Painted Nails For Guys? Here’s What 9 Nigerians Think About This Trend

For years, the fashion choices made by various people have been seen through different eyes. Depending on what side of the fashion spectrum you sit on, some things are acceptable in fashion, and some just aren’t. 

Previously, we have looked at controversial topics in the fashion space like altè fashion, dreadlocks and coloured hair, and ripped jeans, amongst others. Today, we look at painted nails or nail art for guys. 

We asked 9 Nigerians if they think nail painting is a strictly female thing, how they feel about guys painting their nails, and if they believe it will be more widely accepted in Nigeria in the future. Here’s what they said;

While some completely disagree with the concept of nail painting for guys;

1. Toluwani

Well, yes. I think nail painting is for females alone. Why? Because most ladies that paint their nails do so for beauty enhancement and also for fashion. 

Men, on the other hand, have no business wanting or trying to paint their nails except they are bisexual or, in some cases, gays! But in my honest opinion, I feel nail painting should be a female thing. I don’t think nail painting speaks well of guys at all. I see them as being a disgrace to manhood.

Take, for instance, Bob Risky who has a confused sexual status. But majorly he tends to show more of the feminine side. You know painting nails, wearing skirts, bras, painting lips and all those girly things.

I have never and will never paint my nails, not now, not ever, not even in the afterlife. Well, maybe in role-playing, say as an actor or something, but, not as a general way of life.

With the current rate at which the world and technology are growing, the decisions of many adolescents are being influenced negatively. We now have adolescents who, before they grow up to become adults, have made drastic decisions about the kind of lifestyle to imbibe.

We, as adults, should try our best possible to ensure the kids we give birth to are not damaged and exposed to the outrageous events of things happening now. We don’t want to have a Nigeria full of men with confused sexual statuses.

2. Paul

I think nail painting is a strictly female thing because when a guy paints his nails it makes him look gay. Some other things I think are strictly female but that guys do are wearing skirts, keeping long nails, and wearing lipstick.

I don’t think it is okay for a guy to paint his nails because it makes him look gay.

As a guy, I cannot paint my nails but I think nail painting for guys will become more widely accepted in Nigeria soon. 

3. Tinnie

Nail painting ehn, I have been seeing guys doing it so it is not only a female thing.

Honestly, guys that paint their nails make me cringe. I don’t know why, but I have never seen a guy with painted nails and appreciated it, except guys in animes. 

Yes, I have painted my nails with markers before. It would be acceptable eventually by Nigerians in the future. 

P.S: the guys I have been seeing painting their nails are all Nigerians.

4. Joshua

Yes, nail painting is strictly female. Why? Because that was the culture I grew up into. A conservative one. 

I don’t think it’s okay for guys to paint their nails. I think it borders cross-dressing which I don’t support.

NO, I will never paint my nails. Sadly, yes, I think it will become more widely accepted in Nigeria. Anything seems acceptable nowadays, so it’s just a matter of time.

5. Agbons

Yes, I mostly consider nail painting a female thing. Except maybe the guy is a model or doing something related, I see no reason why a man should paint his nails. 

I think guys who paint their nails are weird and, or, gay. I don’t think it speaks well of them because it’s actually a weird thing. Men are supposed to be masculine

I can’t paint my nails under any normal circumstances. I don’t think it will become acceptable in Nigeria anytime soon. 

Others believe it’s alright for guys to paint their nails, after all, it’s their choice;

6. Emeka

I don’t really think nail painting is strictly female. Reason being that emo, rock and punk rock artists have made it no longer effeminate. 

I feel it’s okay for guys to paint their nails depending on why their nails are painted. If a guy paints his nails pink or with different bright shades and glitter, I assume it means something about his sexuality. 🤷🏽‍♂️

I can paint my nails in black or purple paint.😌 Nope, I don’t see the Nigerians accepting the trend soon. It would mean coming to terms with things our cultures and traditions go against. It especially will mean Nigeria is becoming a rainbow nation which becomes more problematic.

7. Jay

I don’t think nail painting is a strictly female thing because I feel like nails can be painted for other reasons than just fashion.

I have no issue with guys painting their nails. All it says about them is that they felt like painting their nails.

I can paint my nails and I have. They were black. Sadly, I don’t think nail painting for guys is a trend that will be more widely accepted in Nigeria because this isn’t a very progressive country.

8. Jake

I don’t think nail painting is a strictly female thing, I feel guys should be able to paint their nails if they want to. 

I see nothing wrong with guys painting their nails, but still, it depends on the simplicity of the art.  I think it’s okay, and it speaks well of them even though we are in a society that loves to judge in a biased way because some people feel it would infringe on their masculinity.

I don’t mind painting mine black, having a gothic kaneki moment. I feel the issue arises with some colours and the simplicity of the art. As long as we don’t go overboard with it then it is cool because, in my opinion, that’s crossing the thin line towards the female area as per it is now full force into their domain.

Hopefully, it will be more acceptable in Nigeria when the old people die out and the young ones stop being judgemental as well when they reach a certain stage.

9. Peter

No, nail painting is not really a strictly female thing. It has other uses. For example, for roles in movies, for the nourishment of the nails, forming a protective cover for the nails etc. So I don’t really think it’s for only females. 

I don’t think anything about guys painting their nails. But, it seems fascinating, considering the way it’s looked at in this region when someone goes against the status quo.

Whether it speaks well of them now depends on the individual. Most of the time, it doesn’t speak well because it’s easy to read a wider meaning to it. To me, it doesn’t really matter. Judging people by just physical details is not my thing. Some people have reasons, and some people just love the colourful feel of nail painting.

Yes, I can paint my nails if it’s transparent nail polish. The same way I can’t dye my hair another colour except for black. It’s my preference.

Future is relative. Nigeria isn’t as liberal as, let’s say, America. So, if we are talking future as a whole, yes it’s possible. If we talking 5 to 10 years then I’m not really sure we will make that progress in that time.