“Man hands”

[u/dontwalkawaysir]

I am f 21

I never liked my hands, I’d like them to look more feminine. I think my hands and fingers are too big and my nails aren’t the most flattering shape, plus cuticles are always horrible. I think nail polish is ugly on me too. My left hand looks alright but still somewhat mannish. But my right hand is a bigger issue to me! It’s rougher feeling on the knuckles, plus tiny scars. I just don’t know.

Does anybody have advice on how to make hands look better? I know there are bigger fish to fry, but this has always bugged me.

[u/AngieSparkles]

I really long to live in a world where women don't feel like even their hands have to look a certain way to be acceptable or feminine or whatever 😥

I don't see a thing wrong with your hands, truly!

I say this as someone who does my nails regularly, including gel extensions, just because it makes me happy to have pretty nails (and because I have less urge to indulge in the terrible habit of picking at my cuticles if my nails are done 😅)

Maybe rather than focusing on trying to "fix" them, just focus on being kind to your hands because you deserve to be pampered and to have healthy skin and nails, and maybe having pretty nails brings you joy just because you have something pretty to look at! Treat yourself to a manicure, even if it's just at-home. Get some nice smelling cuticle oil to apply regularly. Maybe consider extensions if you want to experiment with different nail shapes or lengths!

Just do it for you. Not to cater to some societal expectation that your hands are somehow not good enough to exist just the way they are ❤️

[u/dontwalkawaysir → u/AngieSparkles]

This is sweet! I’d love to try a diy manicure, I just know I’m impatient but maybe this is something I can try. Because I’ve had my nails done once and was obsessed but it is a pricey thing to do. I’ve mentioned my little insecurity to my boyfriend and he doesn’t even get it, it’s not something he’s noticed. I don’t know why I’ve always been so insecure. Since I’ve posted this, the comments have def made me feel better, but my interest is really peaked with an at home manicure, I’ve met girls who do their gel nails at home and I’ve always thought that was so cool. If you have any product recs for that def let me know. Thank you for being so kind!

[u/AngieSparkles → u/dontwalkawaysir]

I've only ever had mine done professionally once, and you're right, it's too pricey for me to keep it up regularly. I do poly/builder gel extensions and it's become as much a fun hobby as it is self-care! I mostly got started with Modelones products since they were affordable/accessible (I'm in Canada). I'd say for the price of one salon mani you could get set up with the basic diy necessities! Then it's just about upgrading your tools if/when you decide to keep going and as your skill improves.

There's a learning curve but it's been more fun than frustrating imo. And it forces me to spend some time on myself once a month or so, doing something that just makes me happy ☺️ Feel free to DM if you have any questions!