Because of all the power held within the nail, it’s always been important for guys to keep an eye on their manicures. Boys have been showing off their lovely chipped manicures for years, and I’ve joked that it’ll one day be as popular as the rose heart watch. But did you know there’s actually a scientific reason why you should be caring about your baby, glittery talons?
Dr. Loren Lawson, an aesthetician at Brooklyn Salon and Spa, spoke to me about this topic, and told me that both women and men — even if they don’t realize it — have to be mindful of their nails while using products.
The Caution: Keep at Least 70 Percent of Your Fingernails in the Hard Tinge
Specifically, Dr. Lawson warned me that I should have “at least 70 percent of the nail in the hard tinge” color. This allows a man to see at a glance if he’s on the right path. If your nails are painted over a black board, be careful when taking that piece out so you don’t damage your nail bed. And while you’re at it, don’t take your cuticle scrapers out unless you’re confident in the brand and don’t plan on taking them for another month or so.
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Make Sure Your Nails Are in a Mat
I asked Dr. Lawson if it’s necessary to use a nail separator. She said the answer is no — but she stressed the importance of having your nail bed in order for all of your cuts to be easily visible to the eye. If your nails are flat, Dr. Lawson recommended using the number 3 strip to draw those in (don’t use extra layers unless it’s matted or chipped).
Make Sure Your Brushes Have Color
A research study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology has found that moisture may give your cuticles a tug, making it difficult to grip the skin, which in turn could cause nails to fray. It’s important to apply mineral make-up to your nails at least once a week to help keep the moisture levels up. And if you can’t do that, head on over to a cuticle oil, like Bamboo Soft ($9).
Always Remove Wipes Cleanly
This question actually came up in my Ask Bossy Stylist question recently. I asked Jennifer, who owns Simply Stylist, what products she uses for stains and powder, and she responded that she relies on a steam pad for cleaning product. Having said that, Jennifer told me she had a rule with her wipes — she never left them on longer than two minutes.
A Cuticle Oil Is Always Appropriate
Last, I asked Jennifer what products she swears by, and again, I got the answer that is in line with Dr. Lawson’s whole research trip to the cuticle oil, say around the fifth time. And while she didn’t single out any one brand by name, she said the deodorant shop Heat’s Bathroom Outlet ($9) are absolutely essential in her arsenal.
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