Remember when Snoop Dogg showed off his kick-ass male nail art on Instagram? Well, he could be a male beauty trailblazer, if recent figures by Amazon are to be believed.
The shopping site are convinced that the male appetite for nail art could be the reason nail products have sold so well on the site recently - dubbing it the "male varnish" effect. They've seen a 90% rise in sales of nail gem decoration, a 98% increase in UV nail polish and nail stripers and nail strengthener have stayed as some of most popular beauty items on the site.
Male nail artist Robbie Tomkins' designs
Now, while there's no concrete proof that it is specifically men buying the products, male nails have been catching our eye for a while now - as well as Snoop Dogg's talons, there's an active Male Nail Polish group on Reddit, male nail polish bloggers, like Men Can Wear Nail Polish and Nail Polish Dude on Twitter, where blokes share their adventures in man-icures.
Tyler Peters, a blogger from London, regularly has manicures to ensure his nails are in tip-top condition.
Tyler modelling one of his designs
"Wearing clear nail varnish protects my nails - it's not necessarily a vanity thing" he said.
"Although saying that, I do like to keep my nails looking clean - it just finishes off a smart look that suits my work and leaves a subtle impression. I wouldn't rule out the idea of nail art - if I had more time I'd probably give myself something a bit more masculine and street, like black nails with a gold stripe, or even a gold decal of something like a stag's antlers. Only for special occasions though…"
Tyler also joins the growing number of men going to get manicures - the NY Times did a report on the trend last year in Manhattan (which is nail bar heaven). And a cosmetics brand called Evolution Man launched a male nail polish line last year.
"I probably get a manicure every two to three weeks; I like the experience of going to my local salon, having a chat with the ladies (it is usually ladies!) who work there - It gives me chance to relax. Plus, you can't beat a good hand massage" Tyler said.
Another of Robbie's designs
So will male nail grooming become as big in the UK as it has in the US and Japan? We're not sure, but if you are a guy reading this, and want to spruce up your talons, read this advice from Robbie Tomkins, a male nail artist (or Man-icurist) based in London who has worked with top nail artist Sophy Robson.
1. There are a range of base / top coats available to guys looking for an understated look - you want one which gives a clean, matte finish which isn't too feminine
2. Ladies have know the impact of an accent nail for quite some time but this can be adapted for guys by just painting the accent nail in a colour to match your suit / tie or brave a bold statement colour in contrast with your outfit
3. Using negative space nail art is a good way to introduce guys to nail art that can still create a great impact
4. Nail decals are becoming quite a big trend right now and come in many forms, as a subtle statement
5. A great hand cream is a must
6. Guys need an amazing DIY hand scrub - simply mix some salt (the courser the better) with olive oil and 'wash' your hands with it
7. Finally guys - don't be afraid of going for a professional manicure with your mates, girlfriend or as a treat to yourself - you will be amazed how good you feel afterwards and will certainly perfect that all important hand shake!
Source: Glamour