I know I havent done any swatches yet, those are coming soon I promise.
I have been intrigued by nail polish pretty much as long as I can remember. I have always thought that nail polish makes women's feet look great. However, since nail polish was for girls I could never use it. I was always afraid it would make me look gay or what others would think about me for wearing nail polish. I realized a few weeks ago that was the dumbest thing ever.
Nail polish does NOT make you gay. Nail polish is just that polish, paint, lacquer.... Nothing more.
I figured I would share my experience for other guys that are on the fence.
1. I decided it was time to stop biting my fingernails. I spent my whole life chewing my nails, and figured that they would look like crap painted. This was a hard habit to break. I bought a nail product to help me. Hoof Hands Stop the Bite. It is a clear "polish" that once it dries and you bite it, tastes like SHIT. I only needed this for a couple of days. My nails started growing and taste made me stop.
2. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.....
I searched men wearing polish on google and read hundreds of posts. I saw that many many many men did this and that many women think its pretty cool that a guy takes care of his hands or feet and wears polish. Just think if you have a girlfriend or wife that really like nail polish, I bet she will enjoy that you like it and have something in common. I could be wrong, but from what I've read this seems pretty valid.
I then started looking for nail salons near me that catered to men. I figured if they cater to men, then I wouldn't have to feel awkward about going in. Guess what I found.... ALL salons cater to men. I found a nice one near me and went. Yeah, I was nervous but I made this decision, the worst part is taking the first step.
3. Baby steps...
I didn't want go to far to fast. I started with a pedicure. Which I must say is the best thing every!!! its so relaxing. I asked the nail tech to paint my nails, and without a second look she asked me what I wanted. I got a shiny silver color that matched my truck. A few women at the salon gave me kudos for doing it. This was a hug confidence boost.
After my pedicure I went a couple of places and no one said a thing. I knew I would be getting to the point where I would also be painting my finger nails and that means people would see. So I started hinting about this obsession in different places. I started telling a few friends and didn't get negative comments. A few were encouraging. One loaned me a polish for my fingernails and another joined me at the salon for my second pedicure and first manicure so I could paint my fingernails. This has been a great few weeks.
Guys, if you want to ear nail polish. DO IT! Don't be scared, and don't worry what others may think. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter any. Well, it matters when they are positive. :)
Lastly, I suggest immersing yourself into this. It is awesome. Visit the blog links I follow, I will be adding more of those. Join my blog, follow on twitter. I have met some amazing women and a few guys and this is the best thing I have done in a while.
My next post will have swatches. I promise. I would love to hear from you please leave comments.
Good for you! I have to admit that where I'm from in cowboy country the only males that wear polish are either gay, goth or emo! Thank you for being brave and stepping up so that we can crush another stereotype!!
ReplyDeleteLindsey THANK YOU! Your help with the name was super awesome!
DeleteI like reading your story.It's awesome. I think guys who wear polish rock!
ReplyDeleteThis put a giant smile on my face, good for you and I can't wait to see more from you!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! Thank you for sharing your story with us. In other cultures, polish was historically worn by the elite of both sexes to indicate rank and social standing - the ancient Egyptians and Chinese. I would say you are in good company!
ReplyDeleteThanks @mellinail
DeleteGreat post - can't wait to read more from you! I've always lived in very liberal and open minded areas, and I've known many men who wear polish (some just on toes, but some on both). I don't think of it any differently than a guy wearing a necklace etc. I've always thought polish was a silly thing to have associated with one gender over another.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly. Grown men dont need to fear wearing nail polish in public
DeleteI'm really enjoying your blog! Thank you for sharing your story. I read ur blog to my husband, hoping I can talk him in letting me paint his toes. Opi "Russian Navy" is hot! I love reading about your adventures & seeing things through a mans perspective. Love all of ur color choices btw! My neighbor always has painted toe nails. 6'3" , very large strong man...pink toes...yes pink. Started when his daughter was young & she still paints them as a teenager. His rules: trim, file & massage. ;) keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThats so awesome. nail polish works is awesome
DeletePeople don't really think a thing of rocker-types wearing polish so why not the regular every-day guy? Nail polish and nail art is so in, I wouldn't be surprised if guys wearing polish caught on in some circles. I think it's cool. Polish on. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we found each other on Twitter today!! I'm reading all your blog posts with a big smile on my face! You crush this stupid stereotype Wes! There is no reason for any man to feel self conscious about wearing polish. If you're not causing other people harm, then there's no reason for others to even worry about what you're doing. :) I wanna send you some polish to add to your collection! Will you email me and let me know what you do and don't like? I can tell from your posts you dig blues, but you probably want a little variety. My email addy is ab74csr10@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I am so glad to have met you as well. I love meeting more and more nail polish lovers. This comment made my day. I sent you an email ;)
DeleteThis is an awesome post! I was led to your blog through a link on the Lacquer Man's blog and you now have a new follower!!! Keep on doing what your doing and rocking those nails!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI just found your blog and I love it! I am a woman and have long been ambivalent about presenting myself in stereotypically feminine ways. But the nail polishes out there these days are so gorgeous -- why should I deny myself something I like because someone might consider it (or me) to be "girly"? So, I have been getting into nail polish for the last few months as well (had to stop biting my nails, too!) and I'm glad I have. People should adorn themselves in ways that make them happy and not get bogged down in gender baggage - life is too short to worry about gender normativity!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I've known a goodly number of guys who like to paint their nails, so I know you are in good company. I know I'd be cool with my husband raiding my stash, too. Hopefully soon enough it won't even be noteworthy - like a woman wearing pants!