Menicure: The Rise of Male Polish
Nail art has become one of the most popular forms of creating a personal statement. From out of the box designs to different hues and pops of color, everyone has been getting their nails done – including men. For the longest time, the nail industry’s targeted audience has been women but as men increasingly continue to hop on the trend. The gender stereotype of who can wear nail polish is slowly but surely crumbling, signifying a step in the right direction of turning nail polish into a more inclusive and gender neutral beauty trend.
When we think about male manicures in the past we usually think of the rare, clean cut and clear nail polish look, or even the bold but angsty black nail polish that was often worn by subcultures like the punk and emo scene. Now “menicures” – as I should call them – are becoming even more bold with the addition of various colors, designs and even embellishments. Celebrities like Harry Styles, A$AP Rocky, Lil Nas X, and Lil Yachty, to name a few, have been spotted rocking unique nail designs, turning menicures into their signature look.
In an interview with Vogue, A$AP Rocky emphasizes the fact that manicures are a form of self-expression regardless of your gender identity, stating “I feel like men should be able to do nail art without feeling feminine.” With the support of celebrities like himself who aren’t afraid to try new and ground-breaking trends, millennials are picking up on these fashion statements and turning them into their own forms of expression.
The nail industry themselves have been keeping a close eye on this new trend. Big brands are creating more inclusive campaigns in support of the removal of gender stereotypes within the industry. OPI has created a campaign called “Will You Mani Up?” which aimed to break down the stigma against men wearing nail polish and Essie is launching a line of quick-dry polishes targeted to all genders. Celebrities are also branching out and creating their own line of polish. Lil Yachty announced that he would be launching his own brand, Crete, with the purpose of breaking barriers and promoting self-expression in men.
From Bad Bunny’s bright yellow, medium length stiletto acrylics to Harry Styles’ fruit themed nail art, these men are choosing daring and authentic nail designs that represent their own personal styles. Here are some of my favorite menicures that I’ve seen so far:
Bad Bunny’s bright yellow acrylics at the 2019 Billboard Latin Music Awards
Anwar Hadid’s Neon Menicure
Lil Yachty’s Bold Artwork
As the stigma behind nail art continues to fade, men have boldly been expressing their authentic selves by confidently adding a pop of color to their everyday look. Beauty has no gender and the menicure proves that anyone can rock a fresh set!
Strike Out, ee
Writer: Arielle Vabre
Editor: Lexi Fernandez
Graphics: Audrey Estupinan
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