Fingernails

Discussion of fashion elements and looks that are traditionally considered somewhat "femme" but are presented in a masculine context. This is NOT about transvestism or crossdressing.
Gordon
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Fingernails

Post by Gordon »

Anyone else into manicures and polish? I've been getting manicures for close to three years now. I get compliments on them all the time; mostly from women.
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Fred in Skirts
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Fred in Skirts »

Hi Gordon,

I get manicures once in a while but try to get a pedicure every month with polish. The only time I have received a comment was from a nurse at the hosp as she was putting the Pulse/Oxy meter on my finger. She asked is that nail polish on your fingers and I said yes it is. Nothing else was said. I do wear nail polish on my toes all of the time and on my fingers as the mood strikes me. I like softer pink colors on both. I wear sandals and flip flops most of the time even in the winter months. So my toes are there for everyone to see.
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DTSA
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Re: Fingernails

Post by DTSA »

Booked in for a Shellac manicure next Friday. I have had Shellac nails for a few years now but tend to get the nude colours. The nails just look healthy with a shine to them. No comments whatsoever.
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Fred in Skirts
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Fred in Skirts »

I am now scheduled for a pedicure on Wednesday. :bluebounce: I am going with a new pink that I haven't tried before.
"It is better to be hated for what you are than be loved for what you are not" Andre Gide: 1869 - 1951
Always be yourself because the people that matter don’t mind and the ones that mind don’t matter.
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mishawakaskirt
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Re: Fingernails

Post by mishawakaskirt »

(This is just my humble observation/ oppinion post)
No to nails. Where does it stop?
I can get behind skirts, skorts, some dresses, and tights in some instances.
But threads on painting finger nails, panty hose, blouses and high heels. We are starting to sound like a bunch of women. Let's get back to the basics of skirts, kilts and dresses. Still tons of room for fashion freedom.
Lately I feel that we're. Headed toward crossdressing and no longer men in skirts.
For the past year I have really enjoyed this cafe there have been a lot of very very insightful things said, I think because of our fashion choices, we are braver, more intelectual, passionate, understanting than the other 99% of men that never stepped foot in a skirt. Most don't ever give what they wear a second thought, but when a man puts on a skirt they are made outcast and shunned, sometimes buy the ones they are the closest to. (My wife can't even wrap her mind around my desire to wear kilts and skirts.) Of course every now and then I cringe at some of the things I have read. Sorry no to nails.
Thankyou for listening.

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Pdxfashionpioneer
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Pdxfashionpioneer »

Hi there Mishawakaskirt,

If some line of exploration makes you queasy, stay away. Don't read it (an argument for avoiding thread drift and clear titles).

You don't have to read everything to be a member of the forum. Think of this as an international buffet; eat (read) what tastes (feels) good to you. Avoid what doesn't. If you bite into something that doesn't taste good to you, discretely spit it out and don't take 2nds. How tough is that?

Again, my definition of crossdressing is when the intention and look is so feminine the person is trying to pass themselves off as a member of the opposite sex. I done both and this feels very different and gets a very different (much better) response.

Because we're all exploring our psyches and presentation, you've got to expect from time to time someone's going to try something that will strike you as off-base. Look at it this way, that other person has taken that chance for you so you now know that for instance, you don't have to give another moment's thought to getting your nails done. You know, from your reaction to others doing it, it's not for you.

Make sense?

For the record, I haven't had my nails done since my CD days and don't have ANY piercings or tats. At some level both piercings and tattoos impress me as very low-rent -- except for 1 or 2 ear-piercings per ear -- but who am I to say that? Consequently, those opinions usually don't leave my lips.
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Darryl »

And, at one time some years back, I had chipping fingernails, so I started with changes to diet.

I also put on a clear/transparent nail strengthener and a clear-coat/hardener/whatever on top. Made the nails look totally smooth and clear like I was fresh out of a long soaking bath. I probably used no more than a third of the bottle, if that much, and discontinued when the problem cleared up.

My friend Amy, before she got married, had recommended this, and whether it had any part in clearing up the problem or not - it was educational. I didn't have to use colors or anything to say "looks/feels like work." :mrgreen:

I just take my vitamin/mineral tablets and eat cottage cheese and avoid long hot soaking baths. Seems to work. :D
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Gusto10 »

mishawakaskirt wrote:(This is just my humble observation/ oppinion post)
No to nails. Where does it stop?
I can get behind skirts, skorts, some dresses, and tights in some instances.
But threads on painting finger nails, panty hose, blouses and high heels. We are starting to sound like a bunch of women. Let's get back to the basics of skirts, kilts and dresses. Still tons of room for fashion freedom.
Lately I feel that we're. Headed toward crossdressing and no longer men in skirts.

Mishawaka
I agree fully. Butstill lookig back in history, it were the men wearing make up, heels, frilly blouses etc. Also as recent as in the late sixties and early 70's. a good place to see what is being said behind our backs is the peoples fashion of wallmart: http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Ray »

I'm not into polished nails or manicures - just not my thing - but happy to see it discussed on the periphery of things. I'll just not contribute to the thread. Apart from this comment!
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oldsalt1
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Re: Fingernails

Post by oldsalt1 »

Going back to the early eighties. I was working as the controller for a major advertising agency On Madison avenue New York . At that time I wore nothing but 3 piece suits. I always had a manicure. but it was strictly trimmed nails and cuticles and clear polish. Most of the higher ups in the company also had manicures .

I would do it again but I always seem to be in some form of construction which would ruin the nails.

I am very concerned about going over the line into cross dressing. If I am putting on pantyhose and heels maybe I am there already. I guess I can explain them away saying they are needed for the outfit.

This is only my opinion but I think colored nails is a step to far.
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Re: Fingernails

Post by crfriend »

oldsalt1 wrote:I am very concerned about going over the line into cross dressing. If I am putting on pantyhose and heels maybe I am there already. I guess I can explain them away saying they are needed for the outfit.
Much of it comes down to your overall appearance, carriage, and demeanour. I get away with skirts, tights, and frilly shirts all the time and I have yet to get hassled for it
This is only my opinion but I think colored nails is a step to far.
It could be something that could tip an entire look, but something which, by itself, it's likely that very few would give any real consideration to.

Overall, it's the entire package that tells the tale -- and, yes, it is possible to "go too far"; however, that varies from person to person which is the way it should be. I rather doubt that Kilted John gets mistaken for a woman very often. It's exceedingly rare that I do, and it's only from been from directly behind -- and even then only if I've done something fancy with my hair -- and that appearance immediately changes when I'm facing somebody.
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Re: Fingernails

Post by dillon »

oldsalt1 wrote:Going back to the early eighties. I was working as the controller for a major advertising agency On Madison avenue New York . At that time I wore nothing but 3 piece suits. I always had a manicure. but it was strictly trimmed nails and cuticles and clear polish. Most of the higher ups in the company also had manicures .

I would do it again but I always seem to be in some form of construction which would ruin the nails.

I am very concerned about going over the line into cross dressing. If I am putting on pantyhose and heels maybe I am there already. I guess I can explain them away saying they are needed for the outfit.

This is only my opinion but I think colored nails is a step to far.
It is something that would be no big deal for a kid in teens or twenties to pull off - and not just for full Goth, but I see a lot of young men with one nail a gloss black - but it is certainly a test of mettle for men of our age. But you must also ask yourself these things. Who am I trying to impress or please? Does anyone really care? How important is it to me that I fit the expected mold? I guess I think that when you step out in a skirt and tights, it's already clear that you don't fit the mold...so why hold back? If you like it and it harms no one, and doesn't harm your interests, do what pleases you. If it's beyond your threshold at this point in your journey, then don't.

Like Old Salt, I am too often exposed to mineral spirits, gasoline, grease, diesel fuel, etc., to ever keep polished nails; that in addition to my work as a soils specialist sort of precludes expending money on manicures. And like Old Salt, I suppose I am still not fully secure in the reactions, but I am not retired and still have business clients...and my clients are the sort who have likely never before seen a man with painted nails. Now my toes, of course, are another story! I keep them painted most of the time. Currently I have discovered a polish shade by Orly called "Hipster" - it is a deep maroon with metallic fleck. Even my wife said it looked good on a man, and in my world, that's a minor milestone. :dance:
As a matter of fact, the sun DOES shine out of my ...
Gordon
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Gordon »

Mishawakaskirt,

"These aren't the droids you are looking for. "
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Namaste,
Gordon
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Re: Fingernails

Post by Stevie D »

There's nothing wrong with men wearing nail polish and it is not veering into the realms of cross-dressing. It's just another fashion choice or mode of self-expression. If you don't want to wear nail polish yourself, that's fine but don't knock those of us who use it.

I often wear nail polish of varying colours and textures and, as a musician, my hands and fingers tend to get noticed. Many years ago I was trying out a melodeon (button accordion) in a music shop and the lady assistant noticed my peacock-blue nails and said they looked brilliant running up and down the keyboard and the colour really complemented the warm cherry-wood finish on the instrument. Right now, I'm wearing metallic silver polish on my fingers with a silver glitter top coat to give it a bit of extra seasonal sparkle.

You might find this article of interest.

You can buy nail polish especially marketed for men if you want, e.g. here:
http://manglaze.com/collections/all-products

But equally, there are plenty of colours, textures, and other nail care products available on the supermarket shelves which might be generally thought of as women's products but are just as suitable for men too. (A bit like skirts really :D )

Go ahead - wear the nail polish - it won't make your balls drop off.
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renesm1
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Re: Fingernails

Post by renesm1 »

I quite like nail polish! I had a few done earlier in the year.

Trouble is, once you start doing nail polish, you have to take a bit more pride in the rest of your appearance too - which means more effort!
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