Scratch reached out to male manicurists to better understand their experiences within the current beauty industry environment. Here’s what they said…
Danny Manchip
Instagram: @beausbeautybox
Scratch Stars award winner & Beau’s Beauty Box owner, Danny, shares how being a man in the industry has impacted him: “If anything, these days I feel like I have been embraced because of my gender. For years there was a clear divide for male and females in the industry, but these days I believe that no one cares who you are or what you do.”
James Reeve-Shillito
Instagram: @nailinthecoffin_nailsbyjames
Luxury manicurist & nail artist, James, has found his identity has allowed him to create a safe space for like-minded clients: “I think my look and gender helps clients feel more comfortable around me. As a gay man who is also heavily tattooed, I have attracted a large alternative client base. I also think this helps women and other members of the LGBTQ community to feel more comfortable around me.”
The tech notes one of his favourite parts of the job: “I love to promote that self-care is for everyone and is an important part of physical and mental wellbeing physically.”
Alex Philamond
Instagram: @alexdidyournails
Surrey nail artist, Alex, shares who has inspired him within the industry: “Robbie Tomkins has been a wonderful mentor to me since the early stages of my career; we’ve become close friends and regularly share advice.”
When commenting on the nail community he says: “It’s a sorority that I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of and wholly embraced by.”
He continues: “I think being very visible and vocal on social media means that I’ve become surrounded by a really supportive pocket of the community. I’m lucky enough to have served lots of male clients from every kind of background and career. Some were referred to me by their partners, and others have sought my services out independently. Every single one of them has commented on how they wish they’d indulged in a manicure sooner, and have regretted letting the social stigma get in the way.”
Read all about the increase in male nail services in Scratch’s November magazine.