One of my favorite new accessories has been painting my nails, something younger me would have never believed. As a kid, I used to ask my sister to paint my nails, but just 15 minutes later, I’d tell her it made me feel weird, and she’d take it right off. Looking back, that was one of my first experiences with gender dysphoria. As I’ve become more comfortable in my gender identity, experimenting with masculine nail designs has actually become a fun way to express myself and play with gender.
Visiting the nail salon has become a great form of self-care for me, too. It’s a chance to unplug, put my phone down, and just be present in the moment. Masculine nail designs and masculine people painting their nails, in general, have gained a lot of popularity recently. Athletes like Jared McCain, Caleb Williams, and Dwayne Wade are frequently spotted with bold, unique nail designs. This shift is making it clear that nail art isn’t just for femininity—it’s a creative way for anyone, regardless of gender, to express themselves.
Masculine Nails Maintenance
I do wonder if anyone else finds themselves associating certain nail art designs with gender expression. Consider geometric and matte. Geometric nail designs are very popular for masculine nails, as they are eye-catching and engaging to look at. Whether a grid, wavy lines, or other geometric patterns, these tend to allow for a more artistic flair. Short nails , with slightly rounded edges, tend to make your fingers appear wider, something that feels more masculine to most people. Alternatively almond and oval make your fingers look thinner and more feminine.
Even if you dont want to paint them, keep them neatly trimmed and moisturized, love on yourself a little, and stop biting them!
Here are a few products I love to maintain my masc nails.
Cuticle Care Balm, Salt & Stone Hand Cream (smells amazing)to keep everything moisturized and Nail Glue and clear nail polish to rescue a broken nail.
Lesbian Nails
Lesbian nails—yeah, we’re talking about that conversation. Look, whether you rock a full set of acrylics, keep ’em all short, or embrace the classic “two short nails” look, you’re still just as much of a lesbian as anyone else. The idea that long nails somehow make you less queer is straight-up femmephobic nonsense. That said, the “lesbian manicure” (or queer manicure, femmicure—whatever you want to call it) is a real thing. It’s a style that keeps most nails long while keeping the index and middle finger (sometimes the thumb) short—practical, stylish, and a not-so-subtle nod to the community. But at the end of the day, all nails on a lesbian are lesbian nails. So get whatever set makes you feel good, and for the love of sapphic solidarity, let’s stop gatekeeping queer identity based on a manicure.
Tips for Going to the Nail Salon for the First Time as a Masc-Presenting Person
Walking into a nail salon can feel intimidating if you’ve always seen it as a super gendered space, but trust—nail techs have seen it all, and most don’t blink at whatever color or design you ask for. Plenty of men, masc folks, and nonbinary people get their nails done, whether it’s for a clean-up, a bold design, or a fresh set of gel polish.
If you’re new to this, the best way to get what you want is to come in with a picture of your ideal design, colors, and shape. Having a clear reference makes it easier for your tech to nail (pun intended) your vision. Once you build a rapport, you can trust them to get more creative, but at first, the more details you provide, the better.
If you’re worried about cost, an easy way to keep things budget-friendly is to get a design on just a couple of nails instead of the whole set. You still get the look you’re going for without the extra expense. And don’t stress—whether you’re going for a clean, minimalist look or a bold, artistic design, your nails are yours to style however you want.
Get Recommendations – If you know people who get their nails done, ask them where they go. A good salon (and a nail tech who gets your vibe) makes all the difference.
Call Ahead – Not all salons do hand-painted designs, so if you want nail art, check before booking. Also, designs take longer than a basic manicure, so plan accordingly.
Know What You Want – Walk in with a clear vision. What shape? What color? What design? (Pro tip: The tech will ask what shape you want. Don’t panic—just look up “nail shape guide” beforehand and pick one.) I use Pinterest for this most of the time but Tik Tok, masc nail art is also a great resource. I’ll link my full masc nails board here.
@lexiepeterss 💅🏽 masc nail inspo by the best 🥵@Akemi Santiago @LÁK NAIL BAR LA ♬ Nails for Masculine presenting people – Teacher Robi
Bring Backup – If you’re nervous, bring a friend or partner. It’s always easier to walk into a new space with someone who makes you feel comfortable. Plus, time flies when you have someone to talk to.
Speak Up – You’re paying for a service, so don’t be afraid to ask for tweaks. If they paint the first nail and the color isn’t right, say something—just don’t wait until the whole hand is done.
Enjoy the Experience – Getting your nails done can be super relaxing. Accept the hot tea or champagne, pop in your headphones, or chat with your friend. Make it a self-care moment.
First-time nerves are normal, but once you find your go-to salon and tech, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
