Over the past few years, nail art has emerged as an inventive assertion of individuality for both males and females, with advocates being as vocal as their expressive nail designs. Consider A$AP Rocky, who for quite some time now has been showcasing his personal flair through intricate nail designs. “I think it’s fine for guys to get nail art and not feel feminine about it,” the artist expressed to Vogue in 2019, while flaunting Prada-inspired nail work. In 2021, Harry Styles delivered his lively fashion sensibilities to the nail scene with Pleasing, a label known for its bright shades and whimsical techniques. The inclination of these performers toward bespoke nail styles signifies a notable transformation in beauty culture; it also acts as a nod to pioneering public figures who have set the stage for this trend over the past several decades.
In the glory days of rock and roll, nail care dubbed “man-icures” was a common sight. In the dawn of the ’70s, during his Ziggy Stardust phase, David Bowie’s turquoise nails provided a striking balance to his fiery-hued mullet, while Steven Tyler of Aerosmith debuted his iconic nail designs, marked by stark black lines. As precursors to the fashion mavericks to come, peeling nail lacquer became a signature look for Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain in the ’90s. In the 2000s, Johnny Depp began mimicking his idol Keith Richard’s erratic way of wearing deep blue polish; meanwhile, the vocalist behind “Kissed by a Rose,” Seal revealed a polished alternative with his shiny, lime-green nails.
Today, artists from an array of musical styles (spanning from hip-hop’s Lil Nas X to pop member Joe Jonas) integrate nail art into their distinctive looks, while fashion designer Marc Jacobs presents a stick-on nail set featuring patterns made in partnership with famed nail virtuoso Mei Kawajiri. LANY’s lead vocalist Paul Klein is also fond of the vibrant nail embellishments, often weaving them into his gentle, yet edgy style. “My approach to fashion has always skewed nonconformist, and I think nail art enhances my ensemble and sets me apart,” Klein elucidates. And then there’s the Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, showcasing an impressive array of luminous nail polishes throughout his odyssey. “I’m not dictating, ‘Dye your strands or decorate your nails, do this or that,’” the artist remarks. “I’m merely stating, pursue your joy, and never put a cap on your potentials.”
Glossy nails continue to evolve into a staple accessory on the red carpet for gentlemen as well. The 2023 Brit Awards showcased Harry Styles adorned with a soft lavender nail polish (crafted by manicurist Jenny Longworth), and the 2022 Met Gala saw Shawn Mendes displaying a muted dark blue shade, harmonizing with his Tommy Hilfiger attire.
As the arena of androgynous nail aesthetics continues to flourish and motivate, we reflect on recognized gentlemen who have enhanced their portrayals with vibrant varnishes.
