It's Okay to Get Manis and Pedis, Male Models

Male models often get a tough rap because they have to do things to maintain their look that's sometimes considered "feminine" or even "gay." But if you've read my post, "Real Male Models Wear Makeup!" then you already understand what comes with the territory.

Being well groomed from head to toe is a big aspect of a male model's career. Whether you're sporting the manly, rugged look or a more baby-faced one, there are steps you may need to take in order to maintain your appearance. Sure, Photoshop does a lot to make models look picture perfect but when it comes to attending castings and go-sees, you have to sell your look upfront and "as is" in order to book the gig.

This means paying attention to the small stuff like your fingernails and toenails. Depending on your lifestyle, you may or may not have a need to do anything to groom your fingernails and toenails. However, as a male model of any experience level, you'll want to develop a habit of making sure your digits are properly groomed at all times, especially when heading to a casting or go-see.

Getting clean nails can be done at home but I just want to put it out there into the universe that for male models--men in general, really--going to a local nail salon and getting a manicure and/or pedicure done is perfectly acceptable and even necessary at times. If you know and understand the term "metrosexual," you'll know that men appearing in stereotypically "female" places like nail salons and day spas is becoming more commonplace these days. In major cities and even medium-sized ones, such a sight doesn't even get a second look.

Male models just starting out could feel intimidated by this concept but the good news is that your fingers and toes don't require as much attention as your female counterparts. Getting a mani and pedi is mainly about having your nails free of the gunk that gets underneath, filing/shaping the nails, trimming the cuticles and sloughing off layers of dead skin cells. All you need is maintenance every now and then and that's the extent of your involvement with a nail salon. You can opt to have your nails buffed to a nice shine and even get a hand/foot massage in the process.

Not only will you come out looking good but feeling good as well...and you can take that heavenly feeling directly to your next casting, go-see or booked gig. Talk about being on cloud nine! Who knows, you might even get addicted to it. ;-)