Saw an interesting post recently on Facebook in the 'National Assn of Polished and Lacquered Men' with a question that resembled a question I've seen before. The question was basically, 'Why do we need nail polish for men, I mean, what's the difference between other nail polish and that labeled as Men's Polish'? And that's a great question that many people might be wondering.
Well I and a few others answered it and here is my answer as I gave it on Facebook-
Folks, there are MANY more men out there interested in wearing nail polish themselves, but they are too afraid to admit it, even to themselves because we are so brainwashed by society to believe that if the label says it's for women, or society says something is for women, then it's wrong for men to use that item. Now, there is some logic in labeling items as men's or women's. For example, obviously men and women have different anatomies and therefore certain items of clothing are made to more specifically fit a person of a certain sex. Items like bras or underwear are made differently for men than women and vice versa.
Now some guys find those items of clothing so fascinating or they are drawn to the style and choose to wear them anyway, and I'm perfectly fine with that. Women wear men's boxers all the time, so it's no big deal. But my point is that many items are labeled by sex simply because of the dept they are sold in at stores, or because the sizing is different for men vs women. Or it's because of simple profitability because they know that men for example are much less likely to buy underwear with flowers on them, or socks in fun colors or patterns. And the stores are out to make money so they only market flowery underwear to women and simple colors or whites to men. It's simple economics in this case.
But where we get our values mixed up, or we're basically brainwashed or confused is when we see that an item is sold in the women's dept or that mostly women use an item (or so we think) and we draw the conclusion that items like that are ONLY for women and that's it's wrong for men to use that item. That's really not logical thinking. I mean think about it. If a sock manufacturer found out that men would buy socks with cool colors like red, lime green or with kittens on them or something like that, they'd have a line of socks like that labeled as MEN'S in a heartbeat. So labels are not rules about which sex can wear or use something and which can not.
Nail polish is much the same way. Society associates nail polish as being feminine because it's mostly women that wear it. There hasn't been many lines of men's nail polish simply because nail polish companies felt there was not enough demand, period. Not because it's wrong for men to wear nail polish. But over the past 10 yrs or so there have been MANY more men trying nail polish on their fingers, or toes, or both and discovering that it's just fun, and looks good. But the problem was, they always felt like they were probably the only guys in town who were into it so they never let on to anyone. Yeah, rockers could do it and it was ok, but for an average guy to try it, god forbid. They figured people would stare, ridicule, possibly physically harass them or they might get fired at work, etc. Or they were afraid it would somehow diminish their manhood and make them a sissy. Geez people, it's only color. What makes a man a man is more about the persons actions, and what's in their heart and soul, not whether or not they have color on their toes or fingers.
Then a strange thing happened..... The internet. Suddenly there was this new way of finding out that there were a lot of other guys who like nail polish as well. Damn, there was actually quite a few guys out there. And then it began to grow. Slowly at first, but as more and more of us bought computers and learned how to surf the net we began typing in search terms like 'men with nail polish', or 'Guys who paint their toes'. And wow, we started finding groups and forums and such with other guys who also painted their toes, or fingers. For example, I have a group on Flickr with almost 300 members titled the same as this blog at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1113911@N20/ . Through the internet we found out about a few brave guys who actually went out in public with painted toes and flip flops, and it was no big deal. Plus we saw tough macho guys like UFC Fighter Chuck Lidell get into the ring with his toes painted pink, or blue or whatever . Not just black, he went for pink too. So some guys thought, if a tough guy like that can do it, so can I.
Soon more and more guys started doing the same thing, myself included, thanks to guys like Toepaintguy on Flickr, or St Louis Punk-Rocker. I saw that these guys were painting there toes and going out in public and they loved it, and a LOT of women loved it. They were not getting stared at all the time, they weren't getting harassed everywhere and it wasn't the big deal I thought it would be. So I tried it and it was the same for me. At first it was a little uncomfortable, but soon, I felt more awkward without polish on my toes than with. And yes, I got a lot of positive comments from women about my painted toes.
Well now there is a lot more guys who are into nail polish and some companies have taken notice of this and developed a line of polish just for men. The reason is simple, like explained above, if you label it for guys it suddenly becomes OK for them to try it. I mean hey, they would label it for guys if it wasn't ok, right. And I think it's great that they have. They understand that they have a possibility of expanding their market if they can reach the men. And the best way to do that is to have a line just for men. Now men who were uneasy about trying it can buy the 'Mens' line and feel more comfortable about it. I have to admit that a number of years back a company called Hard Candy came out with a line of polish called 'Candy Man', and I thought COOL, now it's getting to where it's OK for men to wear nail polish, and I bought some. Mind you I already had other NON mens colors, but this was cool because there was polishes that said they were for men.
Since then I've come to realize that yes, polish is all the same whether labeled as for men or not. And so I buy whatever line of color suits me, although I love to support companies who promote polish for men like BB Couture. By labeling some colors as mens colors it will encourage more men to try nail polish for the first time, at least in public. This way they can always say 'Hey, it's a men's nail polish I'm wearing'.
So to companies like BB Couture, thank you and we hope you keep promoting your mens line. And to other companies, you could be missing out on a sizable market share by not letting men know it's ok to wear polish.
Feel free to Follow this Blog and to post your comments on this subject below. And please share this article on your blogs, emails, facebook page etc.
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Well I and a few others answered it and here is my answer as I gave it on Facebook-
It's kind of like buying socks, if you happen to see a pair of socks in a cool color or pattern you like as you're walking through say Target, but they're in the women's section and you're a guy, 99.9% of guys would never buy that pair. But if they found the same ones in the mens dept, voila, it must be ok so many more would buy them. Same holds true for nail polish for guys who haven't tried it and gotten comfortable enough to wear polish in public. If they can see that some polish is labeled as mens, it then becomes OK to wear polish and you can always say, 'Hey, it's a polish made for men, so there's nothing wrong with it'.
Folks, there are MANY more men out there interested in wearing nail polish themselves, but they are too afraid to admit it, even to themselves because we are so brainwashed by society to believe that if the label says it's for women, or society says something is for women, then it's wrong for men to use that item. Now, there is some logic in labeling items as men's or women's. For example, obviously men and women have different anatomies and therefore certain items of clothing are made to more specifically fit a person of a certain sex. Items like bras or underwear are made differently for men than women and vice versa.
Now some guys find those items of clothing so fascinating or they are drawn to the style and choose to wear them anyway, and I'm perfectly fine with that. Women wear men's boxers all the time, so it's no big deal. But my point is that many items are labeled by sex simply because of the dept they are sold in at stores, or because the sizing is different for men vs women. Or it's because of simple profitability because they know that men for example are much less likely to buy underwear with flowers on them, or socks in fun colors or patterns. And the stores are out to make money so they only market flowery underwear to women and simple colors or whites to men. It's simple economics in this case.
But where we get our values mixed up, or we're basically brainwashed or confused is when we see that an item is sold in the women's dept or that mostly women use an item (or so we think) and we draw the conclusion that items like that are ONLY for women and that's it's wrong for men to use that item. That's really not logical thinking. I mean think about it. If a sock manufacturer found out that men would buy socks with cool colors like red, lime green or with kittens on them or something like that, they'd have a line of socks like that labeled as MEN'S in a heartbeat. So labels are not rules about which sex can wear or use something and which can not.
Nail polish is much the same way. Society associates nail polish as being feminine because it's mostly women that wear it. There hasn't been many lines of men's nail polish simply because nail polish companies felt there was not enough demand, period. Not because it's wrong for men to wear nail polish. But over the past 10 yrs or so there have been MANY more men trying nail polish on their fingers, or toes, or both and discovering that it's just fun, and looks good. But the problem was, they always felt like they were probably the only guys in town who were into it so they never let on to anyone. Yeah, rockers could do it and it was ok, but for an average guy to try it, god forbid. They figured people would stare, ridicule, possibly physically harass them or they might get fired at work, etc. Or they were afraid it would somehow diminish their manhood and make them a sissy. Geez people, it's only color. What makes a man a man is more about the persons actions, and what's in their heart and soul, not whether or not they have color on their toes or fingers.
Then a strange thing happened..... The internet. Suddenly there was this new way of finding out that there were a lot of other guys who like nail polish as well. Damn, there was actually quite a few guys out there. And then it began to grow. Slowly at first, but as more and more of us bought computers and learned how to surf the net we began typing in search terms like 'men with nail polish', or 'Guys who paint their toes'. And wow, we started finding groups and forums and such with other guys who also painted their toes, or fingers. For example, I have a group on Flickr with almost 300 members titled the same as this blog at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1113911@N20/ . Through the internet we found out about a few brave guys who actually went out in public with painted toes and flip flops, and it was no big deal. Plus we saw tough macho guys like UFC Fighter Chuck Lidell get into the ring with his toes painted pink, or blue or whatever . Not just black, he went for pink too. So some guys thought, if a tough guy like that can do it, so can I.
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| Going out in public with my painted toes |
Well now there is a lot more guys who are into nail polish and some companies have taken notice of this and developed a line of polish just for men. The reason is simple, like explained above, if you label it for guys it suddenly becomes OK for them to try it. I mean hey, they would label it for guys if it wasn't ok, right. And I think it's great that they have. They understand that they have a possibility of expanding their market if they can reach the men. And the best way to do that is to have a line just for men. Now men who were uneasy about trying it can buy the 'Mens' line and feel more comfortable about it. I have to admit that a number of years back a company called Hard Candy came out with a line of polish called 'Candy Man', and I thought COOL, now it's getting to where it's OK for men to wear nail polish, and I bought some. Mind you I already had other NON mens colors, but this was cool because there was polishes that said they were for men.
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| BB Coutures 'Military Blues' polish for men |
So to companies like BB Couture, thank you and we hope you keep promoting your mens line. And to other companies, you could be missing out on a sizable market share by not letting men know it's ok to wear polish.
Feel free to Follow this Blog and to post your comments on this subject below. And please share this article on your blogs, emails, facebook page etc.
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Nicely written explanation! I just got back from shopping and not one comment. I was wearing OPI DS Magic on my toes and BB Couture Impact driver on my nails. am to the point where I rarely think about not wearing polish to go somewhere. If I feel like wearing it, I do!
ReplyDeleteI was all over town today with "Blue My Mind" on my hands - got a haircut, shopped at Wal-Mart, did some banking... nobody said anything, I don't think I got a second look.
DeleteI've only worn color on my fingers in public a few times. Was definitely pushing my comfort zone but also don't do it much because color wont last on my fingers for more than a day without serious damage. I work on cars for fun and do construction for a living, so to rough on them. I've buffed my fingers out before and within a day or 2 it's all gone, lol.
DeleteGuy - outstanding column! I couldn't agree more! There's no "real" reason for the "Men's polish" label, just as there's no "real" reason for society to assume that men wouldn't/shouldn't wear color. But, having polish with the "For Men" label absolutely defeats the prejudice and demonstrates that this is a legitimate fashion choice for men.... and a potential new market for salons everywhere. When I get my next pedi in a month or so, I'll take all of my "for men" polishes, and probably leave one in their rack...
ReplyDeleteGood idea. Maybe more nail salons need to hand out coupons to the women saying that if they bring their significant other in for a mani or pedi with color that they get 25% off or something.
DeleteI wish more guys would get into nail art or design. Especially those with creativity and art skills. They could do some amazing things because, most often, they have a bigger canvas. Congrats on the blog.
ReplyDeleteSue, you are so right about the bigger canvas. The down side is that the Konad designs are not big enough for my thumb or big toes. I really like zebra stripes and have to do them by hand.
DeleteThank you Sue for your comments. I agree, more men should get into it. My wife loves it and agrees as well.
DeleteOh there is the catch 22. Forgot about the stamping plates. You are right because my nails are so long I can't use them. The industry should hire you as a consultant.
DeleteAwesome blog/thread! Y'all know where I stand on all of this - lol!
ReplyDeleteAs a relative Nail Noob, I'm still learning and getting comfy. Went out public on Easter, but mall visit was almost a non-event, as the restaurant that we were headed to closed up 1.5 hours before they affirmed that they would over the phone (grrr!).
Much more to follow when not the wee hours. Once I get off of my training wheels on blogging, I'll post mine, along with an odd thing that came up during some of my "discovery" of some of those aforementioned interwebz thingys.
Sue - the world needs more open minds like yours!
Ain't that the truth. :)
DeleteWell said! :oD
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see another mail nail polish blogger! Welcome and I look forward to seeing more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteWhy does every one get so up tight about men with nail polish, Ive painted my toes Essie Lilac, Essie tourquoise, metallic dark gray, bright red, and now are a dark red (rootbeer) color, and yet have had anyone say anything negative, wear sandals every chance I get and have only gotten positive responses, even got a high 5 from a lady getting her nails done at salon. I am proud of how my feet look.
ReplyDeletehey sue and the rest of you then it shouldnt matter about my sandal preferenc as long as the sandals dont have a flower desighn on them. thats the only limit right. sue let me know i want your opinion on this p.s go to flickr and find member of this group called thongs thats me. look at my thong sandal collection addicted to thong type. and let me know if your open minded about nail polish on men then this should not be a big deal and like you all said before its just a color well my wife says its only a shoe if i like it wear it dont worry about what someone else thinks. reply on this soon thks everybody.
ReplyDeleteThinking about getting nails painted after my first pedi. I was always taught that clear was ok, but when u add color it's not right. Well this one time I wore red nail polish, but I wanted to swim, so I swam with socks on, and when they came off and the other kid asked about it I just said I spent the night at a friend's house last night and that his sister did it and I didn't notice until I was over there(it was red by the way). But, other than the part of me bein afraid I would be made fun of for that(when I was already bein made fun of). But I did enjoy wearing it though just tired of bein made fun of. To tell y'all the truth my favorite color is pink. Yes I have a girlfriend and she is supportive even though she can only be here with me in spirit cause she lives 2 and a half hrs away so I am debating on weather or not to actually go through with getting my nails painted
ReplyDeleteP.S. Go Pinkie Pie (which allowed me to start admitting I actually like the color pink)
I am a 45 y/o male, married, 3 children, and have been wearing nail polish on my toes and fingers for the past 5 or 6 years, both clear and color. Reading all the posts here and thruoghout the internet I have come to the same conclusion over and over. The problem with people who do not accept men wearing nail polish is just one thing FEAR! I have had my share of opinions, from family members to best friends and spouse. At first they were all against me wearing nail polish. At present time some accept it, some just dot care anymore, some still are against it. But at the end of the day, what drives such a negative reaction when people are against it, is FEAR. They are afraid of what "the world will turn to", of "what people will say", of "what if people look at you like some freak", fear that the "gender lines" are too blurred. In conclusion, FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. The same can be said for the MALE MACHO TYPES, who also FEAR that men wearing nail polish will somehow "create effeminate men" that one day will finish the macho race, haha. People confuse the term MANLY with MACHO. One can be MANLY without being MACHO, Manhood or sexuality have nothing to do with nail colour or the fact that a man chooses to adorn himself painting his nails, the same way other men or women adorn their bodies painting tatoos. The same can be said for men who are already wear nail polish on their toes underneath their shoes and are afraid to show them. Some men already wear clear polish on their fingers because they feel safe when the polish is not so visible. Again, FEAR, FEAR, FEAR. Fear of what? of the unknown! Have more spirit! Be BOLD, be secure, be a MAN! As I tell my friends and family members who question my decision to wear nail polish.... Why? Because I like how it looks on me, because I can, and because I have the brass balls to do it and pull it off. Because I don`t care what others think of it, because their MY NAILS; MY BODY, and because I AM NOT AFRAID.
ReplyDeleteJag är rädd för att vara offentlig att ha nagellack på mig. Jag använder svart inne, men vågar inte gå ut med det på mig. Jag tycker det är så jävla snyggt.
ReplyDeleteI went testerday to a nail salon and got a manicure and a pedicure. Blue metallic on my toes and shimmery silver on my fingers. Went out in public no one said a word. I was at te salon with a friend. She thinks its funny that I enjoy it because it surprises her she told me she is going o try and get her husband to do it. My friends think I'm weird but they don't say anything other than question why I do it. I am now addicted to nail polish. Next toes will be red and maybe even fingers. Who cares if someone thinks its weird or says something negative about it. I have seen post after post on many blogs about how women kind of dig a guy with nail polish. I'm not hurtin anyone. I pampered myself with the mani/ pedi which are AMAZING by te way.
ReplyDeleteKanske skulle gör som du att börja använda nagellack ut i offentligt och se hur folk reagerar. Min flickvän tycker jag ska ta steget att ha det på mig ute. Så jag kommer att lyssna på henne tror jag.
DeleteHere is the last post translated:
DeletePerhaps it would do as you start using nail polish out in public and see how people react. My girlfriend think I should take the step to have it on me out there. So I will listen to her, I think.
Jag vet inte om jag vågar att använda nagellack ute. Inne har jag alltid målade naglar just nu så har jag lila, men gillar också svarta och guldfärgade. Går jag ut så finns det inget, för jag vågar inte.
DeleteAgain, the last post translated:
DeleteI do not know if I dare to use nail polish out there. Inside, I have always painted nails right now I have purple, but also like the black and gold. If I go there is nothing, for I dare not.