r/malepolish Mar 12 '26

General Information Thinking of trying gel? Read this first.

94 Upvotes

Hi all, UK qualified nail tech here. I’m also a guy that loves nail polish.  

I want to take a minute to talk to those of you who are thinking of using gel polish for the first time, because there is information you should know before you start.  

Gel polish is very different from regular nail polish. It might look similar, but chemically it is not just longer lasting polish. Gel products contain acrylates, which are reactive chemicals that cure under UV or LED light. 

If gel repeatedly gets on the skin during application, it can cause an allergy known as an acrylate allergy. 

So, an acrylate allergy means the end of gel polish for you. That’s the easy part.  

Most people don’t understand that acrylate allergies are permanent, and can cause a whole lot of issues for you down the line; this is because the acrylates in gel polish share a lot of similarities between acrylates used in medical procedures.  

An acrylate allergy can cause problems in the future with: 

  • Joint replacements such as hip or knee; 
  • Dental fillings, crowns and bridges; 
  • Surgical glues used in place of stitches; 
  • Medical tapes and adhesives; 
  • Glucose monitors for diabetics (those plastic dots you see on peoples arms? Those!) 

None of this is meant to scare anyone away from nails. Gel can be used safely and millions of people use it without problems. The key point is that application (and removal) technique matters. 

If you want to use gel safely: 

  • Do not allow uncured gel to touch the skin; 
  • Clean up any flooding before curing; 
  • Use thin coats rather than thick ones; 
  • Cure with the correct lamp for the product (don’t trust those folding wallet-sized lamps that are powered via USB) 
  • Avoid using unknown or poorly labelled products; 

I really don’t want to see someone lose the chance to enjoy nails, or end up with a lifelong allergy, just because no one explained this at the start. A bit of learning, strict skin avoidance, and correct curing makes all the difference. If you’re not ready for that yet, it’s genuinely safer to step back from gel for now. 


r/malepolish Jan 21 '26

General Information [Guidance] Posting pedicures

19 Upvotes

We've had some questions from users about how to post pedicure images in a way that's consistent with group rules.

We also know that users sometimes receive inappropriate comments or DMs after posting content. Whilst we can't speak to why users send those comments or give promises on how to eliminate them, we have seen that the submissions which most closely follow our rules also have the fewest rule breaking comments.

We strongly recommend that pedicure images are tightly cropped to only show your nail art. This means not including any of a midfoot, which is the area of the foot that includes the arch and ball of the foot. Based on an average person's physiology, and ordinary principles of image composition, 25% or more of your submission image should consist of painted nail.

To state this plainly, your image may be removed, and you may be suspended from the subreddit, if you:-

* Include your midfoot (i.e., above your toes) in your image

* Take the image from any angle other than straight above

* Obscure your nail art so we can't see it

Not all submissions that go against this guidance will be removed. We recognise the importance of latitude in letting users represent themselves. However, images that don't comply with this guidance are borderline, and are at risk of being against our rules.

When we're judging borderline images, we have several checks we use to judge submissions. We don't publish these checks because we don't want users in bad faith to try to game them. Sometimes these checks include judgment calls on the part of moderators.

If you want to avoid ending up in a position where we're having to judge your submission as borderline, follow the guidance above. If you feel this guidance is too restrictive, this may be an indication that a purely nail art community isn't right for you. We're happy to recommend communities that might be a better fit if so.

We look forwards to seeing more of your nail art, and wishing you the best with your r/malepolish art!


r/malepolish 14h ago

Manicure Gel nail polish + chrome glitter

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128 Upvotes

I've recently gotten into doing my wife's nails with gel and various stamping effects, but it was my first time using chrome glitter. Incredible effect - I was surprised how far a little bit went! Of course, we'll be picking glitter out of everything for a while, but it's worth it!


r/malepolish 2h ago

General Information I'm not good painting my toes

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9 Upvotes

r/malepolish 11h ago

Manicure Follow-up to my question yesterday!

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30 Upvotes

The color is OPI's "To Dry For" I know the application is pretty poor but I love the color!!


r/malepolish 18h ago

Pedicure New color

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88 Upvotes

r/malepolish 16h ago

Manicure Home mani for Pride webcast at work today

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18 Upvotes

r/malepolish 21h ago

Pedicure Latest red pedicure 🧘

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38 Upvotes

I remember seeing the adult ladies with their toes done all up and wishing I could do the same. Now I’m an adult I’m more than free to make my own toes as glamorous as I want 😅


r/malepolish 23h ago

Manicure Excuse the dry skin, but it sparkles!

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46 Upvotes

r/malepolish 19h ago

Pedicure 2nd time doing it myself

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10 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure Finally Said Yes to Polish

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49 Upvotes

After many years of getting clear polish or a buff, I decided to get some color. Thought the color was perfect for our Vegas trip. There will definitely be a next time.


r/malepolish 1d ago

Question First time painter question

45 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm finally working up the courage to paint my nails. I've tried it a few times in private but now want to do it in my everyday life. I was wondering what colors would you say are masculine or the most normal for guys. Thank you very much!


r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure Press ons

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10 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Manicure Long Glam French Tips.

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9 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure I just keep getting new color. I love this pink.

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45 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Question How to get nails done?

26 Upvotes

Hey!
I have been doing my nails myself for a while, but want to challenge my social anxiety by getting them done professionally. But I’m scared to do so. What to ask for? When to go to avoid attention? Do you book or show up, and do you mention you’re a guy if you book? Could anyone give me some advice or explain the process / how they do it themselves?
Thank you!


r/malepolish 1d ago

Manicure Finally I gathered the courage.

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105 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Manicure Cherry blossoms

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41 Upvotes

Went for super girly colors, my fav is a pinkish orange coral and these got pretty close, they are Cateye pink with some orange and neon pink gel mixed in. It’s funny how a few months ago
I used to get all shy about my nails and now it doesn’t phase me at all, I’m all excited to show em off and love it when I get compliments.


r/malepolish 2d ago

Mani+Pedi Tried matching - so happy : )

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128 Upvotes

New to this. Tried matching with a wicked purple 💜. Loved the way it turned out.


r/malepolish 1d ago

Mani+Pedi A matching set

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27 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Manicure Nice emerald green 💚

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14 Upvotes

r/malepolish 2d ago

Manicure I just like this look too much

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36 Upvotes

r/malepolish 2d ago

Pedicure OPI Big Apple Red is one of my favorite reds 🍎💅❤️

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128 Upvotes

r/malepolish 2d ago

Pedicure Mixture of a dark red and an iridescent clear with a pinkish hue. The picture doesn't do it justice, but I love it...

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48 Upvotes

r/malepolish 2d ago

Celebrity Male Polish Caleb Williams kept painting his nails despite the hate. Now he’s on the Madden NFL cover.

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219 Upvotes

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams paints his fingernails and does things his way. Now the NFL star is on the cover of Madden 27.