The Complete Nail Care Guide for Men

Guys, your hands do so much more than type text messages and pick up that energy drink you need to make it through the day. When people see and feel your hands, your fingernails come front and center. And they can give quite an impression. Proper nail care for men is important for more than just aesthetic reasons, though.

Take a close look and see if there might be something your nails are trying to tell you regarding your health. To keep your nails in top shape, make the following habits part of your regular grooming routine.

1. Expand Your Nail Beds

Your nail beds protect the tips of your fingers from damage and help with fine motor skills. If you can’t ever seem to hit the right letter on your cell phone’s keyboard, and the length of your nails falls below your fingertip, it’s probably time to learn how to expand your nail beds.

2. Make Sure Your Clippers Are in GR8 Condition

Have you had the same set of nail clippers sitting in your medicine cabinet for years? Throw them out. As time goes by, nail clippers can rust and accumulate bacteria and fungus. If you’re clipping your nails with old, damaged nail clippers, you’re putting the health of your nails at risk. Replace your clippers once a year and clean them with rubbing alcohol between uses. You should clip your nails weekly.

3. Get a Manicure

If you’re not so sure about stepping into a nail salon, don’t worry. The trend of men’s only spas is on the rise, and they offer treatments tailored just for guys. Men need manicures too, and having a professional trim your cuticles, clean your nails, and eliminate calluses and rough spots on your hands feels GR8. Next time you go to greet someone, shake their hand with confidence.

4. Stop the Biting

Biting your nails can lead to more than a poor appearance. It can put your health in danger. Your mouth and hands are both full of bacteria, and chewing on your nails presents the possibility of tearing your skin, letting the bacteria inside your body. You can end up with an infection that’s both painful and dangerous, so learn how to stop biting your nails for good.

5. Moisturize

Make it a habit to apply a moisturizer to your hands twice a day. It keeps your cuticles soft, which helps protect your nails. Additionally, it keeps the skin around your nails hydrated, reducing peeling and rough spots. Moisturizing your nails is essential for both appearance and nail health. Give this cuticle oil a try to keep your nails in top shape.

When Nails Become Damaged

Sometimes nails split, you slam your hand in a car door, or a fungal infection pops up. It’s part of life. If you accidentally damage your nails or notice signs of a health problem such as pus or discoloration, see a doctor. They can recommend the best course of treatment to get your nails back to their prime condition.