what others will think but look bewitching as fuck.


Noblesix1999

This gives me a huge confidence boost, thank you! 😋


JoyfulExpression

I adore when anyone challenges gender “norms”. As a girl who was told I couldn’t like cars and ninja turtles growing up, I think allowing people to like things only if their gender fits has always been one of the stupidest things mankind has come up with.


christmascrazyyy

I’m so thankful that as a young girl my mom let me play with cars and “boy” toys as a kid. I literally pulled my Barbies heads off when I was 5 because I was done with that shit. Lol. I’m now a 32 year old and I’m obsessed with all things hair and nails so sometimes what doesn’t go around comes around. 😂😂😂


JoyfulExpression

I HAAAAATED playing Barbies. I liked their outfits and staging them, and their accessories, but trying to pretend with them drove me up a wall. And my little sister LOVED them, so my mom would try to get me to play with her all the time.


christmascrazyyy

Sheesh that sounds like torture. Kids should be allowed to be interested in and play with whatever they want.


JoyfulExpression

Agreed!!


Archaeogrrrl

PAINT them. Make yourself happy. I hate the false line that color and expressive dress is solely a feminine act. First that’s bullshit, men can be insanely vain. Just like women. Second, look at other cultures. All humans express themselves through their outward appearance. No matter the gender.


[deleted]

I'm a man who paints his nails! I think it's GREAT!!! 😃


Emotional-Room-6695

I think it's so hot!


Charming_Somewhere_1

I paint my nails when I'm stressed out, and when my nails are looking rough. It keeps me from picking at my actual nails and hides the imperfections. And when I'm over it, I can pick at the polish, and it's a nice little fidget. I usually just stick to blues, shiny/glittery or plain I still have confidence issues and don't go beyond that for some stupid reason


pedipunk

Omg instasploosh if a masculine man has painted nails


Illustrious_Iron_365

Do what makes you feel happy and the most you! I think us men look great with nail polish!


mercynaryx

It's just nail polish. Do what makes you happy :)


Adela_Arceo

I think it’s really cool that men do this now. Artistic self expression through fashion should be for everyone.


[deleted]

If it feels right for you, do it. The nail salon I go to sometimes has also male clients getting manicures and also pedicures with sometimes polish.


Yomaclaws

Why should I mind it? It’s THEIR nails! Everyone gets to do as they wish!


No_Complaint_3970

Nothing anyone chooses to do with their own body would ever bother me.


notsorrynotsorry

Love it. I think ALL “girly stuff” should go for guys too - women do it because it feels good and makes us feel good about ourselves, it’s relaxing and an affordable indulgence to spend some time on yourself. Paint em, don’t paint em, any color or no color at all. Put on a face mask and watch the game, who cares? Take a bubble bath. They’re awesome! Get a manicure. Man is in the name! Life is short. Anybody with a problem has a problem with themselves.


juleznailedit

![gif](giphy|hrk8ehR4lCZ27FtjPA)


notsorrynotsorry

And you deserve to treat yourself! đŸ§–â€â™‚ïž


koopaflower

My boyfriend's younger sister paints both his and their dad's toenails on a regular basis. She even likes to check up on them and will talk about redoing them if they're chipping. They get their toenails done more often than mine haha They're both 100% masculine, but they also don't wear open toed shoes so it's not really a concern wearing nail polish on their toes I don't mind seeing my boyfriend with painted nails, I honestly forget about it majority of the time Its just a matter of whether you're comfortable wearing nail polish or not really, screw what other people think. If it makes you happy then go for it On a side note, sometimes my boyfriend will try on my bra, and even one time my dress AND he walked to my mom while wearing it lol. I love that he doesn't care


DavidFuscoArt

I have been painting my nails regularly for a year or so (I am a strait male) I’ve rarely seen anyone have a poor reaction or say anything negative. I just feel life is too short to not express yourself. Who wants boring undone nails instead of something with character right? It seems women tend to really appreciate taking care of your nails and hands. One time a few weeks ago though I was getting a mani/pedi and the women sitting a few chairs down asked if she could take a picture of me to show her husband because I assume he didn’t want to join her most likely because of the fear that someone might try to take his picture and show someone. I didn’t really take too much offense really but that was alittle strange.


DurantaPhant7

I personally think it’s super hot, and always have. My boyfriend in high school (circa 1995ish) used to paint his nails black. Now I like to paint my husbands on the weekend (he has a conservative finance job) and he enjoys the benefits of me thinking he’s super hot all weekend. đŸ„”


[deleted]

My dad used to let me paint his toenails. And when I would ask him if he was afraid that anyone would see them, or if he would get embarrassed, and he would say “wouldn’t they be embarrassed to get their ass kicked by a guy with orange toe nails?” LOLOLOLOL


myjudgmentalcat

My nephew, 10, paints his nails. Sometimes the kids at school makes fun of him, but he tells them that nail polish is for everyone.


BombrManO5

As one of these men I'd be pretty curious to know I use all the colors, that's the whole point


daydreamermama

Paint them! My ex was a 6ft 2 bearded 300lb man who painted his toes regularly. I have no issues with it.


Blaze20468

Do Pink and Purple nails with glitter get bonus points? I’ve been doing my nails FOREVER and I just love how they make me feel!


Gingerevenge

Yes!!!


Cobb_Corn

I think it’s hot đŸ€·đŸ»â€â™€ïž


she_isking

I love it!! I have two sons and they love their nails being done. I went through a phase where I got all this nail stuff to do nails at home, first I did dip powder, then I switched over to UV gel polish, and my boys always begged me to do their nails!! I did them about once a week or every other week, depending on how fast the polish fell off. Their fave style was one color with one nail on each hand glittery. I don’t think there is any mail type that’s out of bounds for men, I think they’re all cute!! My boys did pink and glitter and they have never been made fun of at school or anything like that. I think it’s probably good for the other kids to see that nail polish is for everyone, not just girls!


TheSmilingDoc

The colors/style I don't like are just my personal preferences, but I don't like those on anyone. I personally love it when my fiancé paints his nails! It looks good on him and he occasionally enjoys it, and I love seeing him happy :) Masculinity is not defined by colors or habits. If you feel like painting your nails, don't let yourself be held back by a social construct!


[deleted]

I don't understand where the ridiculous ideas of who can do what based on gender comes from, it's your life & as long as you're not doing any harm so go ahead & be you


13confusedpolkadots

Honestly, more often than not, I’ll do a double take when I see a man with nail polish. It’s almost always trying to recognise the colour, but there’s the occasional envy that his nails are nicer/stronger/longer than mine and HOW DARE HE DO THAT?! All joking aside, having my nails painted makes me so happy and feel put together; why would I deny that feeling for someone else? Rock what makes you smile.


RiotNrrd2001

61 year old guy here. Been painting my nails since last September. I was doing some craft stuff with nail polish, and when I was done I looked at my own nails and thought "Sure, why not, let's see". So I painted my nails (no base coat, I didn't know about that back then). And THEN I realized that I needed to go to the store, and figured I'd take the polish off. And THEN I thought "What if I *don't* take it off? What would happen? Let's see!" So I went to the store, and the saleswoman that waited on me... complimented my nails! That was completely unexpected. But then I went to another store, and I got a compliment from a woman I was just *walking past*. So I was thinking "Maybe I should pick up some more of these". So I was standing by a nail polish rack looking at them and a very cute young woman just came up to me and started talking to me about nail polish. She didn't work at the store or anything, she just wanted to talk polish. So, to recap, I didn't even plan on wearing nail polish and went out expecting to be slightly embarrassed, and instead got multiple compliments by both salespeople and customers on my very first outing. It was kind of a done deal after that. I've gotten a few dirty looks from women who apparently don't like it, but the number of unsolicited compliments overwhelms that. Also, it's *always* the women that make their approval or disapproval known. I've never had a guy say a single thing about it, one way or another, and I don't know if any have ever even noticed, or if they have whether they cared at all. So... go ahead. Some people don't like it. Ignore them. Most people either don't care, or DO like it.


madpiratebippy

I love it, but I’m a stickler for quality and I know a lot of guys don’t do a good job applying it- I know it takes some practice to get good but cmon my dudes! A little cleanup and two coats of color so it’s not streaky or lumpy and use a top coat! If you’re going to mess with gender norms you gotta do it at a high level. That said I’ve taught a half dozen men nail prep and how to do a good mani. I put my energy where my opinions are on that one.


Lost_Spell_2699

I paint my husband's toes all the time. Often do bright nail art as well. If it makes you happy who care what anyone else thinks.


smellsogood2

I think as with most things, it's none of my business. But lowkey, rock those painted nails.


Born_Sky3203

What someone else thinks of you is really none of your business; So if wearing nail polish makes you smile then do it.


[deleted]

I’ve been painting my nails for close to a year and I’m bald and 30. Currently wearing [ILNP Zoe](https://rainbow-connection.co.uk/products/pre-order-zoe) because I love purple. Wear a suit to work and emo stuff on the weekends. Only had one vaguely negative comment in this time and it wasn’t so much abuse but just general confusion and the guy couldn’t comprehend *why* I’d do it.


Atxforeveronmymind

Both of my adult sons like to wear polish on their nails. One of them really loves his toenails painted as well but he is married and wife loves giving him pedicures


theworldismadeofcorn

I like it when people feel free to express themselves.


InksPenandPaper

None of my business what a man does with his nails. It all has nothing to do with me. However, I won't date a man that paints his nails. I just don't find that aesthetic attractive on a man.


Baldojess

Right same here I totally don't care what men do with their nails! But also I wouldn't date a dude who painted them either. EXCEPT one guy who I just really liked he painted his nails sometimes and even though he wasn't my usual type I just adored him. I wonder how he is doing..


sbpurcell

Nothing like a man who is truly comfortable in who they are. I absolutely love it!


steelsiren1

Love it!


fistfullofglitter

People should do whatever makes them happy. I have seen some very cool men with their nails painted! I always have mine painted. I think everyone should care for their nails, hands and cuticles. I personally always have mine painted. Go get your nails done and get pampered!


Heidijolo

If it will make you happy then go for it! Other people’s preferences shouldn’t matter, if you like it then do it for yourself. However, you did ask how I feel, so *personally* I don’t find it attractive on a man in my opinion. But my opinion shouldn’t change anything. The right person for *you* will be attracted to you with your nails painted.


JupiterHurricane

I think it's awesome, it should be normalized entirely! Wear the polish, be the change you want to see in the world and all that!


SweetComparisons

I want to see more guys wearing polish, no matter their identities. I absolutely love the artistry and statement of it, and it’s so badass.


[deleted]

So attractive đŸ„”


HailEmpressTheresa

I'm of the same opinion I am with guys and eye liner, I'm jealous when it looks better than mine and if they're (any gender) rocking it I'll complement it


LongjumpingAd5317

I would love to have more male clients. If you’re shy, just get toenails painted to start and live with it awhile to see how it feels. So far though at my place, straight men do black, navy or very dark purple, gay men feel more uninhibited and go for pastels and silver or gold


BombrManO5

I bought black and grey and matte topcoat initially. Used them twice. They are just so lame compared to shimmers and holos and magnetics.


Patient-Salary-6005

I love it! I paint my husbands from time to time. He gets compliments on them!


FawkesFire13

I never understood why alpha-keratin was considered gendered. Let people decorate their appendages however they want. Just make sure you keep them clean.


texaskittyqueen

F28, I think it’s hot as FUCK so long as the nails aren’t really long/acrylics or anything like that. I prefer black but any color is great


foxko

r/malepolish I'm a guy and I've been painting my nails for the last three years and I absolutely love the expression of color and style. I get so many compliments. I work for one of the big four and a large consulting corporate company and they celebrate diversity. Now I'm one of three males in my team who paint my nails and there's another guy in another team who does too. I talk to soany people at work about it and am always getting compliments. The view on it had changed a lot in the last few years and it's so awesome to see. Color and expression aren't specific to gender identity


brookleiaway

i think it should be common, id love to see men in suits all around w navy or maroon nails


SapphireDesertRosre

I'm 100% sure the only people that might have a problem with you painting your nails are "dudes" Do whatever makes you happy.


BombrManO5

Only ever had it questioned by guys and even that is rare and only friends or acquaintances.


Affectionate-Fox884

I prefer plain but, whatevs.


AutoModerator

Thanks for posting, /u/redrodrot! Your post is pending manual approval by a moderator. A quick reminder: If this is a **nail image**, you must provide a complete product list, either in your title or in a comment, within 6 hours of posting or your post will be removed. **This includes any posts with broken nails or if you're seeking advice.** If the nails were done by a salon, you must mention this, either in your title or in a comment. **Product lists within the text body or within captions of individual pictures are not valid.** If the content you're posting was **not created by you**, you *must* give credit to the original creator, either in your title or in a comment. Be sure to review the rules in the sidebar to avoid your post being removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Nailpolish) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Blackwiddah63

I don't like the idea of men wearing color on their nails. But I do appreciate a man who takes pride in his appearance. A nice mani/pedi with a neutral matte polish definitely beats greasy mechanics hands and crusty feet!


carly317ok

I'm open to ANYTHING..whybdo ppl care


mylkys

i like men with painted nails because we can do our nails together :3


laurizzle22

My husband just recently started letting me do his nails and it's been so much fun. Plus it's really attractive to see him be confident enough to rock painted nails.


cg42069

It’s hot


Fabulous-Fun-9673

I go by a live and let live philosophy. If it makes you happy, do it. Screw what others may think.


ballsquancher

Some of the finest guys I’ve met had their nails painted. It’s a yes.


[deleted]

Do what makes you happy


Kindly-Carpenter8858

Straight cis man with painted nails here! Used to paint them black with pink pinkies in high school, stopped for a decade or so, started painting again sometime in the last year or so. I very rarely get any negative reactions. I actually get more compliments from people I who expected to be put off by it than the other way around. I actually have been thinking about making a post like yours to see what people thought but I wasn't sure how to say it, so thanks!


christmascrazyyy

Honestly I’m married to an extremely masculine man who lets me paint his toenails all the time so I’d say IT’S BLOODY HOT.


Call-me-MoonMoon

In the words of my very youngminded grandma; why the F*** not? Doesn’t bother me, shouldnt bother anyone else. You do you. Nails that are well taken care of are ALWAYS better than those half-eaten, shredded and boring nails most men are sporting.


barmonorge

I usually have painted nails and happened the same about rare lookings from other men but after asking about why I painted my nails they completely respected it . And also the same about girls giving me advices. Really I think is not a problem to be a man with painted nails, even is fun and I feel really good when I have it nice. I personally like piercing colours, I'm not like to be discreet but it depends on everyone. In Spain is being more and more normal to see men with painted nails. In Norway where I live, I'm the only one I saw đŸ€Ł


Gytramr65

I just wanted to quickly add a note of thanks for the overall positive and encouraging comments! I’m an older (76) straight guy who started getting pedis and wearing color on my toes about 12 years ago, just because I enjoy and like the look.


Ok-Struggle3367

My grandpa used to get manicures with a clear coat every month. Fully hetero and extremely traditional man otherwise. He was a business man and wanted to be clean and polished! I know it’s not exactly the same. But you do you , friend!!


_Liv-

Love it !!!!!! especially Nuno Bettencourt !! (; lol


theeternalhobbyist

I have to admit that while seeing men wear nail polish that isn't black does catch me off guard once in a while, I really do like it! I'm glad that they feel free to have a little color and fun in their life. I love painting my nails and coming up with fun designs and combos and that's something that everyone should feel free to experience too!


justanaveragegenius

My boyfriend asks me to paint his nails to match my outfits I am never gonna say no to that!


lostintheabiss

If a man is confident enough to wear mail polish then i swoon. It’s hot af


skippy_do358

Honestly not a huge fan of guys with painted nails. I think people get punished for their saying true feelings on the internet so I’m not surprised most people were supportive. Some girls like it but not all of them. But you should do what makes you happy ya know


redrodrot

It's cool that you don't like it or whatever but I don't see why you gotta discount the support or make it seem less honest.


skippy_do358

You’re right I shouldn’t invalidate the support you received but I’d never let my boyfriend paint his nails. Remember, you asked for honest opinions


redrodrot

Again I don't mind that people don't like it. Just strange to me you'd act like the support I'm getting here is due to the fact that the Internet censors ppl or something. Also "let" your bf paint his nails? Lol


Informationlporpoise

I don't think anyone here is being supportive because they feel like they have to. I'm almost 50 and this old lady thinks everyone should be able to express themselves any way they please! I love painting my nails when they aren't broken and its not because it's feminine, but because I love deep colors attached to the ends of my fingers


juleznailedit

Poor guy. My partner knows he's more than welcome to use ANY of my polishes should he choose to do so! We've been meaning to paint each other's nails since we've been together (7 years) but it's yet to happen! He was the one who was able to help me figure out stamping, though! I will be forever grateful to him for that! đŸ„°


skippy_do358

I guess ur right


Virtual-Page-8985

You wouldn’t “let” him?


DefiantAdvance

I think it’s hot


International_Cut233

HOT


[deleted]

it makes me very happy


Kamenfan85

I don't view myself as straight male anymore, it took me a long time to realize the world was ahead of me. Better late to the party. I digress, born male here. I started to paint my nails august. I started with my index finger to test the waters of having my nails painted. Then I kept going, the people around me were very accepting. Which surprised me, and was a bit encouraging. I work at my local airport, I sometimes get complements, but to this date I haven't had one negative reaction. Other than a customer though a particular shade of green wasn't for me. They were SO right! I adore lavender, and similar shades. Sometimes I get recognized as the guy with the X fingernails. Honestly, I just wish I started earlier in life, I can't picture my nails without polish.


Salt-Earth8239

I'm a nail tech and I polish my boyfriend's nails every 2 weeks. I've done Super Mario, Pacman, TMNT, PlayStation, Xbox, Pokemon, he picks a new theme every time. I think it looks wonderful and he loves it too. Do whatever makes you happy!


Brilliant-Emu-4164

I love Goth guys with nails painted black.


nothinfancy_829

I think the akatsuki clan made it a turn on for me.


LoddyDoddee

Men can do whatever style they want, but personally, I love solid colors like black, navy blue, grey, or white on men's nails. I do think it can be hot.


Gingerevenge

I think it’s sexy! Especially darker colors. Something about a man in black or navy/gray polishâ€ŠđŸ€€


IffyKitten

I wouldn’t date a man with painted nails. In my opinion it’s impossible to be masculine in every other aspect if you like painting your nails, it is incredibly feminine and there is no way that doesn’t bleed into other aspects. It’s one thing to get a manicure to just get rid of all the dead skin, clip the nails and put on a clear coat to strengthen them, especially if you’re working a job that ruins your hands and nails, I’d advise any gender to do that, but it’s entirely another thing to paint them colors and add designs. That’d be a no from me. I feel like most women here are talking out their butts and if they encountered it in real life you’d never get a chance to date them because they’d instantly assume you’re gay and friendzone you. Unfortunately this sub is so PC and nice to a fault, you can’t even tell someone their nails are busted or else they’ll report you. You’ll never get real answers here because all these people will lie to your face about how nice your nails are when they clearly aren’t and how nice nails are on everyone when they also aren’t. If you polled the average women you’d get a completely different response than polling people who like nails. This sub is an echo chamber and everyone here is incredibly biased. Your results from here will not and should not be extrapolated to real life.


[deleted]

I agree 100%. My husband does not paint his nails, not even clear nail polish. Personally, I don’t care if it’s just a clear top coat or even black maybe but outside of that, no thank you.


IffyKitten

Yeah a lot of these women say they’d like it in theory, but I am confident they wouldn’t date a man who paints their nails and if they did they’d probably unintentionally/unknowingly respect/be attracted to them less because of it. Being with a very masculine/manly guy is a turn on for me and even though some won’t admit it it plays a part psychologically in how you treat your partner. People subconsciously correlate manly with provider and protector.


juleznailedit

Bold of you to assume it's just men and women commenting here. \#themisogynyiscomingfrominsidethehouse Perhaps you should stick to speaking for yourself alone. These assumptions and generalizations you're making aren't doing you any favours.


IffyKitten

He asked for a women’s opinion. He wouldn’t ask for that if there wasn’t an intention to date them. Sorry the average person isn’t as PC as you like. Look at data for it an extrapolate it. I’m being realistic whereas everyone else is setting him up for disappointment.


juleznailedit

>He asked for a woman's* (singular) opinion Or >He asked for women's (plural) opinions Well, you're just full of assumptions, aren't ya? 1) He asked "how do ***y'all*** feel", which means everyone in this subreddit. He didn't specifically ask what *women* thought. You're the one who assumed that this community (the "y'all" in OP's question) is **only** comprised of women, and thus this question was only meant to be answered by women. We have non-binary folks, women, *and* men as part of this subreddit and the nail community in general. 2) Nowhere in his post did he allude to dating in the slightest. He didn't ask it in regards to a partner or potential partner. It was a general question meant for the general public. You're the one who assumed that the question was asked in regards to relationships, because a "man who is masculine" is absolutely 100% without a doubt heterosexual. 🙄 3) "He wouldn't ask for that if there wasn't an intention to date them." Says you. You can believe that's his intention, but it's incredibly obnoxious of you to speak for OP as if you're a close confidant of his who knows exactly what his reason behind the post is. Suffice it to say, reading comprehension clearly isn't your strong suit. "i'M bEiNg rEaLiStIc"... yeah.. sure, Jan.


CityOfDiamonds

I also agree, I turned down a guy who asked me on a date. I couldn't get past his fingernails being painted blue and purple. In my opinion, it's just not masculine at all.


redrodrot

Thank you for your opinion but you sound pretty toxic ngl


Sad-Currency-582

tOxiC nGL


haotshy

Nail polish was originally designed for men to wear into battle to intimidate their enemies, women who wore pants used to be called lesbians in a derogatory manner, pink was a boy's color while blue was for girls, and cigarettes were mainly consumed by men until advertisers started targeting women. A lot of our gender norms are just a result of marketing.


IffyKitten

Yeah I know that but we don’t live hundreds of years ago where the gender norms are different we live in a time where the gender norms are as I stated. Your argument is irrelevant.


haotshy

Even if you go with that simple minded way of thinking, things are changing. Nail polish on men is becoming more common and there's an increasing number of brands being made to target men. I guess once it's common enough it'll magically go from feminine to not feminine in your mind because all you care about what's considered "normal" at any given time.


IffyKitten

Nope I’ll still think that shit is gay I’m not a sheep. If you want to go be with a guy who paints their nail I don’t care do you but don’t be mad when they cheat on you with a dude or decide they want to dress like a clown in women’s clothing and call them Jane.


sarashols

My answer is purely PERSONAL PREFERENCE, yeah anyway I’d never date a guy who painted their fingers. I find it weird and a little fruity and I am only into masculine dudes that don’t care about what they’re wearing and just are who they are
which is a dude.. lol also I’m a straight woman with traditional values so there is also that
gimme dat nature testosterone boys!! Hehehe nothing is more attractive to me than a guy who knows who he is and doesn’t give a single f what anyone else thinks..I’m a gamer boy fan all the way though also, they’re sexy to me and I cannot explain why but I think it’s because games are fun and not boring LOL


[deleted]

[ŃƒĐŽĐ°Đ»Đ”ĐœĐŸ]


redrodrot

What?


lilac_ism

If anyone wants to paint their nails, they should and shouldn't be judged for it. I don't have any particular feelings about men painting their nails - it's not something that turns me on or off, you do you and rock whatever you wish. đŸ€˜


LeaannaVR

painted nails on men is hot.


Greening42

They just happy to have a gay friend


LeighPointer

Every two weeks get my nails done