Inspirations

Men’s Manicure: A Step-by-Step Guide

6 min to read
Nail polish, long perceived as exclusively feminine or reserved for rebels like rock stars, fashion icons, or rappers, is now so much more than just an accessory. Booming in popularity, manicures are breaking free from stereotypes and gender norms to become a universal form of self-expression. Whether you want to take care of your hands, make a personal style statement, or let your creativity run free, there's something for everyone… Gents, here are our tips for a top-notch man-icure!


Men's Nail Care Trends

Focus on men's nails

Nail care is rarely part of most men's daily routines. A quick snip here and there with scissors, if not teeth, and that's it! Yet, men's nails are often thicker, drier, and prone to breaking. They can show ridges or uneven texture caused by everyday tasks (especially using nails to scratch, fix things, or lift), exposure to harsh products, or lack of hydration. Just like for women, a regular, tailored nail care routine is key to having neat hands and extending polish wear for those who love wearing colour.

 

For neat, healthy hands, establish a regular nail care and skin care routine!
(@Vincent Ramonet)

 

Bad habits to avoid

  • Biting your nails: besides looking unkempt, this bad habit weakens the nail and can lead to infections. A habit to break as soon as possible!
  • Picking at cuticles: this delicate skin plays an essential protective role. Ripping it off can cause cuts or inflammation that you'll quickly regret.
  • Clipping your nails with scissors or nail clippers rather than your teeth is a good start, but these tools can weaken nails and make them brittle.
  • Skipping hydration: the skin on your hands and around your nails needs regular nourishment to prevent cracking and irritation.

Don't worry, there's an easy fix for each of these habits. Follow our guide as we reveal all our top tips!

 

A men's nail care routine is easy with Manucurist treatments!

 

A tailored care routine

Put to the test by everyday activities, men's hands and nails deserve just as much attention as women's.

Deeply hydrate with a nourishing oil

After washing your hands or before bed, make time for a simple yet highly effective little ritual. Massage a few drops of Green Oil onto your nails and cuticles to help it absorb. This ultra-nourishing, fragrance-neutral oil works immediately: the nail plate is hydrated and the surrounding skin soothed, without a sticky, greasy finish.
Combining the benefits of hemp and immortelle, Precious Oil is also ideal for instantly nourishing and revitalising dry nails and hands, without leaving a scent or greasy film.

Green Oil and Precious Oil, your best allies for well-hydrated nails.

 

Say goodbye to bitten nails

If you have this pesky habit, a bitter nail polish can help you break it. Pair it with a care routine to get your nails back in great shape! Find all our tips in this article.

Need a helping hand to stop biting your nails? Try our Bitter Polish!

 

Adopting good nail care habits

Take care of your cuticles! Instead of pulling at them, apply a few drops of Effective Cuticle Softener to soften the skin, then gently push your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher. You’ll get a clean, neat nail contour.
To shorten your nails, choose filing with a natural nail file for a beautiful rounded shape and a neat, lasting finish. Use the logo side for your fingernails and save the side without the logo for your toenails.
Finally, protect your nails from external stressors and enjoy a soothing feeling of comfort with Pink Balm, a multi-purpose treatment that strengthens and soothes nails and cuticles.

Find all your nail prep essentials in our complete set.

 

Take care of your hands

Keeping your nails well hydrated also means hydrating your hands. So enjoy the benefits of Manucurist Hand Creams every day. True Lavender Hand Cream and Orange Blossom Hand Cream have a light texture and subtle scent while deeply hydrating the skin. Don’t forget to massage your knuckles and cuticles too for complete hand care.

With Manucurist Hand Creams, hydrating your hands becomes a real treat.

 

After nail care, time for colour

Want to turn your nails into fashion accessories that lift your style? Here’s our selection of Green™ polish colours in step with men’s fashion trends. They’re up to 83% bio-sourced, super easy to apply and keep their colour vibrant for up to 7 days. For longer wear, explore our selection of gel polishes.

Our top colours for men

Khaki is a beautiful, richly pigmented green we love pairing with a casual look. Muted by grey undertones, it appeals to anyone who loves a natural look. A staple that works for every occasion!
Intense yet refined, Licorice is a black shade that captures both chic and rebellious spirit right down to your fingertips. It’s for men with character!

 

Khaki and Licorice: go for a natural look or a rebellious edge.

Anthracite is an earthy, almost volcanic dark grey. We recommend it for anyone looking for a touch of raw warmth and minimalism.
How on-trend is this chocolate brown? Clove melts hearts. Wear it with confidence for beautiful nails day or night.

Embrace warm, deep shades with Anthracite and Clove!

Poppy Seed is a blue-grey reminiscent of a stormy sky, with mysterious depth and a distinctly modern feel. A shade for the bold and fearless.
With its taupe tones, a subtle blend of chestnut and grey, Clay embodies “less is more” elegance. Soft and sophisticated, it gives your hands a velvety look.

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

Mystic is a deep blue-violet, a bold shade that won’t go unnoticed. For anyone who wants to add mystery and character to their hands.
Evoking the vastness of the ocean, Navy Blue captures a deep navy blue that invites contemplation. Perfect for men who want an understated yet confident style.

Opt for shades of blue with Mystic and Navy Blue.

 

✌️ Our tips for a flawless manicure:

  • Prep your nails: applying polish on clean, well-filed nails will ensure much longer-lasting wear.
  • Don’t forget the Base Coat: apply one coat before your first coat of colour. It protects the nail and helps the colour last.
  • Never without my Top Coat: it’s the finishing touch to any good manicure. This final coat seals in colour and adds shine. For a standout matte finish (and a seriously fashionable one!), apply a coat of Matte Top Coat over your polish. It instantly transforms the colour, giving it a textured effect and unique depth.

5 Nail Art Inspirations for Men

For trailblazers looking to take their creativity further, here are 5 unique Nail Art ideas:

1. Colour Waves: for a dynamic, arty look, have fun drawing colourful waves with a fine brush. Use the nail polish remover corrector pen to refine the edges of your designs and fix any little mistakes.

 

With Green™ or Green Flash™, mix and match colours and patterns to your heart's content.
(@toupouetboulou)

2. Midnight Sky: Channel Troye Sivan with a dreamy look featuring a black Licorice base fading into light blue Lilas, dusted with sparkling glitter.

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

3. Rock Matte Graffiti: Subtly edgy black graffiti over a deep red, nude, or white base, enhanced with a matte finish for a 100% rock-and-roll vibe!

Playfully scribbled nails for a so glam-rock look.
(@hypnozy.nail)

4. Marbled Grey: A marble effect created by blending white and anthracite grey for a sleek, chic look seen at Vivienne Westwood.

Mix a touch of Snow with Anthracite or Navy Blue for a super stylish marble effect.
(@nailsbymei)

5. Nail stickers: if you’re not confident in your Nail Art skills, stickers are a great way to personalise your manicure. They’re very easy to use: simply place them over your chosen base colour, then apply a coat of Top Coat to seal everything in.

 

Far from being a passing trend, men's manicures have become an essential grooming step and a great way to express personality. So, are you ready to embrace a nail care routine? Have fun, dare to explore, and unleash your creativity by playing with colours and patterns to craft looks that truly reflect you.

Products mentioned in the article