Men’s nail grooming is arguably the least talked about aspect of a well-rounded grooming routine…but, don’t mistake that as a reason to skip out on maintaining manicured hands and feet. Are you ready for some truth? Women talk about these things! It’s hard not to notice your nails when you’re reaching for that cocktail on a date or if your feet look like you’ve been barefoot in NYC on the occasion you wear sandals. It comes down to effort and taking a little extra time on small (important) grooming details.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Bethany Newell has become an influential A-list celebrity manicurist known for her clean and flawless work with a commitment to quality. Even better – she has formed a technique specifically for the upkeep of men’s nails.
Below, her tips on men’s nail grooming:
Keep nails clean and clipped
This applies to your hands and feet equally. It’s a few extra minutes in the shower or a last minute step before you leave for your next day…easy enough, right?
Keep your hands moisturized
Preferably using a “nice emollient hand cream” instead of a general body lotion as a hand cream will repair dry skin and seal in moisture longer throughout the day. And guys – you don’t want rough skin when you shake hands with the next lady you meet.
Stay buff(ed)
Two or more times a week use a foot buffer on your feet in the shower. “I like to use the paddle on dry skin first then with water to finish for smooth bottoms of the feet paying attention to the area on the balls of the feet, the heel and around the toes that may have rough edges/callous.”
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Three tricks to keep your nails groomed at home:
- Invest in a great full size nail clipper with a rounded edge…and clip regularly.
- Use a nail brush with hand soap daily to get the grime out from your cuticles and under your fingernails.
- Go the extra mile and use a little bit of toothpaste to scrub your nails once or twice a week. It’ll keep them clean and white.
Don’t count out the salon just yet
At the end of the day, don’t be afraid to take a trip to the salon for a mani-pedi. Luckily, we’re way past the “metrosexual era.”
Grooming is just another core component of a grown man’s style routine. And most importantly – it’s relaxing. Everyone deserves to kick back, relax and unabashedly enjoy some self-care…and a spa treatment every now and again.
