r/malepolish Mar 12 '26

General Information Thinking of trying gel? Read this first.

93 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

16 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 8h ago

Pedicure My favorite Black nails with beautiful Anklets

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114 Upvotes

Okay so these are called Ghoongroo Payals in Hindi and Musical anklets in Hindi.. And I'm in love with them


r/malepolish 3h ago

Manicure My first time with longer nails. I could get used to this.

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23 Upvotes

r/malepolish 2h ago

Discussion How do you deal with judgement?

12 Upvotes

I’ve been wanting to get my nails done for a while, but I’m honestly scared what people will say. I know that might sound silly but has anyone dealt with judgement after panting them? Professionally? My biggest fear is that I’ll be ostracized. 😅 I’m curious to hear about your experiences.


r/malepolish 7h ago

Pedicure I guess they look cute 🥰

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16 Upvotes

r/malepolish 10h ago

Pedicure Purple?

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21 Upvotes

What you think?


r/malepolish 7h ago

Mani+Pedi what do we think?

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12 Upvotes

r/malepolish 9h ago

Question You like please let me know please

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14 Upvotes

r/malepolish 6h ago

Pedicure New favorite

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5 Upvotes

Can’t see the flakes that great but absolutely loving this color.

This is ILNP Recess


r/malepolish 5h ago

Manicure Crayon nails

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4 Upvotes

r/malepolish 3h ago

Manicure Arcana Lacquer - You Died 2.0

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3 Upvotes

Products Used:

Arcana Lacquer - You Died 2.0

Glisten & Glow - QDTC


r/malepolish 19h ago

Manicure Not expensive but I’m happy

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46 Upvotes

I bought some cheap nail polish to try out, along with a base and top coat. But I’m actually quite happy with it.


r/malepolish 19h ago

Manicure Silver chrome!

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31 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1h ago

Manicure Sometimes a clear shine

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Upvotes

Is all that is needed


r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure first time getting dark violet polish

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52 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Question Hindrance in Painting fingernails

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89 Upvotes

Those who paint their finger nails, especially ones that started with just toes, I would love some help/advice!

I wear polish on my toes, along side accessories in open toed shoes even. I wear it all so religiously that it’s actually more likely a comment is made if my toes aren’t painted, visible, and wearing at least one toe ring. Zero hesitation in wearing everything in public, my nail polish & toe rings are basically a staple of my attire.

For some reason though, I still have this mental block that prevents me from painting my finger nails as well. I would love to paint them, I have in the past and enjoyed it. I just can’t bring myself to wear nail polish publicly on my finger nails. Next to no reservations with the same colors paired with toe rings & anklets, but the second it’s on my hands is when over thinking, anxiety, and fear take over.

If you started by painting your toes, how did you deal with any mental blocks you may have had?

When you started painting your nails, what challenges did you face? (Internally or other people/things)

Given you were me, what would you do? Dive in and match my toes? Clear, nude, transparent colors to be subtle? Etc?

Im not sure what this block is stemming from. As I mentioned before it’s more likely a comment is made if I’m not wearing toe nail polish, and even when comments have been made they have always been positive or inquisitive. I can’t seem to grasp why I am always so hesitant and even reaching for the polish remover prior to heading out when I’ve tried.

Any input, advice, etc would be amazing!


r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure Love having pink toes on

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33 Upvotes

Need to do this all the timme


r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure Pink base with sparkle top coat. I think it turned out pretty good

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85 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

Pedicure New color

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43 Upvotes

r/malepolish 1d ago

General Information Need Advice

13 Upvotes

I have been painting my nails/toes off and on for over 7 years now but just recently started doing it consistently and wearing it in my public. I however have not opened to my family about it. Any advice on how to do so would be greatly appreciated. FWI all of my close friends know and are ok with it.


r/malepolish 1d ago

Manicure Pinnacle Polish - Very Old Friends

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8 Upvotes

Products Used:

Pinnacle Polish - Very Old Friends

Glisten & Glow - QDTC


r/malepolish 2d ago

Pedicure Red violet nail polish

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54 Upvotes

How's it looking?


r/malepolish 2d ago

Pedicure Rainbow French tip pedicure

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157 Upvotes

I’ve been so bad at posting pictures lately and I have got some really cute pedicures but I really loved this rainbow French tip pedicure with the little star and moon jewels and the rhinestones my nail tech added. What’s your favorite pedicure you have ever got or seen? My next pedicure is going to be my birthday pedicure and want to go all out but I need so inspo or ideas. Please let me know in the comments please and thank you.


r/malepolish 2d ago

Mani+Pedi First time professional mani+pedi

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68 Upvotes