Dressed Up Nails

dudelikespink asked: I'm glad you think boys and polish are badass :) What makes you say so? I haven't gotten any polish on my hands. Women seem to be so open to this. Do you know of any other habits I should do to my nails in between salon trips? My manicurist suggested a cuticle stick so I can keep my cuticles pushed back but I didn't know if there's any other creams, etc that I should look to use.

You know, I actually had to think for a second about what made me say so because it was kind of just my immediate reaction. I think it’s just that polish is such a “girl thing” and it’s so unusual to see a boy interested in it that it’s automatically awesome when a boy likes polish. I think it also has a lot to do with bucking societal trends/norms - most boys don’t wear nail polish and many people would think it’s weird. But like, so what? Do whatever you want. Girls participate all the time in stereotypically “male” hobbies and activities and they aren’t looked upon with nearly the same judgment that boys who participate in stereotypically “female” hobbies or activities are. It’s such a double standard! I could go into how this is due to the male domination of society and gender norms and patriarchy and etc etc but I’m sure we all know those arguments. Bottom line is it’s cool to see someone doing something that not a lot of other people do.

As far as things to do between salon trips, I agree with your manicurist - keep those cuticles pushed back and above all else, MOISTURIZE! You don’t even have to use a cuticle stick. I do sometimes, but I frequently also just gently push them back with my fingernails when I get out of the shower. They’re softest then so it’s easier on them. Also, pick up some cuticle cream - my favorite on earth is Badger Cuticle Care but it’s hard to find. My second favorite (and a favorite of many) is Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, which you can find at basically any Target or drugstore or what have you. Just massage that stuff into those cuticles once or twice a day and they’ll be super healthy and happy!