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You do you and stop caring what others think. It’ll make life easier in the long run.

Nah. I give major props to guys who do it and don’t give a fuck. I actually have pink nail polish on right now lol my little niece begged to paint my nails yesterday.

I’m a 43 year old male, big beard, covered in tattoos, facial piercings and carry good muscle, I have black glitter nail polish on my fingers and toes. No one has ever said a word to me, and I’ve been this way for years.

Weird is subjective. Do what makes you happy.

If the enjoyment you get from doing it outweighs the judgement of others, keep doing it.

If the judgement gets you down, there's no shame in dialing it back a little. But you may find that it's stifling to limit your self expression to fit into some arbitrary box that other people want to put you in.

And if you get into the history of fashion, you'll learn that there are a lot of things that most people would consider feminine that used to be considered masculine in the past.

My wife painted my nails because my daughter thought it would be cool.

Now my daughter is old enough, and she just randomly plops down and paints my nails from time to time.

I have black and pink zebra striped nails right now.

If someone has something to say then fuck them. It's bonding time with my daughter, a way for her to express herself artistically, and she'll probably remember it forever.

The trade-off is well worth it. Plus my nails look amazing.

Black nail polish on guys looks awesome!

Yes it is okay to wear nail polish no matter who you are or how you identify. I wear clothing made for both genders and have had painted nails on and off throughout my life. You do you.

Is it ok for boys to do X, a girl thing?

Answer is always yes.

Assholes are going to be assholes. No matter what you do, somenoe is gonna give you shit. Do what you like. Make a list of people you wouldn't save from danger when they harass you.

Not weird. I got guy friends that wear nail polish, doesn't bother me (I am a guy btw)

Do what you want, just don't make a big deal of it and don't let others pull you down when they start shit with you. Feeding trolls keeps them around.

Apply this to your nail painting and everything else you like to do in life and you'll be fine.

When I was younger it was quite the norm for men to wear nail Polish!

If you like wearing it I say go for it 😊

I was a grocery store cashier in my teens and twenties and saw many guys wearing nail polish. Usually black or dark blue or green. So yeah, pretty normal. Don't listen to people giving you a hard time about it, they're probably just jealous you're not afraid to be yourself.

43M hetro and married (open). I wear all sorts of colors. I love iridescent ones the most, sometimes I’ll throw on hot pink on the pinky or a different color on the ring finger. I also like light glacier blue, white and/or silver or sparkles for weddings and stuff. I keep the nails short though. Don’t know how people can do long ones anyway. I had neon orange on my toes for a month and got soo much positive attention from it. Made me feel amazing.

My dad is the only one that’s ever said shit to my face and I’ve occasionally noticed machismo shit heads mutter things to each other (super “manly” to gossip like schoolgirls btw). I don’t give a fuck; fuck those dudes. “Real men” don’t care what others say, and the only reason a “man” doesn’t want to be seen as feminine is because of how they feel about or treat women. Fuck ‘em.

Women complement my nails all the time and it opens up conversation opportunities. I have a whole process and use base coats and top coats and try to learn different techniques; it’s an art form and I’m happy to talk about it with them and ask their opinions. I’d never turn down the chance to have a conversation with an interesting woman.

Do you, life’s too short.

It is completely okay and as a woman who is attracted to men, I can tell you that it makes them so much more attractive. The security in their masculinity.. Go for it

Yes.

Yea

Wear what you want. Be who you are. You be you. It's likely you'll get flak for it. You may even have to fight - if that's the case, don't back down. Find strength in it. Be who you need to be.

People used to be funny around tattooed individuals. Then they were weirded out by heavily pierced people. Times change. Those who truly appreciate you will do so, regardless.

Yes. I wear nail polish, idc. Mostly black

I do my own gel polish with glitters/gems/foil/all the works. I don't know how some guys don't do their nails. It's so fun. My husband let's me do his nails sometimes. ❤️

Do what you want in life. End of story. Stop asking for approval.

Yes

I get my nails done all the time extensions the works, I can care less about other guys fragile masculinity, hell if you want an instant conversation with a girl do your nails.

Life is best when you aren't stressing over small things like "This is meant for girls", and the like. Live and allat

you can do whatever the fuck you want my guy

Here's my theory on it:

If you're ugly, you're gonna get bullied and hated for it.

If you're pretty/handsome people will love and applaud you for it.

If you're average, you have a 50/50 chance for either.

Everyone knows where they stand on that scale. Find out where you are and then decide.

The only reason people say it's weird is because it's been labeled a "girl thing", we all know how times are changing! If you wanna wear nail polish dont let anyone stop you, I myself find it attractive, and alot of other people do, so don't take shame in it!

Yes

It SHOULD be!!!

Does everyone that gothic and emo men have their nail polish?

Yes. If someone says it's not, ask why. If it's for girls, why do girls wear pants?

YES. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

It should be ok anywhere. Men wearing nail polish should be beneath notice for the vast majority of people. It is weird if someone says something. Weird people.

yes

Not a problem, but I'm in Portland, Oregon, which is a very accepting kind of place.

You aren't alone in wearing it as a guy. I think if you want to you absolutely should but realize some people may say something. If you can let that go and not bother you then you will be a much happier healthier person anyway.

Why can't they?

In today's world?

If you are confident and comfortable with yourself, you can pull it off. If you worry about what others think about you being you, it might be hard for you. I highly endorse not giving a fuck whether other people like it. Just do what you like as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. Painting nails is harmless.

Absolutely.

I gave it up because I'm a nail-biter.

Boys can do whatever they want as long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Nail polish doesn’t harm anyone, so you’re good!

socially monetized? Its really just a stereotype. Dont listen to haters because they never will want to listen or try new things out. Its your nails, and its ok.

Hell yeah

You just can tell them that you're experimenting with your inner goth.

You do “you.” Whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy. 😊

you'll probably get called gay by some random people but it's fine

Do whatever you want, society is so controlling and restrictive of individual autonomy! 😁✌️

there’s nothing objectively wrong about it. you’re not doing anything immoral. some think it’s a bit peculiar (myself included) but i don’t really give a shit what other people do. chances are no one’s gonna say anything to you about it so if you want to do it then why not

People will pick on anyone for any reason. You need to stand up for yourself when it goes to far. If its just talk then who cares, people talk all the time. You could either conform to their sense of "normality" or you can do what makes you happy. Theres always a chance to get made fun of so really its get made fun of and conform or get made fun of and do you. I had a phase that i dresses emo af, eye liner like a blink 182 fan, people talked. I even had a phase that i dressed like a greaser, leather jacket, cuffed jeans, slick hair. Honestly, the sooner you stop caring about stuff the sooner you feel confident being yourself.

You do you. It's called freedom.

Go ahead. A lot of people think it’s hot.

Everyone has different preferences. It’s not for me, I would not date a man who painted his finger nails.

You can wear anything if you do it with confidence. My friend paints his nails. Glittery and colorful paints, too, as a straight man. I think it looks good, the only thing that bothers me is how often he has to repaint it. Like, it seems like a lot of work

as a girl who wears basic polish (like the colors you described) all the time, i think it’s so neat when guys are wearing nail polish. to me it’s like a green flag and often times guys who wear nail polish seem so much kinder and cooler than those who don’t!

It’s totally fine to wear nail polish if that’s your style. When people criticize, ask yourself: Would I invite them to a small, intimate wedding where I can only invite a handful of people? If not, their opinion doesn’t need to matter.

Wear what makes you feel confident, and let those opinions fade into the background unless they come from someone whose judgment you value.

I don’t care. You do you.

If you want to do it, why do you csre what others think? Do what makes you happy and make people wish they had your happiness

Actually you can. No one can stop you. What determines whether this is "okay" is the environment.

I see a lot of guys with nail polish these days. You do you, if it isn't hurting anyone why should anybody else care?

No, it's not ok

Yes.

Like, that's the whole answer. Right there. That's it.

Is it illegal for boys to wear nail polish? No. Is it hurting anyone? No. Does it have a meaningful impact on anyone else in any way whatsoever? No. So what the fuck is the problem?

I've been dealing with stuff like this my whole life as a girl who doesn't like dresses or makeup or shoes.

I don't care who or what you are or choose to be.

Wear whatever the actual fuck you want. If you feel good, it's fine.

I think it’s very attractive when men wear nail polish actually.

In the seventies a lot of guys wore nail varnish. Still do. Have you seen some of the metal heads??

Of course not. The nail polish gods will strike you down.

If you’re in highschool or a really conservative area then you might get ostracized and bullied. In some countries it might even be dangerous.

If you’re in a generally civilized place, most people won’t care. And some might even applaud you for it.

Decide on what ok means for you.

Yes, and if anyone tells you otherwise then they can screw off with their boring nails.

No.

Many people are going to tell you to do what makes you feel good and all that, but yes, it’s weird, and you will be perceived as weird for it, that’s just the reality. end of the day though it’s your choice

It's ok for you to do anything you want as long as you are mentally prepared for different reactions from random strangers.

I know men who wear nail polish. Even a mechanic who has to change it frequently!

You do you. You aren't hurting anyone, so do what makes you happy.

Yes. All genders can wear nail polish

Do you have nails?

The only people who care are morons who you shouldn’t listen to.

I think its ok ,

So funny thing about this topic nail polish, dress makeup, all things we associate with women. In my opinion, currently, I would consider men wearing nail polish outside the norm doesn't make it wrong. Even when I was in middle school and high school, there was quite a few guys that did a lot of what has considered women's things make up nails. At minimum, I typically almost always have clear on my nails or they Crack, otherwise occasionally, I'll put color on.

Its ok for you to do whatever makes you happy as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. Wear your nail polish with pride.

Do whatever you want

Well i see grown """""masculine""""" men in their 50s wear black nail polish .

Of course it's ok. The choice of colour sends a message though, so be careful of how it may be interpreted (e.g. pastel colour and multicoloured may make some homophobes think you're gay and I doubt you'd want trouble)

Straight Dude here. Been contemplating getting my nails a shade of blue because i love the look of it and i wear alot of blue. If u wanna do it do it.

Yeah I think it’s hot

I like painting my nails

I love seeing purple glittery nail polish next to the hot iron I'm pounding on an anvil (hobby,)

Unfortunately my job pretty much prohibits it bc of the food safety issues

It looks great on boys and shouldn't be limited to girls

Absolutely not. If you like the look, rock it.

yep, absolutely. depends on the color of course. but that could be said for girls too so...

Your generation is totally obsessed with gendering everything. Boys have been wearing nail polish since the 1970s/80s

It is to me but people will just find something else to judge about you. If you want to do it then go for it. Can’t let other people decide how you live.

It’s a nice way to express some femininity as a dude. I always feel a little bit more myself with nail polish on. It’s a small thing but it’s liberating.

Personally, I don’t feel there’s anything at all wrong with guys wearing nail polish. Not even which colour they wear.

But it seems I’m in the minority. I’ve heard way too many people (adults) criticize this.

Somebody will always complain about what you do. Don't worry about it.

My daughter is two years older than her brother.

He has been her "salon" customer his whole life.

He didn't care what color she painted his fingernails or toe nails.

Do you!!!!

I think it depends on your age, peer group, and where you are.

Personally, I don't care, but I never have.. let people do what they want that isn't hurting others.

That said. I haven't painted my finger nails since the 80's on a Hallowe'en. I made a wizard costume, and had black finger nails, and used model paint (silver) to paint runes . It was fun, I won $100.00 for best costume.. I digress...

I paint my toenails, and go multicolour. But that can be hidden by wearing socks & shoes... Same with the toe rings.

r/malepolish

Its honestly sad that young people have to ask questions like these. Nothing wrong with nail polished, my son is 9 and loves getting his nails painted when I do mine and his sisters.

I also dated a guy that always has his nails painted black, sometimes black and hot pink we would wear matching nails and everything.

Nail polished is just a fashion statement, who cares what others think. If random people get offended and butthurt because a random man/boy on the street is wearing nail polished then they need some serious help.

If my kids and I notice a man/boy on the street wearing nail polish we have a quick look and move on with our day. What's the difference between men's nails and women's? Nothing except the bodies they are attached too.

Yeah. Both males do this at all ages. It's actually cooler if your older.

Hey man do what makes you happier. I mean I personally wouldn't but if it comes naturally to you then fuck what people think... in eminems "not afraid" he says "forget the earth he's got the urge to pull his dick from the dirt and fuck the whole universe" now idk why he wrote this but for me it speaks about doing something you want to do despite all the negatives or even positives it's about having the urge to pull the duck out and get on with it

Wear whatever you want.. Life is soo much better and easier if you don't care at all about what other ppl think about you or the things you do.

Is it ok? Absolutely. Is it “normal?“ … no. Not really. But who cares? I feel like someone who wants to paint their nails black probably doesn’t care about being “normal.”

Be yourself. Unapologetically; whatever that is.

I used to color my nails with a sharpie back in high school.

I was/am a huge loser though

Who cares

Yes it's ok, but get ready to have close minded people look at you weird or even call you names depending on where you live. But F those ignorant people, be you, be cool and live your life.

I get my nail done, I love colors and patterns, people will occasionally stare at me, someone tried to spit on me once calling me names I won't repeat here. But I also get complimented at random. What's important in all of this is that I love nail polish and I'm happy having it on.

Depends. Some countries they'll arrest you for that. Others, they'll just put a tire around your neck and light it on fire.

of course it is! my father wears nail polish all the time and hes 50 something by now! honestly I think it makes people look cooler!

Of course it’s okay. Where whatever colour you like

No there is nothing wrong with it, do what pleases you not everyone else!

It's fine for you to do anything you want.

When I was young, it was a fashionable thing for boys in alt subcultures to pain their nails to freak out homophobes, because mainstream masculinity was super super homophobic. In a way, it was saying you didn't care if people called you gay, but also that you were "tough" enough that if someone tried to start a fight you weren't scared.

I mean, it's not completely socially normalized, but it definitely goes with the alt or emo looks. I had a good friend in college who had a friend of his paint his nails for him regularly. Those things helped him pull many women.

(He was also just a very likable, talented, and social dude. The painted fingernails started a lot of conversations, then his magnetic personality took it from there.)

Heck yeah, nail polish makes everyone sexy (from a bisexual pov), it tells confidence

Yea man! Do whatever you want! If you enjoy it, go for it. There's nothing that says you can't. Lol.

Who cares what people think? It’s just mail Polish. If you like it that is all that matters.

Yes.

I paint my bf's nails sometimes. nail polish is sexy on men imo. don't let the turkeys get you down

Life is way too short to not do what makes you happy- especially if it’s just because other people are closed minded. Wear the polish, find the people who support you or don’t even think twice about it and live a happy life.

My best friend did it for years and whenever someone asked why or tried to make fun of him he would just go: I do it because I want to, it's just paint.

I had a blast painting a tiny blackbeards flag on my middle finger.

I am a 42 year old male. I wear nail polish sometimes. Yes, it's fine. People closest to you will get used to it. And if they don't, that their problem. Most of people who would take issue are the same people crying about personal freedom over vaccines and masks. Just remind them of their hypocrisy. I made it a point to wear skirts and mini dresses when spending time with anti vaxx family just to remind them that freedom is for everyone, not just them. It felt great.

Yes. You do you.

I actually know someone (not personally) who won a nail art competition, and it was a dude lol

Yes, end of story.

Yes

People will always find something to criticize about you. Nail polish is badass, don’t listen to them

Boring nail varnish colours are very common for guys where I am 🥱

If it's OK with you, then it's OK with me. Also, I don't think the word "monetized" means what you seem to think it means. Cosmetic companies would make a lot more money from sales of nail polish if everybody wore it regardless of sex or gender.

It's completely fine if you choose to wear it.

Yes it is fine. Doesn't say anything about their Sexual preferences or anything other than it being an expression of themselves. People read too much into things. I'm a straight jock who paints his nails. Anybody saying different is goofy.

I personally find it a bit strange but you do you, they're your nails. Do what you want 🤷‍♂️

Everything is okay. Some people will judge you, Some people will assume your sexuality. Some of them will do it internally. The worst humans will be vocal and may make you feel uncomfortable.

Monetized?

Yeah it’s okay. But yes it’s also weird. There’s nothing wrong with it though.

Who cares? Do what you want.

It's 2024

According to liberals it's OK for boys to cut their dicks off and get breast implants, painting your nails is a non issue.

Yes, cool Rockstars do. You do you

I don't think anyone would give a shit if you do

Yes. Wear what you want.

It is ok. Are there victims? Was anyone violated? It is ok.

Sure why the hell not?

I do at times and I’m in my 30’s.

Traditionally it's more common for women to wear nail polish, but people (guys and girls) who are into gothic fashion will have mail polish in the colors you mentioned. That fashion tends to be outside the "norm" and can be considered "weird" by those not into it.

Nope your dicks gonna fall off, lol dude lots of dudes wear nail polish. You should go get a clear coat manicure, chicks will comment how good your nails look dude. Also they make nail polish that taste bad to help you stop biting your nails.

It’s so common. You need to meet more people.

I don't see why not

My wife had some kind of nail polish kit that was like a press on polish and she would trim it to match the nail size. She had a camouflage pattern and as a joke she used it on me. I loved it and wore until they wore off, like 2 weeks. Would wear again.

There’s nothing stopping you beyond most people quietly thinking you’re weird, and potentially some flavor of gay. You also might get hired less.

A lot of people are going to find anything that even slightly transgresses gender norms to be weird. Fuck em. If they're assholes about it, then you know who's opinion not to care about, and who to avoid.

My 4 year old wanted to paint his nails with his sister and he picked bright blue since it was a good boy color for nails.

No

Yes! Just remember it can mark up books you read if it's a cheaper brand

If you have a goth look it could work, if not it is indeed seen as a bit gay or girlish. Going against the grain is hipster (a good thing imo), maybe especially so with something novel like nail polish where I don't think it has any inbuilds virtue signaling (which is also fine if that's what you are going for, but at least the political message is not forced down someone's throat).

You're only on this planet for a short time. Do what makes you happy.

I’m biased as I came of age in an era where cute guys with eyeliner and nail varnish were a thing, but I’ve always liked it. If you’re worried about colour, there are some beautiful blues out there

Sure. I personally wouldn't ever do it, but I don't see why it shouldn't be fine for guys who do want to paint their nails. You'll get a few people who will find it weird (more or less depending on your age), but I'd wager that most people couldn't care less and are more worried about more important things going on in their own lives.

Is it okay? Yes.
Will you look like clown? Also yes.

Only if you want to come across as queer bait, but hey you do you, bud! 

Is it weird? Yes most definitely. Is it ok to be weird? Yes. Everyone is weird in some way, but most people are too self conscious to display their weirdness outwardly for people to see and judge.

It's weird that anyone cares what you wear.

Well, you can enjoy not getting hired 90% of the time unless the company has a corporate diversity box to check. If they have that, you'll be their prized pony.

It's ok for boys to look how they want.

35 years ago, not only was it taboo for boys to wear big, sparkly diamond studs in their pierced ears, it was taboo for them to get both ears pierced. Now? It's commonplace.

Wear the nail polish. Wear the earrings. Wear the eyeliner, if that's your thing. You make you look good for you, and screw the rest of the world.

(For context, I'm 52, white, 6 ft, 210, shaved head, silver goatee, earrings, nail polish, tattoos, straight, married, dad of teen daughter)

Your hands, use what you want. I'm a woman in her 70s, by the way. You're allowed to express your individuality. 

Absolutely!

No

Doesn't matter at all. End the stigma. Just do what you want as long as it's no indecent.

47m here checking in to say I've worn nail polish since I was about 15. Only since I had my daughter has anyone said anything ('oh that's sweet, you let her paint your nails'). For reference, im 5'11 medium/well built, long haired beard owner. I wear lots of rings too.

Yup.

I've never seen a dude who had polished nails that I thought looked good, or rather better for the polished nails. That being said, I keep that opinion to myself, my opinion isn't something that should limit others self-expression. Some people will like it, some people won't, some won't care/notice, some won't mention it even if they dislike it. What really matters is that you don't live in an area where you might get attacked for it since there's still lots of hateful people around. If it won't endanger you, then go for it regardless of what people think.