Men's manicures are becoming increasingly popular among modern men who want to look well-groomed and stylish. Unlike women's manicures, men's manicures usually focus on hygienic care: nails are neatly trimmed and shaped, cuticles are groomed, but polishing and decorative coating are often optional. However, for those men who are not afraid to experiment and appreciate individuality, there are many opportunities for creativity in manicure design. 
If you're interested in learning more about men's manicures, read our article. 

Manicure is not only a cosmetic procedure, but also an important aspect of hand care. During the session, the master thoroughly cleans the nails and skin of the hands, removes cuticles and bumps, and shapes the nails to a comfortable length. Manicures are equally suitable for both men and women. The main difference is that men are more likely to entrust the choice of tools and techniques to professionals without going into detail, while women may prefer a more detailed approach. As a rule, men are offered the following types of manicure:

- Classic. It is also referred to as a "trimming manicure." The process begins with careful treatment of the edge of the nail with a file, so that the master can carefully shorten the length and give the desired shape. Then the hands are immersed in a warm bath, in which, if desired, aromatic oils or other spa components are added to enhance the relaxing effect. The next stage is the treatment of cuticle using special metal nippers, which are carefully removed all the excess. At the end of the procedure, the master polishes the nails and applies a nourishing cream to the hands, leaving the skin soft and well-groomed.

- Hardware. Hardware manicure is performed with the help of a specialised cutter, equipped with a variety of metal or ceramic tips, which makes the process precise and soft. This procedure is carried out on dry hands, which provides a cleaner and neater treatment. Special files of different abrasiveness and size are used, designed for careful work with cuticle and skin rollers around the nails. Hardware manicure significantly reduces the risk of injury compared to the traditional trimming method. Upon completion of the basic treatment, the master can carry out additional procedures, such as exfoliation of the skin of hands with a scrub or application of a nourishing mask that improves the condition of the skin and enhances the effect of the manicure.

- European. The European manicure, also known as the uncut manicure, follows a similar process to the classic manicure, but with a few differences. The main difference is that the cuticle is not cut, but gently pushed back with a special orange stick. To soften the skin on the base of the nail is applied remuver or oil. European manicure can be performed both with the use of a warm bath, and without it.

INTERESTING: Brad Pitt pays special attention to his hands - he regularly does a manicure, which is noticeable even in photos, where his nails are always neatly trimmed and polished. 

Manicure plays a crucial role as a hygienic procedure, comparable in importance to regular hand washing. It is essential for addressing issues such as ingrown nails or recovering from fungal infections. Additionally, well-groomed hands are an integral part of one's appearance, which can be either classic or stylish depending on preferences. Regular manicure offers the following benefits:

1. Enhanced appearance. Manicure helps maintain neat and professional-looking hands, which is particularly important in business environments and social interactions.

2. Hygiene. Regular manicure improves the condition of nails and the skin around them, preventing infections and promoting hand health.

3. Improves skin elasticity and youthfulness. As skin ages, hands are susceptible to UV damage, leading to pigmentation and wrinkles. However, manicure alone cannot correct these damages. To improve skin condition, spa treatments including exfoliation, nourishing masks, creams, and massages are recommended. These procedures help restore moisture levels, enhance blood circulation, and strengthen the skin's protective functions.

 
4. It aligns the nail plate. The nail plate can become deformed, split, yellowed, or excessively thickened due to various reasons—from frequent pool visits to injuries and fungal infections. To restore nail health, it's necessary to wait for a complete turnover of the nail plate, which typically takes two to three months. During this time, manicure treatments can help improve the appearance of nails. For instance, care using medicinal nail polish can strengthen nails, prevent splitting and breakage, while polishing can help eliminate yellowness, especially for smokers.

5. Professional care. Special manicure procedures and products help strengthen nails, making them less brittle and smoother.

6. Boosting self-esteem. Well-groomed hands can enhance well-being and increase self-confidence.

INTERESTING FACT: American actor, singer, and illusionist Neil Patrick Harris, known for his role in the series "How I Met Your Mother," prefers various shades of nail polish.

- Practical. Classic men's manicure helps to keep nails clean and maintain a presentable appearance. This is particularly important for those who frequently meet people, exchange handshakes, or engage in public speaking.

- Simple. While women have a wide range of nail shapes to choose from, men's manicures often stick to replicating the natural shape of the fingers. The length typically remains minimal for convenience.

- Minimalistic. Few men opt even for transparent nail polish, and those who dare to use colored coatings or other nail art techniques are even fewer. Classic men's manicure usually involves buffing to make nails look shiny and smooth.

Nail care in a salon depends on individual characteristics such as nail and cuticle growth rates. Typically, men have thicker cuticles that require more frequent and thorough treatment. On average, a male manicure takes about 40-45 minutes. However, if nails and cuticles are overgrown with lots of hangnails, the session can take longer, potentially over an hour. Ideally, men should get a manicure every one and a half to two weeks as nails grow.

The procedure begins with trimming nails to the desired length, followed by pushing back the cuticles using an orange stick and filing. Finally, a moisturizing cream or oil is applied if the client agrees. Some also opt for nail buffing with oil upon request, though this takes additional time, so many men skip this step.