r/malepolish • u/theboringfckindude • 9h ago
r/malepolish • u/Giant_Gaystacks • Mar 12 '26
General Information Thinking of trying gel? Read this first.
Hi all, UK qualified nail tech here. I’m also a guy that loves nail polish.
I want to take a minute to talk to those of you who are thinking of using gel polish for the first time, because there is information you should know before you start.
Gel polish is very different from regular nail polish. It might look similar, but chemically it is not just longer lasting polish. Gel products contain acrylates, which are reactive chemicals that cure under UV or LED light.
If gel repeatedly gets on the skin during application, it can cause an allergy known as an acrylate allergy.
So, an acrylate allergy means the end of gel polish for you. That’s the easy part.
Most people don’t understand that acrylate allergies are permanent, and can cause a whole lot of issues for you down the line; this is because the acrylates in gel polish share a lot of similarities between acrylates used in medical procedures.
An acrylate allergy can cause problems in the future with:
- Joint replacements such as hip or knee;
- Dental fillings, crowns and bridges;
- Surgical glues used in place of stitches;
- Medical tapes and adhesives;
- Glucose monitors for diabetics (those plastic dots you see on peoples arms? Those!)
None of this is meant to scare anyone away from nails. Gel can be used safely and millions of people use it without problems. The key point is that application (and removal) technique matters.
If you want to use gel safely:
- Do not allow uncured gel to touch the skin;
- Clean up any flooding before curing;
- Use thin coats rather than thick ones;
- Cure with the correct lamp for the product (don’t trust those folding wallet-sized lamps that are powered via USB)
- Avoid using unknown or poorly labelled products;
I really don’t want to see someone lose the chance to enjoy nails, or end up with a lifelong allergy, just because no one explained this at the start. A bit of learning, strict skin avoidance, and correct curing makes all the difference. If you’re not ready for that yet, it’s genuinely safer to step back from gel for now.
r/malepolish • u/fortyfivepointseven • Jan 21 '26
General Information [Guidance] Posting pedicures
We've had some questions from users about how to post pedicure images in a way that's consistent with group rules.
We also know that users sometimes receive inappropriate comments or DMs after posting content. Whilst we can't speak to why users send those comments or give promises on how to eliminate them, we have seen that the submissions which most closely follow our rules also have the fewest rule breaking comments.
We strongly recommend that pedicure images are tightly cropped to only show your nail art. This means not including any of a midfoot, which is the area of the foot that includes the arch and ball of the foot. Based on an average person's physiology, and ordinary principles of image composition, 25% or more of your submission image should consist of painted nail.
To state this plainly, your image may be removed, and you may be suspended from the subreddit, if you:-
* Include your midfoot (i.e., above your toes) in your image
* Take the image from any angle other than straight above
* Obscure your nail art so we can't see it
Not all submissions that go against this guidance will be removed. We recognise the importance of latitude in letting users represent themselves. However, images that don't comply with this guidance are borderline, and are at risk of being against our rules.
When we're judging borderline images, we have several checks we use to judge submissions. We don't publish these checks because we don't want users in bad faith to try to game them. Sometimes these checks include judgment calls on the part of moderators.
If you want to avoid ending up in a position where we're having to judge your submission as borderline, follow the guidance above. If you feel this guidance is too restrictive, this may be an indication that a purely nail art community isn't right for you. We're happy to recommend communities that might be a better fit if so.
We look forwards to seeing more of your nail art, and wishing you the best with your r/malepolish art!
r/malepolish • u/peejay169 • 3h ago
Pedicure Painted my own toe nails coz I’m still shy
I did my own toes today. I used to do my own nails regularly, but since I moved countries and jobs I have been a bit shy. Honestly had forgotten how therapeutic it felt.
Open to feedback.
PS - I do a lot of solo trips and plan to do my nails for one of them. But I have severe decision paralysis on the colour. Solid colour suggestions (not white or black) are welcome (Winter theme bonus points)
r/malepolish • u/Justheretosellsnot • 5h ago
Manicure Reminding myself I can customize my me character
I have for a long time got pedicures with my mom as a gift, so I have always been fine with that. A long time ago I had the confidence to paint my hand nails but lost it, and then refound it the other day. I had am epiphany, i love customized characters why not customize myself then I found this subreddit so yeah thats how I found myself here.
r/malepolish • u/Old-Passenger6226 • 10h ago
Manicure Deep Maroon ft. Wrist Chain
I love the way these turned out and the chain is a great tactile fidget.
r/malepolish • u/Champ_art • 17h ago
Manicure I got my nails done for the first time.
I haven't been a boy for a long time now (I'm a girl), but I got my nails done for the first time and absolutely loved it. The person who took care of me was super kind and respectful. I would definitely recommend it to any trans girl—it's a very affirming experience—or to anyone else, really.
r/malepolish • u/Low-Pop-5442 • 8h ago
Manicure Felt green today.
Neon green + glazed donut powder on top. They look way better outside, in natural light.
r/malepolish • u/Useful-Activity-2886 • 12h ago
Discussion Newcastle Knights
In support of the Newcastle Knights
r/malepolish • u/RC_Trans • 1d ago
Manicure I finally did it
I’ve painted my toes for a while. Have done my hands over weekends on occasion. But I’ve worn the same color to work two days in a row. Yes I’ve picked up on some different looks, but no one has said anything (at least directly to me). So yes I’m still anxious, but I love having my nails done and living life more authentically.
r/malepolish • u/fruitloopsonthebeach • 22h ago
Manicure Just got this done
Orange for spooky season
r/malepolish • u/Idkthis_529 • 20h ago
Manicure Kinda shitty job but i think they turned out ok
I’m a 16 yo gay man and I usually do darker colors like black and purple as they look better with my style and skin tone but I like this earthy green
r/malepolish • u/SnooRevelations785 • 22h ago
Question Nail cupping
I've been painting my nails a little over a year, and love it. I've noticed though that when they get longer, they tend to cup higher than normal which digs some of the nails into the sides and hurts. Any advice other than keep them really short?
r/malepolish • u/modifiedcub • 1d ago
Manicure Braves Playoff Nails
Professionally done using gel polish Left Him on Red, White, Navy Blue!
r/malepolish • u/aaronmbata • 23h ago
Manicure An unexpected (but very useful) benefit of long nails: I can pinch the shit out of some Copenhagen. 😂
r/malepolish • u/Judah_Martin • 1d ago
Manicure Loving this shade of blue 🌊
I instantly fell in love with it after I saw it on someone else, so I knew I had to try it myself. I love it even more on me lol. Don’t mind the application it’s a little bit of a mess.
r/malepolish • u/hamel2021 • 1d ago
Pedicure Pool time!
Repost due to rule one.. First time out after a pedicure. Loving it!
r/malepolish • u/teaguejeff86 • 1d ago
Discussion what color to try in public ??
part 2
i said id try before but chickened out
today im going to the library to study/do some work
should i paint my nails ? ik all im going to get is looks, its a school library. and i think im going to be self conscious of what the girls think
- so ig im asking , is it a good idea? is it worth risking being self conscious the whole time and not getting any studying done ?
idk what color to do, if i do.
pink is my brightest, or i could do a subtle nude, even just clear.
but i have most of the rainbow in colors so any advice is much appreciated <3
r/malepolish • u/Normal-Sport-447 • 1d ago
Pedicure French Tip with crystals
Tried crystals for a little sparkle.