Put the MAN in MANicure
It’s time that you get comfortable with the idea of getting a manicure or a pedicure. Doesn’t matter which, but be open to at least getting one.
There’s a common misconception that a manicure and pedicure are things that only women can get. They’re seen as posh and frivolous. Getting one is presented in tv shows and movies as a social event only for women. But that simply isn’t true and it shouldn't be true. There are many reasons why men can and should be getting manicures and pedicures. (For the sake of not being longwinded, we’re gonna just say manicures for the rest of this article).
But first, what is a manicure? To keep it short and simple, a manicure is the treatment of fingernails. This could be cutting and shaping the nail, cutting or pushing back the cuticle, and cleaning or revitalizing the nail for overall health. A pedicure, by the way, is all of the above but for toenails. Plus, possible attention to heels and calluses.
“As men, we often overlook taking care of our body parts, particularly the hands and feet. Yet when it comes down to hard-working, they arguably put in the most effort every day,” says PROSE founder and CEO Dave Crisalli to AskMen. ”Overworking these body parts without regular care can create exhaustion, dryness, scaling, ingrown nails, and other health problems. Regular care can help with healthy nails and less ingrown, smooth skin, better-smelling feet and increased circulation, among other benefits.”
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1. Improves Nail Health
Now that you know what a manicure is, here are some reasons why you should consider getting one. First and foremost, manicures help improve our nail health. Getting a regular manicure can help strengthen your nails and fight off problems like infections from having unclean nails, ingrown nails, painful hangnails, and more. Even better, being aware of problems like ingrown nails and treating them can help alert you to other problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, an untreated ingrown nail can lead to a serious bone infection, which left untreated could lead to surgery.
2. Keeps Your Nails Clean
As mentioned earlier, getting a manicure also means that you’re getting your nails cleaned. This is great for the health reasons we described above, but there are other reasons to want clean nails. Having visibly dirty nails or discolored nails is not a good look. Even if a bunch of celebrities are coming out to say they don’t shower regularly, being clean is still a virtue. From family, to friends, to dates, and more. People will look at you negatively if you have visibly dirty nails. A manicure will clean and hydrate your nails, making them and your hands look better and healthier.
3. Boost Blood Circulation
Another health benefit to getting a manicure is increased blood circulation. The massage that often comes with a manicure can help stimulate blood flow. This can help with people who work with their hands a lot, have frequently or easily cold hands, and more. For instance, someone who types away all day at a computer (can’t relate) might enjoy a gentle massage that gets the blood flowing in their hands. Any other kind of soreness in your hands and feet (in terms of a pedicure)? This might be the reason why you would want to get a manicure (or pedicure).
4. Makes Your Hands Look Younger
With all that attention and care put into your body, you’ll see the results in your everyday life. Just looking in the mirror or looking down at your hands and feet, you’ll see the boost. You can slow down aging by paying attention to your hands and getting them treated regularly. For instance, your manicurist may use exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells. Thus, your skin tone will look more vibrant. You may not care about that now, you don’t want to find out what it feels like to care about it later. Just as with the bags under your eyes or the muscles on your back, regular treatment helps to stave away issues that come with aging.
5. Helps You De-Stress
Lastly, it just feels nice. Taking the time out of your day to take care of yourself and to feel good should be everyone’s priority. A relaxing hand or foot massage is nice. Having a clean body is nice. And not worry about these factors, the aging aspects, or the health concerns is nice too. But just the very act of having a moment to pamper yourself is nice. Treat yourself.
In a 2001 study published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, hand massages were found to decrease anxiety levels and lower blood pressure in patients undergoing cataract surgery
With that, consider looking for a manicurist in your area that uses reflexology techniques to massage your hands. This technique involves hitting certain pressure points on your hands to send calming signals to the brain.
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How To Find The Right Nail Salon
If we’ve convinced you enough to consider getting a manicure and/or a pedicure, here’s how you can do it. First, know that the standard price for a manicure or a pedicure is somewhere between $20 to $50 each.
As for finding a specific salon, walk in and check out the space yourself.
As Crisalli said on the subject, “The first thing I notice in a salon is cleanliness and what it smells like. A great salon will have a healthy smell and will be impeccably clean.”
Lolita Paschal, general manager of Hammer & Nails’ Portland, OR location, added, “You want a safe, secure place where you can be yourself.”
Paschal also adds that you should ask your friends and loved ones for their opinion on this topic. Seek guidance from someone who regularly gets manicures and pedicures.
She says, “It’s kind of like having a doctor — someone who can tell you what to and what not to do.”
h/t: AskMen,
