I’m a nail artist and I create jewelled manicures for my male customers – but some people say they’re ‘not masculine’
A beauty technician has divided opinion online after sharing a unique manicure trend: bejeweled nails for men.
Anouska Scarlet Anastasia, co-founder of Nuka Nails in West London, got to work Instagram debuts the 'Chained Windows Men's Mani' – a type of nail art that features a silver jewelry chain wrapped around a well-groomed nail.
Using a male model to showcase the eye-catching creation, Anouska said she was 'obsessed' with the look and urged more men to get in on the trend as it gave 'serious manly (masculine) energy'.
Despite her statements, many were quick to criticize the look, with some women saying they would hesitate to date a man who wears this style, while others branded her a 'genius'.
Anouska said in the video: 'I honestly think this might be the most elite men's manicure I've ever done.
A nail technician has divided opinion on Instagram after sharing a unique manicure trend she designed for her male client (pictured: an unnamed man poses with his newly styled 'Chained Windows Men's Mani')
The 'Chained Windows Men's Mani' is a type of nail art with a silver jewelry chain around a well-groomed nail
'So for this look I was initially inspired by grillz, just the simplicity of a window.
'As soon as I got my hands on this solid silver – yes solid silver necklace from Pup Up jewelry – I knew what I had to do.
'I present to you the Chained Windows Herenmani'.
The clip broke down the step-by-step process behind the manicure from start to finish.
It started with the shot of a well-groomed and trimmed nail, on which was a thick layer of shiny, 'super clean' transparent nail polish.
She then applied what looked like a thick tube of clear nail glue around the edge of the nail bed.
Once it had set and dried, she attached a line of thin silver chain links around the perimeter of the nail bed, taking the time to make sure it was secured to all four corners of the model's nail.
Using a sharp tool, the influencer then cut off the remaining unused portion of the silver chain.
The manicurist asked her fans to weigh in on the look before imploring them to keep their responses 'respectful'
Anouska Scarlet Anastasia (pictured), co-founder of Nuka Nails in West London, is urging society to 'change the narrative' when it comes to men's nail art
Describing her method in more detail, she continued, “The two statement nails with metallic contours on top of a super clean, clear base mixed with matte and gloss finishes.
'Honestly, I'm obsessed. “I'm all for men getting their nails done.”
The content creator then questioned the so-called rigidity of social norms and urged both men and women to get such manicures done more often.
“I've been saying for years that nail art is not exclusively for women,” she continued. 'Why should that be so?
“And honestly, I feel like this design might change some minds.” It's so different from the classic, perhaps more feminine nail art we all know.
“Personally, I think this has some serious masculine energy. To me this is basically the same as jewelry, but for your nails.
'The same as men with rings, necklaces and piercings. What makes this different?
“Is it just that we haven't normalized getting nail art yet? I feel like we need to change and normalize this narrative because it is a look.”
She concluded by asking her fans to share their thoughts on the look before imploring them to keep their responses “respectful.”
Many were quick to criticize the look, with some women saying they would hesitate to date a man wearing this style, while others branded her a 'genius'.
Perhaps as expected, the video has since gone viral, with a whopping 3.6 million views and more than 1,800 comments.
Unfortunately, some viewers ignored her request to keep it civil and instead posted a few negative comments.
One person stated: 'Please stop encouraging men to be more feminine. You're killing us all and you don't even know it.”
Another called the whole idea a 'turnoff' and explained why, writing: 'I think it's a great idea, it's very cute, but I can't normalize anymore as a big turnoff for a man to have his nails done. color or decorate. But to each his own. In my opinion it looks weird to a normal heterosexual.
'Show me his nails and ask me “Do you like my new design?” Just like animals, they all have their differences and try not to look alike. So why do we all have to share the same things now? For example, can certain things only be for us, girls/women, or are we all ultimately that way? [going to] be the same?'
Echoing this sentiment, someone else said, “I don't see anything masculine in that. Men shouldn't do any of that. A pair of clean hands with a little clear varnish is sufficient. None of that is necessary because men use their hands to work and not to show off.'
Meanwhile, one woman loved it: “Very unisex. I don't care if guys paint their nails, it's all self-expression. Being driven crazy!!!'
“You are on another level of genius,” another commented.