Plus, why the man in your life might benefit from a buff.
Is there any pick-me-up as powerful as a new manicure? If you’ve ever fallen deeply in love with your own polished nails (and stared at them at every chance), you know the feeling firsthand (pun intended). But have you ever considered that it’s a shame that the men in your life — husbands, brothers, sons — can’t take advantage of that same source of self-confidence?
Men wearing nail polish isn’t necessarily anything new — we all knew an angsty teen who wore black polish for all of the early aughts. But seeing a man embrace color or designs on their nails is still a bit of a rarity.
Manicurist Gina Alcedo recently decided to share the love by launching her own collection of Male Polish through her line, NVLA nail polish. Designed to empower men to embrace their non-traditional masculine side, the colors range from subtle neutrals to eye-catching red. And Alcedo should know a thing or two about empowering people through their fingertips — she’s worked with celebrity clients in Los Angeles for over two decades.
We caught up with Alcedo to talk about her journey launching Male Polish and her career catering to stars like Amal Clooney. Plus, she delved into what sets NVLA apart from drugstore options and filled us in on the new shade she recently launched in collaboration with Stand Up to Cancer.
Katie Couric Media: How did you get into beauty?
Gina Alcedo: School really wasn’t my thing. I was always sitting in class thinking, “Why the heck do I need to know algebra?” But I had been getting my nails done with my mom since I was young. I remember a manicurist of mine — when I was 16 years old — showed me a drawer full of cash. I thought, She makes a lot of money. So I went to beauty school.
I always loved having my nails done. When I would leave the salon, I felt whole and good about myself. I wanted to make other people feel whole and beautiful, too. Now I’ve been a manicurist for 26 years, and for most of that I’ve been mobile — so I’ve been going to people’s homes [to do their nails] for 25 years.
Who are your clients?
When I did work in a salon for one year, it was all celebrities and actors — people like Steven Spielberg. Then, I started going to their homes. I’ve worked with Kate Capshaw, Jay-Z and Beyonce, Amal Clooney and George Clooney — before they moved to New York — and Bruno Mars.
I name all of my own nail polishes. Amal Cooney let me name a color after her — it’s called Amal-ified. She loved the name.
How did you start NVLA?
I feel like I can’t do nails forever, only because I fear maybe one day my eyesight is going to be really bad. So I thought, “How do I make money once I’m done doing nails?” I can’t imagine not doing nails, but I know there will be one day when that comes. So I said to my husband, “Let’s start a nail polish line.”
What sets NVLA apart from drugstore options?
Dollar store nail polish has a lot of harsh chemicals. While that nail polish does last, so does mine — and I took out eight of those harsh chemicals. [NVLA] is more in line with clean beauty. And NVLA products are made in the U.S.
You have a line for men called Male Polish. How did that come to be?
We want to make a statement that it’s OK for men to wear nail polish. It’s typically the rock stars wearing it now. But back in the day when men started wearing earrings — one earring, usually on the right side — it was always frowned upon. But now, it’s accepted. Men are wearing earrings all the time. So we want to make the fact that men do like to wear nail polish acceptable. It’s not frowned upon. My husband wears it. So does a lawyer at a really well-known law firm and a USC football player. There are even a few baseball players who are wearing nail polish.
What advice would you give to a man who’s never worn nail polish?
Start with one finger. Paint the pinky nail and then get used to it. Stare at it, accept it, and then maybe do the other pinky nail. Then, start adding more fingers. This weekend my husband wore matte black and white nail polish — it gives him confidence. It’s like he’s saying that he’s strong, confident, fashionable, bold, and masculine.
You recently collaborated with Stand Up to Cancer on a color.
Yes. In May, I did a color for them called When She Stands Up…Red. 100 percent of the proceeds of the retail price go back to Stand Up to Cancer.
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FAQs
How did that come to be? We want to make a statement that it's OK for men to wear nail polish. It's typically the rock stars wearing it now. But back in the day when men started wearing earrings — one earring, usually on the right side — it was always frowned upon.
What is the trend of men wearing nail polish? ›
In recent years, brightly colored or intricately designed men's manicures have become a trend among celebrities. Men's nail polish has become a symbol of gender fluidity, self-care, grooming, and the confidence to express their sexuality.
Who started the trend of men painting their nails? ›
The earliest records of men grooming their nails can be traced back to around 3500 BC when Babylonian warriors would prepare for battle with beauty rituals.
What does black fingernail polish mean on a man? ›
Men paint their nails black for a number of reasons—for fashion and style, to show they're goth or in a rock band, or to express their sexual or gender identity. Other times, men might paint their nails to strengthen them for sports or guitar playing, or simply to stand out from the crowd just because they want to.
Do men get polish in manicure? ›
“Previously, men who wore nail polish were associated with some sort of sub-culture - emos, punks, drag queens. These days it's much more common. It's no longer a sign of rebellion, and there's far less judgment around what typically has been associated with gender norms.”
Is it normal for straight guys to wear nail polish? ›
It is not necessarily weird for men to wear nail polish. In fact, many men choose to wear nail polish for a variety of reasons, including personal style, cultural or religious practices, or for medical or practical purposes.
Should I wear nail polish as a guy? ›
We want to make a statement that it's OK for men to wear nail polish. It's typically the rock stars wearing it now. But back in the day when men started wearing earrings — one earring, usually on the right side — it was always frowned upon. But now, it's accepted.
Did men wear nail polish first? ›
Which Gender Was Nail Polish Originally For? Just like heeled shoes, wigs and the colour pink, nail polish was also originally created for men, despite its feminine connotations nowadays. Men would apply polish to their nails to make them look shiny and clean.
Why do men wear blue nail polish? ›
Survey Findings: Why Men and Women Choose Blue Nail Polish
25% - To express my daring and adventurous side. 20% - It matches my outfit or personal style. 18% - I love the youthful, playful feeling it brings. 15% - To show support for the "Polished Man" campaign, ending violence against children.
Why do guys wear nail polish on one finger? ›
Men often paint one fingernail to help raise awareness about violence against children. The idea is that by painting one in five nails, it raises awareness that one in five children will be victims of sexual violence. The campaign is spearheaded by Polished Man, a nonprofit organization.
The first gender to get their nails done were men. They use to color their nails with kohl to indicate their social status. Wealthy men painted their nails a dark red or black color, whereas those with less wealth painted their nails a green color.
What color nail polish do men like? ›
Nail design: Men like these colors
In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .
What color should guys paint their nails? ›
Generally, darker shades of polish will be more noticeable. If you want people to notice your nails, try a bold color, such as black, navy blue, or green. On the other hand, if you prefer a less noticeable color, choose light shades that are close to your nail color.
Does nail polish turn guys on? ›
Some guys get turned on when they see a girl wearing white nail polish because it makes her seem more “pure” or naive. For guys who prefer girls with less sexual experience, white nails are appealing because they represent the qualities they're looking for in a partner.
Do male celebrities get manicures? ›
Polished nails are becoming something of red carpet mainstay for men, too. The 2023 Brit Awards saw Harry Styles donning a pale lavender manicure (painted by nail artist Jenny Longworth), while the 2022 Met Gala saw Shawn Mendes sporting a matte navy blue designed to match his Tommy Hilfiger look.
Do men polish their toenails? ›
Plenty of men get their toes polished and painted.
Why do guys like nail polish? ›
Some guys get turned on when they see a girl wearing white nail polish because it makes her seem more “pure” or naive. For guys who prefer girls with less sexual experience, white nails are appealing because they represent the qualities they're looking for in a partner.
Is it common for boys to wear nail polish? ›
While boys and men may still be ridiculed for wearing nail polish, it really isn't something a parent should worry about. Typically boys who wear nail polish do so because they simply like the color, and painting their nails is just fun. Nail polish is becoming increasingly popular for everyone to wear, not just women.
What nail polish attracts guys? ›
Nail design: Men like these colors
In a representative survey, the German Paint Institute found that men generally likeblue , but also likegray , black and brown . Both sexes like green about equally, while women are more likely to like red ,yellow ,beige and orange .
