Monsieur Manicure

Manicurist & content creator, ALEX PHILAMOND, shares his industry journey, loves & hopes

Who – Alex Philamond

What – Manicurist, content creator, writer, speaker & owner of Put It In Nudetral

Where – Surrey

Why – A colourful character with a diverse career story

Tell us about your journey into the nail industry...

I’ve always been captivated by nails, whether I accompanied my mum to the salon in school holidays, or ogled Mutya Buena’s talons in Sugababes music videos. In 2022, I developed a real pang to be a part of the industry, so decided to gain the necessary qualifications. The nail sector is a huge sorority, which I feel lucky to have been welcomed into with such warmth. As someone who grew up with brothers, it’s the sisterhood I longed for.

Who did you train with?

I trained with Natalie Beeley of @nailgalnat in London. She came highly recommended and I often credit a lot of the success I’ve had to the amazing foundation she laid for me.

What do you love about the nail industry?

The constant innovation! I’m a glutton for newness and seeing how quickly trends change is so exciting. There’s always a new system to try, a unique combination of products to layer or a nail art technique to master. You’re never finished with education, as the industry, brands and products continually evolve.

What happens during a typical working week?

For 18 months, I was solely working on a mobile basis, but my weeks are now varied, which has been a welcome change. I’m lucky to work with brands to create content, write copy and consult on product development. I love that being a mobile nail pro means that no two days are the same, but I also enjoy work that allows me to spend time with my family.

“I’m a very nurturing, paternal person by nature, who wants to get to know others.”

How do you juggle your responsibilities?

The opportunities I’ve had were born from being a ‘yes’ man. I’m a chronic worrier, but quickly learned that growth exists beyond my comfort zone. I had to train myself to overlook the ‘what ifs’ and imagine the opportunities that could result from accepting an offer that initially makes me nervous. I don’t think anyone has cracked the code for managing everything though; it can feel like constant plate-spinning.

What is your signature nail style?

My business name plays on the words, ‘nude’ and ‘neutral’, yet bold, audacious nail shades are my favourites to use. I pride myself on steering clients towards colours or aesthetics they might not typically have felt brave enough to try. The nuance nail art trend from Korean and Japanese nailists has me captivated: a mishmash of inks, chrome, cat eye and syrup gel to create depth and dimension.

What are your go-to nail products and tools?

I couldn’t do my job without an E-file, and my favourite bits for prep are by Nibovi, a Lancashire-based company. I believe that no brand offers everything you need, so have many in my kit.

However, my default gel brand is Twenty. We’ve supported each other for a long time and collaborated on a Pride collection last year. For standout nail looks, I’ll turn to Japanese and Korean brands, which I access via Kkookie: a company that I’m an ambassador for. I’m passionate about uplifting smaller brands.

What excites you about Japanese and Korean nail brands?

The product formulations are like no others I’ve experienced: the glitters are sparklier, the cat eye effects are more dramatic, the self-levelling syrups blend seamlessly, the inks come in colours never seen before, and the chromes glide on like butter with inimitable iridescences. We’re living in a nail art renaissance!

A nostalgic nail look for me by Rosie, owner & founder of Nails Bab.

How do you wear your own nails?

I’m getting braver with the nail art I feel confident wearing. This year, I wore jewels and Saved By The Bell-inspired print thanks to Nails Bab, Birmingham, and Pokémon on each nail courtesy of Jenny of Bebigirlnails, London, who’s one of my Kkookie ‘ambassisters’. My default is a sheer, sparkly style. Home Of Nail Art has released a shimmering nude builder gel called Silk, which is me in a bottle.

What are your greatest career achievements?

Winning The GelBottle Inc’s Inspirational Industry Newcomer award in 2023 rerouted my career. It enabled me to collaborate with the brand and work at events, which had been an aspiration. It also gave me the confidence and, in some ways, the authority to be respected by other brands. Speaking at Professional Beauty London this year was major, as I talked in front of my parents about the industry that I love.

Working at a launch event for The GelBottle Inc’s Road Trip collection.

Why do you love nail journalism and what are your hopes for your future in this area?

I’ve always been a writer, from creating fanfiction as a teen to publishing a children’s book in 2022. I was a primary school teacher for nearly 10 years pre-nails, and writing was my favourite skill to teach. It offers me escapism, and I’m grateful to have worked on copywriting projects for brands and written articles for nail media outlets. I would love to write for wider-reaching publications about nail trends and the products shaping them.

How do you tackle public speaking for nail events?

The thing that prepared me most for these gigs was leading school assemblies when I was a teacher! I feel enormously proud to be recognised as someone who can speak with authority. I work from the standpoint of ‘what skill/action/feedback do I want my audience to take away?’ and plan my talks from there.

What inspires your social media content?

People buy from people, so I ensure my content is imbued with ‘me’ – whether it’s my voice, values or vision. I want my content to feel personable and to provide an insight into what it’s like to be my friend or client. Prospective clients and brands feel more comfortable about the idea of working with you if they know your voice and vibe through your content.

“My business name plays on the words, ‘nude’ and ‘neutral’, yet bold, audacious nail shades are my favourites to use.”

How would you describe your personality?

Nail friends tease me that I want to be mates with everybody, but I’m a very nurturing, paternal person by nature, who wants to get to know others. I am the archetype Aries and am fiercely passionate. I’m also happy to lose myself in an artistic pursuit, whether that’s nail art, personal and professional writing, or any of the countless creative ventures I’ve dipped my toe into over the years – from bookbinding and calligraphy to garment making, silversmithing and furniture reupholstery!

What are your hobbies?

I’m as much a nail hobbyist as I am a manicurist. Even on my days off, I’m at my nail desk trying out techniques and creating bespoke looks for clients. Cooking is just as meditative to me as painting nails; it’s not uncommon for me to spend three hours preparing and cooking a meal.

What are your plans for your nail career?

I would love for my career to take me abroad, whether for a project, public speaking or to educate. Education is definitely in my future, as it was my career for nearly a decade and I enjoy watching students flourish. Truthfully, if I can carry on decorating nails for maximal return in happiness, while meeting awe-inspiring people, I’ll be blissfully content.