Think you’re too tough, masculine, or old school to get a men’s manicure or a men’s pedicure?
If so, that’s a real shame. You don’t know what you’re missing.
There’s good reason top athletes like LeBron James are fans of nail care for men. And the growth of popularity in all kinds of personal care services for men is clear evidence that guys like this stuff. The market is expected to grow to $81 billion by 2025.
Do Men Get Pedicures and Manicures?
Men’s manicures and pedicures aren’t just for the rich and famous. If you work on your feet all day or rely on your hands to earn a living, you should appreciate them and treat them well. After all, they’re your money makers - and they deserve a little maintenance and TLC.
Too many men suffer through blisters, misshapen nails, and other uncomfortable issues with their hands and feet that are totally unnecessary and can be addressed with a manicure or pedicure for men.
When your job demands heavy use of your hands, it is critical to avoid any hang nails that could get in your way. Adding a mani pedi for men into your regular monthly routine can help you avoid these annoyances.
Manicures and Pedicures for Men at Home
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to some hand, foot, and nail care at home. Mani pedis for men have become more common as guys discover how luxurious, enjoyable, and beneficial they are.
But many men are still uncomfortable walking into a traditional women’s salon for a manicure or pedicure. If you want to treat your hands and feet to some TLC without physically visiting a salon, you can use these at home tips - or opt for a men’s grooming parlor, which are becoming increasingly common.
Are you considering getting a manicure or pedicure for the first time? Here’s an introduction to help make the whole pedicure and manicure for guys experience as positive as possible.
Manicures for Men: A Simple Guide
At its most basic level, a manicure for men entails softening the skin on the hands, filing down the nails, and shaping the cuticles.
It might seem like a lot if you’re new to the idea, but the process is quite simple. You can even do it yourself at home with a men’s manicure set (though everyone should get at least one professional male manicure for the experience, it’s great). These are the basic steps:
Step 1: Cut the Nail
A manicure for men starts with cutting your nails with a nail clipper (here’s one we recommend).
Clip only the white part of the nail and try to make as few clips per nail as possible. Extra clips leave your nail edge uneven and could lead to uncomfortable and unattractive hang nails.
Step 2: File the Edges
Start by taking a nail file (we like this one) and gently file from one side of the nail to the other. Pretend as if the file is sanding back the nail. Always move in the same direction - don’t file back and forth.
Use this action to round the top of the nail, stopping when you feel the file starting to come into contact with your finger tip. It will be easy to get impatient and try to rush this, but take your time to avoid disturbing the tips of your fingers. Slow down - nail care for men is self care time.
Step 3: Cut Back the Excess Cuticle
The cuticle is the area where your nails meet your skin. Remove excess cuticle with a cuticle clipper (here’s our pick) - not with your fingers.
Ripping at a loose cuticle may cause a jagged look and will lead to bleeding, swelling, hang nails, and possibly even infection. Don’t do it.
If your cuticles are way out of shape, start by using a cuticle stick to push them back gently towards the end of your fingernail. Above all, be gentle.
Step 4: Hydrate the Hands
To finish up, rinse your hands and apply a hand lotion for men. This will help soothe any dry skin and heal any nicks that occurred when performing your man manicure.
Our Maximum Strength Mens Hand Cream is one of many essential nail care products for men designed to improve the skin on your hands. It’s made with powerful natural ingredients - vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba - and its lightweight formula absorbs quickly.
Does all of this nail care sound like a lot of work? We promise you that it isn’t. If you’d rather not do it yourself (or just want to treat yourself from time to time), you can always visit your nearest men’s grooming lounge to have your man manicure done professionally.
What to Expect When Getting a Manicure for Men
If you plan to get your next masculine mens manicure at a grooming lounge, there’s a lot to look forward to. The professionals at these businesses will clean the nails, treat the cuticles, remove dead skin with a pumice stone, and give you an elevated grooming experience. Sure, you could do all the same stuff at home - but it’s more luxurious to be cared for by a pro.
How Often Do I Need a Masculine Mens Manicure?
To keep your hands and nails looking their best, plan to get a manicure for men once a month. Yes, you can handle your hand and nail care at home if you prefer - and there are many excellent nail care products for men that can help you do that. But getting a professional manicure is a good place to start if you’re new to this aspect of grooming - plus it’s a great experience for anyone to have.
Is Getting a Manicure for Men Normal?
Having hands is normal. Wanting to look your best is normal. So yes, a manicure for men is totally normal and a smart thing to do for guys who take their appearance seriously.
Whether you’re on a job interview, on a date, or just going about your everyday tasks, don’t you want fresh, clean, smooth hands? Grooming is important for all people regardless of gender - so yes, a male manicure is normal, healthy, and important.
How Much Does a Men's Manicure Cost?
A basic man manicure generally costs between $20-$40 in the US, depending on where you’re located and which specific salon or grooming lounge you choose. And while that’s the basic cost, don’t forget to tip your manicurist for their hard work.
The Benefits of Getting a Manicure
There are many perks to getting a male manicure. They include:
- Improved Self Confidence - When you take care of your appearance, you know you’re always looking your best and get a substantial boost of self-confidence.
- Enhanced Joint Mobility - Getting a manicure for guys improves circulation and can help improve joint mobility in the hands.
- Less Nail Biting - Keeping your nails trimmed and manicured reduces the chance that you’ll be tempted to bite at them.
- More Touchable Hands - Your soft, clean, well-maintained hands present a great first impression in a handshake and are much more pleasant to the touch for a romantic partner.
Pedicure for Men: A Simple Guide
Similar to a manicure, a mens pedicure entails taking care of your nails, cutting back the cuticles, and hydrating your skin - but this time, the focus is on your feet. A man pedicure isn’t especially difficult or complicated, but it does require some specific tools and the right technique.
Like a manicure, you can easily (and quite inexpensively) do all of these things with a home pedicure for men.
What is a Professional Mens Pedicure?
Splurging on a professional pedicure for men really is worth it. Depending on where you go, your mens pedicure might include a foot massage, a warm water foot bath, and other luxuries. If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to treat yourself, this is an excellent choice that brings a variety of benefits.
If you’re on your feet all day, consider scheduling yourself a monthly man pedicure. Your feet will look, feel, and smell better. That’s a big win.
Of course, you can also choose to DIY your man pedicure at home - grab a mens pedicure set and follow these steps:
Step 1: Soak the Feet
This is an important first step for any male pedicure, whether it’s professional or at home. Use warm water in the bath tub, a large bucket, or a foot bath. This will start to soften the skin and allow for a more thorough treatment. Let your feet soak for 2-5 minutes.
Adding a little aromatic natural body wash for men - like one of our Invigorating Body Wash scents made with essential oils - can add a nice touch to the experience.
Step 2: Exfoliate the Skin
While your feet are still wet, exfoliate them with a scrubbing product - like our Polishing Body Scrub. It’s made with walnut powder, oat straw, and glycolic acid.
This is the part of a pedicure for men that will remove dead skin that has built up on your feet. Getting rid of all that accumulation helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. This will also remove painful calluses that form where your feet strike the ground the most.
Step 3: Clip the Nails
Clip just the outermost white part of the nail. Clip as few times per nail as possible for the best results. That helps prevent ingrown nails, hang nails, and other uncomfortable issues.
Step 4: File the Edges
Use a nail file to gently smooth the edge of your nails, moving from one side to the other - don’t go back and forth. Round the nail and stop once you feel the file coming into contact with the tip of your toe.
Step 5: Cut Back the Cuticles
Cut any extra cuticle with a cuticle clipper - not with your fingers. Don’t get too aggressive here because ripping at loose cuticles can cause bleeding, swelling, hang nails, and even infections.
Always remember that nail care for men should be gentle and easy, not harsh. If your cuticles are really out of shape, use a cuticle stick to push them gently back towards the end of the toenail.
Step 6: Rinse and Hydrate
Rinse your feet with warm water and apply lotion - like our Deep Moisture Body Lotion. Our mens lotion is made with vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba. It helps soothe dry skin and heal any nicks that may have occurred while performing your male pedicure.
How to Get the Most Out of Mens Pedicures
Regular pedicures contribute to improved nail care for men. They remove excess dead skin on your feet, reduce sore spots, and prevent gunky buildup around the nails.
Getting at least one professional pedicure for men in your lifetime - perhaps for a special occasion - is a must. Why? Because they feel incredible and the professionals are able to reach areas you can’t on your own.
Not only that, but your feet come out looking, smelling, and feeling great. Who knows, after only one visit you may even find yourself becoming a regular in the male pedicure chair.
What to Expect When Getting a Pedicure for Men
When they’re new to the experience, men getting pedicures are often anxious about exactly what’s going to be done to them. To alleviate that, it’s important to know some of the basic elements of a male pedicure, such as:
- Foot soak
- Exfoliation/scrubbing
- Nail clipping
- Buffing
How Long Does a Pedicure Take?
Pedicures for men typically take about 30-45 minutes depending on how they are performed, the person doing the pedicure, and the salon or grooming lounge you visit. So you should block off about an hour if you’re going to get a professional pedicure - more if it’s your first time at a new location.
At home, you can probably handle your own pedicure in about 15-20 minutes. That’s because you’re not going to get as in depth as a professional would.
How Long Does a Pedicure Last?
The results of a professional men pedicure should last about a week or two, depending on how it was performed and how you treat your feet. You can make it last longer by doing some basic maintenance on your feet and nails each week after your initial pedicure.
What to Ask for at the Grooming Parlor
If you want to go beyond the basics, unwind a little with a leg massage. But be sure to talk to the pedicurist to address any concerns you may have, including medical conditions or allergies.
A pedicure for men is not an invasive medical procedure, but caution is important. Share any pertinent information before your pedicure to make sure you have a positive experience with no unpleasant surprises.
How Often Should You Get a Pedicure?
As long as you do it safely, a male pedicure can be done as often as you wish. Of course, it also depends on how much time you spend on your feet, how hard you are on your feet and nails, and how quickly your toenails grow. Some guys go for a pedicure once every month while others go more frequently.
The Benefits of Getting a Pedicure
If you thought the perks of getting a manicure sound promising, consider how a pedicure for men can be just as pleasant. Creating a regular men pedicure routine is important to experience these benefits:
- Healthier Nails - Trimmed nails are less likely to develop fungus since they can’t get as much dirt, bacteria, and gunk trapped beneath them.
- Smoother Skin - Removing calluses and dead skin keeps your feet much smoother.
- Less Foot Odor - Trimming and cleaning your nails plus reducing the accumulation of dead skin on your feet contributes to less overall foot odor.
- Improved Circulation - The massage-like aspect of getting a pedicure contributes to improved circulation in your feet which can also help reduce inflammation.
Why Regular Manicures and Pedicures for Men Should be a Thing
Taking care of your nails is a relaxing, soothing experience that also provides a variety of benefits. So this should definitely be part of your grooming routine.
Ingrown Toenails, Corns, and Calluses
Getting a pedicure for men regularly may help you avoid a variety of foot and toenail issues, perhaps even saving you from an expensive and unpleasant trip to the podiatrist. Having your feet tended to and moisturized regularly prevents infections, improves overall toenail health, and reduces the chance you’ll develop ingrown nails, corns, and calluses.
Stress Relief
Stress is to some extent inevitable and so are its negative impacts in your life. But making a male pedicure part of your monthly schedule can help reduce stress. Getting a mani pedi for men each month is a relaxing, indulgent activity that soothes you and allows you to disconnect from the constant bustle of everyday life.
Reduces Back Pain
Back pain is a far too common problem for men; it can sap your energy and your ability to enjoy most activities. While the causes of back pain are myriad and complex, there’s evidence that calluses on your feet affect your body weight distribution and could lead to misalignment and subsequent back pain.
There’s more to getting a pedicure for men than just looking good and relaxing. Having your feet exfoliated also helps prevent calluses and could contribute to alleviating your back pain.
Mens Feet and Hands Aftercare
After you get a manicure or pedicure for men, there are some basic aftercare practices you should follow. This will keep your hands and feet in top shape and ensure your results last as long as possible.
Keep Nails Short
Trim both your finger and toenails regularly, generally once a week. They should be kept about as long as your finger or toe tip - too short and you’ll experience irritation, too long and they’ll be more prone to getting dirty. Remember to do the following when it comes to nail care for men:
- Slightly round the edges of your fingernails
- Cut your toenails straight across
- File your nails in one direction, not back and forth
- Moisturize with hand lotion for men after trimming nails
- Sterilize your clippers and other tools regularly
Keep the Nails Clean
Gently remove any dirt from underneath the nails or around the cuticle area regularly. Be careful not to dig into the nail bed when cleaning as this could cause irritation or lead to infection.
Lather Up
Your men manicure results will be instantly dulled if your hands are all dirty. So wash your hands often, and don’t forget to clean under the nails too. Lots of washing can cause dryness, but not if you opt for a moisturizing formula like our natural hand soap. If you need additional moisture, use our Maximum Strength Hand Cream.
Use a Good Nail Kit and Nail Brush
Fingernail clippers, toenail clippers, cuticle pushers, nail cleaners, nail files, and nail brushes are all vital parts of your personal nail care kit. Use your nail care products for men to diligently clean and trim your nails, which may harbor germs and dirt otherwise.
Men's Feet Health Tips
These tips will help you maintain healthy feet before and after a male pedicure. They may seem basic, but too many guys ignore foot care. Make sure you’re not one of them.
Change Your Socks
Your feet sweat a lot, so changing your socks once or twice a day is a good idea in order to avoid excessive moisture and dampness. This is especially important after working outside or exercising.
Men with hyperhidrosis, an excessive sweating condition, may experience slippage inside their shoes due to excessive moisture. There’s also the possibility of foot infections and severe foot odor as a result of this condition. If you are struggling with this, talk with your doctor about how to manage it more effectively and avoid negative outcomes.
Wash and Dry Feet Thoroughly
Many common mens feet issues - including athlete’s foot - can be avoided by washing and drying your feet regularly. This can be hard, though, because men’s feet tend to sweat a lot and being on your feet all day for work gives you little chance to dry them.
When washing your feet, don’t forget to get between your toes. Dry this area out as well afterwards. When done, use body lotion for men to seal in moisture and prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation.
Cut Those Bearclaws Just Right
Be sure to sterilize your toenail clippers before each use. To do so, soak them in alcohol, then wash away any debris and dry them thoroughly before storing.
When cutting your toenails, don't try to cut the whole nail at once. Instead, do about half at a time and cut straight across. This is important upkeep for between men's pedicure appointments.
When You Have a Problem, Don't Hack at It
Don't preform bathroom surgery - it won’t go well and could lead to much worse problems than whatever you’re current dealing with. If you’re frustrated with calluses and dead skin buildup on your feet, try pumicing them or padding your shoes to make them more comfortable. Avoid scraping at your feet with sharp instruments - it can lead to disaster.
If you’re noticing nail fungus, you can try debridement or over-the-counter anti-fungal medications. These are generally effective, but see a dermatologist if your problems persist despite treatment.
Still Got Cold Feet? Here are the Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Manicures and Pedicures for Men
A men pedicure and manicure may sound a little out of your comfort zone at first, but guys can greatly benefit from them! Here are the top 5 reasons:
- Taking pride in your appearance is a great way to impress a partner (or potential partner).
- Having happy feet and healthy hands is something every man deserves.
- A pedicure or manicure for men is a chance to relax after a non-stop stressful day.
- Calluses don't budge on their own, but a pedicure for guys will scrub them away.
- It’s the best way to get rid of dry skin, dirt, and cuticles issue effectively.
Why Choose Brickell Products
Besides getting regular manicures and pedicures for men, it’s important to maintain a skincare routine. We make all natural products designed specifically for men’s skin. If you’re ready to move past basic hand and foot care to cleanse your skin, fight wrinkles, and improve your shave, we’ve got you covered with our lineup of mens care products. We offer free shipping on orders over $50 in the USA - but if you’re outside the USA, no worries, we ship internationally too.
