Formulas for Success

ELAINE WATSON, global education director at Light Elegance, explores the increasing popularity of manicures amongst men

Hey Scratch fam! Recently, I was at the auto shop for an oil change, expecting grease-stained overalls and a firm handshake, but something unexpected happened. My customer rep, Wes, greeted me with a smile – and I saw a flash of sapphire blue on his (somewhat) perfectly manicured fingertips.

Now, I wasn’t exactly undercover. I was sporting a flawless set of Light Elegance gel creations. The urge to compliment Wes’ bold colour choice was strong, but I held back. We chatted about the car, the weather, the usual stuff. However, Wes’ nails kept nagging at my professional curiosity. Here was a young man clearly interested in self-care, yet his polish lacked that long-lasting, salon-quality finish.

The rise of the modern manicure

This encounter perfectly exemplifies the rise of the modern men’s manicure. Forget outdated stereotypes of burly dudes flinching at the words ‘gel polish’. These days, men are increasingly embracing well-groomed hands as a badge of honour that’s not just for celebrities. It’s about self-care, folks. Hands are constantly on display: shaking hands, typing and (let’s be honest) sometimes picking at hangnails. A good manicure keeps them healthy, prevents snags and projects confidence – perfect for closing deals or acing that first date.

Men’s manicures: a tailored approach

The key to a successful men’s manicure lies in adapting your service. Men’s nails tend to be thicker and stronger than women’s. Ditch the high-shine block and focus on cuticle care, shaping and a subtle buff. Communication is key! Talk to your client and find out what they’re comfortable with – whether a bare minimum clean-up or a touch of P+ Gel Polish colour.

Light Elegance: a choice for men’s manicures

Light Elegance offers a fantastic range of professional-only, Hema-free products that are perfect for men’s manicures, ensuring long-lasting results. Here’s where the amazing Lexy Line comes in:

• Strong & flexible base coat: Use JimmyGel to prevent chipping, even on active hands.

• High-shine top coat: This delivers a long-lasting gleam that won’t dull or fade. For those who prefer an understated look, Light Elegance offers a matte finish top coat for a natural-looking finish.

• LEpro Cuticle Oil: This product keeps cuticles hydrated and prevents hangnails, promoting overall hand health.

• Sheer or clear P+ Gel Polishes (optional): If your client desires a natural finish, offer a subtle hint of colour or shine.

• Light Elegance ButterCreams: Let’s not forget those who want to embrace a bolder look, like Wes! Light Elegance’s ButterCream colours apply thinly but offer the protection of hard gel: perfect for giving a manicure a pop of colour or nail art.

A clean, polished look that says ‘I take care of myself’ is the first goal for many men. By using suitable products, you can expand your client base and keep your appointment books busy. So, ditch the stereotypes, grab your Light Elegance arsenal and get ready to conquer manicures for male clients – one perfectly groomed hand at a time!

When I picked up my car, I gave Wes a goody bag of Light Elegance products that he loved (to take to a pro, of course). He was very interested in learning more about professional manicures. Mission accomplished!

Until next time, share the man-i-love on your service menu!

Elaine Watson Global education director, Light Elegance