Tips

Men’s Manicure: A Step-by-Step Guide

5 min to read
Nail polish, once seen as a feminine accessory or a rebellious statement worn by rock stars, fashion icons, and rappers, has evolved far beyond that. Today, manicures are breaking free from stereotypes and gender norms, becoming a universal form of self-expression. Whether it’s about taking care of your hands, showcasing your personal style, or unleashing your creativity, there’s something for everyone… Gentlemen, here are our top tips for an impeccable man-icure!


Men’s Nail Care Trends

Understanding Male Nails

For many men, nail care isn’t a daily priority. A quick trim with scissors—or even teeth—often does the trick. However, men’s nails tend to be thicker, drier, and more prone to breakage. They can also develop ridges or an uneven texture due to daily activities (especially when used for scratching, DIY work, or lifting objects), exposure to harsh products, or a lack of hydration. Just like for women, a consistent nail care routine is essential for maintaining healthy hands and ensuring longer-lasting polish for those who enjoy enhancing their nails.

 

For well-groomed hands, a consistent nail and skincare routine is key!
(@Vincent Ramonet)

 

Bad Habits to Avoid

  • Nail biting: Not only is it unsightly, but this habit weakens nails and increases the risk of infections. Time to quit for good!
  • Cuticle picking: These tiny skin barriers play a crucial protective role. Tearing them can lead to painful wounds and inflammation.
  • Using scissors or clippers incorrectly: While it’s better than using your teeth, improper trimming can weaken nails and make them more prone to breaking.
  • Skipping hydration: The skin around your nails and hands needs regular nourishment to prevent cracks and irritation.

Don’t worry—there’s a fix for every bad habit. Follow our guide for expert tips!

 

Yes, men can have a nail care routine too—Manucurist has you covered!

 

A Tailored Nail Care Routine

Men’s hands and nails endure a lot throughout the day, making proper care just as essential as it is for women.

Deep Hydration with Nourishing Oils

After washing your hands or before bedtime, incorporate a simple yet highly effective ritual. Apply a few drops of Nourishing Cuticle Oil onto your nails and cuticles, massaging gently to aid absorption. This ultra-nourishing, fragrance-free oil instantly hydrates the nail plate and soothes the surrounding skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Nourishing Cuticle Oil your best ally for hydrated nails.

 

Breaking the Nail Biting Habit

If you struggle with nail biting, try using a bitter-tasting polish to discourage the habit. Pair it with a nail care routine to restore your nails to full health! For more guidance, check out our dedicated article.

Need help kicking the habit? Try our Bitter Polish!

 

Mastering Nail Maintenance

Taking care of your cuticles is key! Instead of pulling or biting them, apply a few drops of Hydrating Cuticle Remover to soften them, then gently push them back with a steel cuticle pusher. This will ensure a clean and well-groomed nail contour.
To shorten your nails, prefer liming of the nails using a nail file for natural nails. This will help you achieve a smooth, rounded shape and a long-lasting finish. Use the logo side for fingernails and the non-logo side for toenails.
Finally, protect your nails from external stressors and keep them feeling comfortable with Natural Nourishing Balm, a multi-purpose treatment that strengthens and soothes both nails and cuticles.

Discover all the essentials for nail prep in our complete kit.

 

Hydrating Your Hands

Healthy nails start with well-hydrated hands! Treat yourself daily with Manucurist's Hand Creams. The Lavender Hand Cream or Orange Blossom Hand Cream offer a light texture and subtle fragrance while deeply nourishing the skin. Don’t forget to massage the knuckles and cuticles for optimal care.

Hydrating your hands has never been this enjoyable with Manucurist’s Hand Creams.

 

Time for Colour!

Ready to turn your nails into a stylish accessory? Discover our selection of Green™ nail colours that complement men's fashion trends. These bio-sourced polishes—up to 83% plant-based—are easy to apply and deliver vibrant colour that lasts up to 7 days.

Top Shades for Men

Khaki is a rich, earthy green that pairs effortlessly with a casual look. With muted grey undertones, it’s perfect for those who love natural shades—an everyday essential!
For a bold statement, Liquorice offers a chic, rebellious black—ideal for those with an edgy style.

Khaki or Liquorice—go for a natural or rebellious vibe.

 

Anthracite is a deep, organic dark grey with a volcanic feel. It’s perfect for those looking for raw warmth with a touch of minimalism.
How trendy is this chocolate brown? Clove is melting hearts everywhere. It’s a bold, confident shade that works beautifully from day to night.

Embrace deep, warm tones with Anthracite and Clove!

Poppy Seed is a stormy blue-grey, reminiscent of a dark sky before a thunderstorm. It brings a mysterious depth and a modern edge, ideal for those who dare to be bold.
With its taupe tones, a subtle mix of chestnut and grey, Clay embodies effortless elegance. Soft yet sophisticated, it gives your hands a velvety look.

For a modern and sophisticated look, go for Poppy Seed or Clay!

Mystic is a deep blue-violet, a daring shade that won’t go unnoticed. Perfect for adding a touch of mystery and personality to your nails.
Evoking the vastness of the ocean, Navy Blue captures the essence of a rich, contemplative deep blue. Ideal for those looking for a sleek yet assertive style.

Play with blue tones with Mystic and Navy Blue.

 

✌️ Our tips for a flawless manicure:

  • Prep your nails: A well-applied polish lasts longer on clean, well-shaped nails.
  • Don’t skip the Base Coat: Apply a single layer before your colour for nail protection and better polish adhesion.
  • Never without my Top Coat: The final step to seal in colour and add shine. For an exceptional matte effect (and a super trendy look!), apply a layer of Matte Top Coat.

5 Nail Art Ideas for Men

For those who want to push creativity further, here are 5 unique nail art ideas:

1. Color Waves: For a bold and artistic look, have fun drawing colorful waves with a fine brush. The polish corrector pen lets you refine the design edges and fix any little imperfections.

 

With Green™ or Green Flash™, let your creativity run wild with colors and patterns.
(@toupouetboulou)

2. Midnight Sky: Channel your inner dreamer like Troye Sivan with a Licorice black base that blends into Lilas blue, topped with shimmering glitter for a starry-night effect.

On the Met Gala red carpet, Troye Sivan rocked a 100% Manucurist nail art look.
(@nailsbymei)

3. Rock Graffiti Matte: Edgy black graffiti on a deep red, nude, or white base, finished with a matte effect—pure rock 'n' roll vibes!

Scribbled-on nails for a glam-rock finish.
(@hypnozy.nail)

4. Marble Gray: A chic and minimalist marbled effect, blending Snow white with Anthracite or Navy Blue—spotted at Vivienne Westwood.

Blend Snow with Anthracite or Navy Blue for an ultra-stylish marble effect.
(@nailsbymei)

5. Stickers: Not confident in your nail art skills? Stickers are a fun and easy way to personalize your manicure. Just place them on your chosen base color and seal with a top coat for long-lasting wear.

 

Men’s manicures are far from a passing trend—they’re a self-care ritual and a bold expression of style. So, are you ready to embrace a nail care routine? Have fun experimenting with colors and patterns to create a look that's uniquely yours.