Fourteen Percent of Men Wear Nail Polish?

[Sarongman]

Hello mark, welcome to our forum. Please place a bit about yourself in the introductions. You are literate and articulate, as we mostly are here, so I, for one, will look forward to more from you on various topics.

[mark]

Thanks sarongman. I'm a middle aged fellow, married, 3 kids from the upper Midwest and just got tired of all the rules that keep putting people in boxes. Started with having to go to college, I'd have rather worked with my hands, then corporate jobs, typical and stereotypical life. But I was always different, artistic, and never did the typical. So about three years ago I had my first pedicure because I'm diabetic and they put clear polish on, and from that point I've polished ever since.

My wife is not crazy about it because she's more concerned what other people think and being judgmental. But after a lot of research into gender norms and gender politics I came to the conclusion that there was no reason why a guy couldn't or shouldn't wear polish. No woman I've ever asked has given any sensible answer that wasn't based on media, advertising and just plain not thinking it through. When I point out the dichotomy they look at me like I'm out of my mind. That throws a lot of them for a loop. They take their gains and deny others theirs and think nothing of it. That's just plain wrong in my view.

[forrestgump]

Hi Grok,

It's an interesting observation! The presence of androgynous males and men wearing nail polish might vary greatly depending on the area or community you're in. In some places, it might be more common and visible, while in others, it could be less noticeable due to cultural norms or local trends.

Fashion and personal expression have become more fluid in recent years, with more people feeling comfortable exploring styles that were once considered unconventional. While you might not see androgynous males frequently in your day-to-day life, they certainly do exist and are part of a broader trend of breaking down traditional gender norms.

Social media and pop culture also play a big role in bringing these styles to the forefront, often showcasing diverse expressions that might not be as visible in every community. It’s all part of a broader shift towards embracing individuality and self-expression.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Have you noticed any changes in fashion and self-expression in your area?

[SkirtsDad]

In the climbing gym where I go there are quite a few men that wear nail polish. I certainly have for about 25 years.

[Stu]

I have worn nail polish. I was about six or seven and my older sister painted her nails with a clear gloss and then did mine - for fun.

I haven't worn it since. I have better things to do with my time.

[Brad]

Ive worn clear nail polish for about 20 years. I do it because I like the look and also keeps my nails from splitting. Ive considered taking it to the next level with colors.

[phathack]

Ive worn polish since 2000. Usually a nude or clear on my fingers, just about anything goes color wise on my toes.

[Mouse]

I wear nail polish in many different colours with layers which glitter, if the mood takes me. I find it quite fun to be onsite at work, with fun nails. On the other hand, I don't have to wear it, and if I am pushed for time, like at the moment, then my nails are bare. I have choice!

[JohnH]

I've taken to wearing nail varnish (polish) over the past year. Every Saturday night I change the colour to match the dress I will wear on Sunday morning. Speaking about dresses - those are my garments of choice. Most women in my church wear trousers.

John

[Grok]

What are your thoughts on this trend? Have you noticed any changes in fashion and self-expression in your area?

a very few individuals wearing either nail polish or extra jewelry. Infrequently, a utility kilt.

[FranTastic444]

I've dabbled with nail varnish. Decided that I don't have the skill, dexterity and patience needed for DIY applications. That said, at a push I can get away with a glitter varnish as it seems to be much more forgiving in application. I got the wife to do my toes a couple of times, but she barely has the patience to do it for herself so it's not something I can call upon her to do with any frequency.

I've twice been to a salon. Hated the experience, but loved the final results. First time round I got the feet soaking and leg massage, which I really didn't enjoy. Second time round I got my fingernails done by a newbie and she cut into my skin on more than one occasion. Wife loved the fact that we went to the salon together, though she was pretty insistent that I went for clear coat on my fingernails.

Both times, I went for the "French manicure" style on my feet and I really, really liked it. Second time round I left it on for too long and nail fungus set in

When I went to the salon with my wife, we were in a fairly affluent town north of Boston. There was another guy getting treated at the same time and it looked like having blokes in the shop was a nothing burger. Now that I live SW of Boston, I'm not too sure if they will have the same attitude out this way. The main salon in the area is owned by our near neighbor so the wife has said that we couldn't go there.

[crfriend]

When I went to the salon with my wife, we were in a fairly affluent town north of Boston. There was another guy getting treated at the same time and it looked like having blokes in the shop was a nothing burger. Now that I live SW of Boston, I'm not too sure if they will have the same attitude out this way. The main salon in the area is owned by our near neighbor so the wife has said that we couldn't go there.

I grew up in that little part of the world, and whilst it can seem a bit backward, the folks are surprisingly resilient in how they deal with things. I'd not worry about neighbours and the like in the least unless they clearly have something "wrong" with them.

Hell, I wore a skirt to my 40th high-school reunion 5 years ago and got nothing but praise about it -- following what amounted to a demand from the organisers that I do so as I'd brought the topic up. It was nice to finally be able to interact with fully functional human beings from my class and not have so much as one whit of all the old posturing going on. A delightful time, indeed. I've got another one coming up this September which I'll likely attend -- at a brewery in Nerdville (North Attleborough).

Pronunciation guide: In that part of the world "boro" is pronounced with the leading "o" short and the second one one long. It's almost, but quite like, "borrow". Pronouncing it as "burrow" is alien in that part of the world, although I did so for a bit as I was getting steeped in UK English thanks to all the short-wave work.

Good luck! I escaped there in 1979 and haven't looked back save to visit old friends.

[Grok]

Nail polish is nothing more than another means of self-expression; it's fun and trivial, but it can also be artistic too. 0

I am certainly not criticising or demeaning those men who wish to wear these, but I was struggling to understand the desire to do so. I confess that I have the traditional masculine mindset on matters of appearance -
Stu

Hard to say why a particular mode of self expression would appeal, if you yourself are not intrigued. Perhaps individual temperament was involved?

Maybe there were little boys who envied the colorful nails of females? Or their jewelry?

[Mouse]

Maybe there were little boys who envied the colorful nails of females? Or their jewelry?

Me, on both counts.

[STEVIE]

Maybe there were little boys who envied the colorful nails of females? Or their jewelry?

50% for me, the jewellery.
The nail varnish, never say never.
Steve.