We’re declaring 2021 the year that manicures are no longer a gender-specific accessory! The last year has seen more men trying on nail polish, but don't think this trend is new... men have been coloring their nails since 3,200 BC!
This year, guys' nails are trending more than ever—even the Wall Street Journal is jumping on the trend, telling the story of celebs and everyday dudes painting their nails. They cite retailers stocking up on "muted male shades", but we think you can choose any color for your mani/meni 🌈.
Here are a few of our favorite male celebrity nail looks.
1. Multi-color Menicures
When you go all-in on self-expression, you might as well have fun with as many colors as you want. You can sport this look by doing accent nails, two-toned mani, or your own version of rainbow menicure.
Joey McIntyre is the new kid on the menicure block
Harry Styles' Met Gala nails that scream "camp"
A day in the so-called manicured life of Jared Leto
Image source: Splash via In Touch Weekly
2. Classic Red Male Manicure
If you're going for the timeless look, you can never go wrong with the red shade on all your nails. You can also paint a single fingernail to support the Polished Man campaign or buck the rules and paint select nails only.
Zac Efron's nail with a cause
Pete Davidson's fire engine red nails are lit
Image source: Getty Images via Men's Health
Brooklyn Beckham looks posh with his red mani
3. Blue Male Polish
You can opt for a lighter or darker shade of blue. Your choice. Either way, there's nothing sad about the blue nail trend, especially when you choose the shiny metallic or glittery finish.
Darren Criss and his gleeful electric-blue nails
Image source: Getty Images via Popsugar
Marc Jacobs making the #MalePolish hashtag happen since 2016
4. Nice Nude Nails
Remember, a perfect mani doesn’t always mean colorful nails. In fact, you don't need to use any color at all! Taking good care of your nails with manicures can be a great form of self-care. Keeping your hands healthy and moisturized is a great place to start. And when you're looking for a little added color, you can keep things natural-looking with subdued colors.
We will never say dracarys to Jason Momoa's nude mani
Image source: Getty Images via Bright Side
Ansel Elgort and his white nail polish that he paired with glitter eye makeup
5. French Menicure
You'd say je t'aime to the clean and polished look of the classic French manicure. You can have it the traditional way or you can have an updated modern version like the stiletto style.
Snoop Dogg is living young and wild and free to wear a French mani
Jonathan Van Ness has a queer eye for ombré french manicure on stiletto-shaped nails
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6. Male Nail Art
Yes to manis for men! In the words of ASAP Rocky, "I feel like men should be able to do nail art without feeling feminine."
ASAP Rocky's FROW-worthy monogram designs
Anwar Hadid's matchy-matchy pastel mani with girlfriend Dua Lipa
7. Go-For-Glam Menicure
Glam up and glow up with iridescent, life-of-the-party mani—even when you're only limited to Zoom gatherings in 2021.
Machine Gun Kelly's secret weapon to red carpet glam
Image source: Getty Images via Page Six
This golden mani deserves a Seal of approval
Image source: Getty Images via Page Six
8. Little Black Nails
Unleash your inner rockstar with the moodiest of all nail colors. And you don't have to wait for Halloween to roll around. You can also wear your bold, black mani come springtime.
Steve Tyler's nail art is ready to rock 'n roll
Voting for Adam Lambert's black menicure to be the next American (Nail) Idol
9. Pretty Pastel Male Manicure
If you'd rather stick with a pastel palette for spring, browse DipWell's pastel dip powder collection for your preferred delicate color.
Bad Bunny's oh-so-good pastel polish tells us he's no silly wabbit
10. The Male Dip
How do you achieve the perfect menicure? Take note that your options go well beyond the regular nail polish. With an easy acrylic dip system, you can do super gorgeous, super long-lasting dip nails for less than an hour only. If you’re a dip noob, follow this tutorial and read up on all things dip nails.
Carlos is serving colorful looks with PA21 and GW02
The PA16 dip nails of Lifestyle & Fashion Influencer Joey Boos are positively pretty
The menicure is a testament that ANYBODY can paint their nails, and we love seeing that more and more people are embracing it.
Join the Menicure Movement. Share your meni with us on Instagram via @dipwellnails or our official hashtag #DoYouDipWell. New to dipping? Head over to DipWell's Dipper Club and connect with the helpful members.
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