Why Do Guys Paint Their Nails Black? Fascinating Reasons
Recently, more men have been painting their nails, particularly in black, challenging traditional views of nail painting as a feminine activity. As societal norms shift, the distinction between gendered fashion and self-expression becomes less clear. “Why do guys paint their nails black?. This blog will examine the motivations and cultural changes behind this trend, highlighting its profound meaning for many men in the context of male nail art’s evolving story!
Why Do Guys Paint Their Nails Black?
Exploring the modern trend of men adopting black nail polish, we dive into the cultural and personal motivations behind this bold fashion statement.
To Safeguard Their Nails
Multiple coats of nail polish can strengthen nails and protect against fungi and bacteria, particularly in wet conditions. This is why athletes, like soccer players and MMA fighters, often have black nails. Guitarists also paint their nails to prevent damage and produce a richer tone.
Figure 01. Black nails help men to safeguard their nails.
To Conceal Flaws on Their Nails
Nail polish can conceal discoloration, injuries, and uneven textures on nails. Men wearing black polish might do so to highlight the manicure and divert attention from any imperfections.
Figure 02. Nail polish can conceal flaws on man’s nails.
To Challenge Traditional Male Stereotypes
Some men have strict views on masculinity, criticizing those who engage in traditionally feminine activities. Men painting their nails challenge and redefine these conventional notions of masculinity.
Figure 03. Some men apply nails to challenge traditional male stereotypes.
To Display Their Identity As A Defiant Nonconformist or A “Rebel”
A man painting his nails black may be signaling his indifference to societal norms and his desire to play by his own rules. As painted nails are typically seen as feminine, a man’s manicure is a bold statement of nonconformity. The color black symbolizes strength, confidence, and power, reflecting a stance that is “outside of the rules”.
Figure 04. Men apply black nails to express a “badboy”.
To Convey Sorrow or Melancholy
Black is commonly associated with sorrow or mourning. Men might paint their nails black to convey emotional pain or alignment with goth or emo subcultures, where black represents both sadness and resistance.
Figure 05. Men can convey sorrow or melancholy through their nails.
To Indicate Their Affiliation with A Rock, Punk, Goth, or Emo Group
Musicians, especially from the 1980s, were among the first celebrities to embrace black nail polish. Rock and punk artists used it for an edgy look, while the goth and emo genres that followed prominently featured black in their attire, nails, and accessories.
Figure 06. Men artists can apply black nails to play music effectively and be cool.
For Aesthetic or Fashion Purposes
Influenced by male celebrities and influencers, many men are trying out nail painting, often choosing versatile black. Some explore it for personal style expression, and with designers integrating painted nails in men’s fashion, it’s becoming a trendy style statement.
Figure 07. Nails with men are popular in the fashion industry.
To Back The Polished Man Campaign
The Polished Man campaign prompts men to paint their nails in opposition to domestic violence against women and children. Though the official color is blue, participants can choose any hue. A man with painted nails may be endorsing this cause.
Figure 08. Black nails for men support for the Polished Man campaign.
To Convey Their Gender Identity or Sexual Preference
Men in the LGBTQ+ community often use nail painting, especially black nails, as self-expression, challenging traditional gender norms and symbolizing solidarity, pride, and empowerment. However, black nails aren’t solely indicative of one’s gender or sexual identity; many men have varied reasons for adopting the trend.
Figure 09. Black nails are popular with men in LQBTQ+.
Simply Because They Enjoy It
Fingernails and nail polish aren’t gender-specific. Men might paint their nails for various reasons, from curiosity during the Covid-19 pandemic to bonding with their children or partners. Increasingly, men are exploring nail art out of personal interest.
Figure 10. Some men apply black nails because they enjoy it.
FAQs
Why Do Men Frequently Choose Black As A Nail Color?
Black is perceived as masculine, symbolizing strength, authority, and elegance. Though nail painting is usually viewed as feminine, men might opt for black due to its masculine association and workplace appropriateness. Men also prefer shades like grays, metallics, and dark blues and greens.
Do Women Appreciate Men Wearing Nail Polish?
Gen Z women, born from 1997 to 2012, are generally more open to men wearing nail polish, aligning with their generation’s emphasis on gender neutrality. Though GenZ men are more experimental with nail art, preferences differ across individuals, with some women from all age groups either liking or disliking the trend.
When Did Men Start Applying Nail Polish?
Since around 3200 BC, nail polish has been used by both men and women. Babylonian warriors darkened their nails with kohl for intimidation, while in ancient China, nail colors denoted social class, with bold shades signifying nobility and lighter ones indicating lower status.
From the 1970s to the 2000s, musicians such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Kurt Cobain, Lil Yachty, and Tyler the Creator embraced and popularized nail art for men. Machine Gun Kelly even released his own nail polish line. These musicians played a key role in making nail polish fashionable among male artists, particularly in rock bands.Men's use of black nail polish has historical, personal, societal, and fashion roots. From ancient warriors to modern musicians, it's a form of expression. Beyond gender norms, it signifies identity, defiance, and personal style.Visit the Nail Exams Website to learn more about the Nail Technician Exam and get advice on how to pass the exams and get your Nail Technician License. With the Nail Test App, we provide a series of state-by-state and exam-like tests that will prepare you for the Nail Technician Exam.
