It is still something of a surprise to see a man in a nail
salon. But Zhou Xingyu, 31, has been a nail artist for nearly a
decade and is now a partner in a nail salon in Tuanjiehu area.
He also works as a nail-art tutor at fashion schools and
sometimes appears in fashion magazines such as Xinwei demonstrating
the latest nail trends. Sitting at a table covered with nail kits
and in front of a shelf full of colorful polishes, he massages a
client's fingers, before creaming, smoothing and designing the
nails. His dream is to have his own nailist training salons.
Q: When did you first learn nail makeup?
A: In 1999, NSI, an American-based nail care products company,
initiated a training project at the salon where I was working as a
teacher in Fujian province.
I attended the classes led by a teacher assigned by the company,
who showed us how to mix acrylic powders and liquids and apply it
to the surface of nails to make false nails. It was something like
making a false tooth. At that time, there was not such an extensive
range of nail products and accessories as now. It seemed amazing
and interesting.
Q: Why did you join it?
A: It has something to do with my character. I am curious and
interested in new things, especially those about fashion.
Q: As a man, has it ever felt strange to be a
nailist?
A: Not at all. I believe it's not defined by gender, it's a
question of technique. As a trainer at a salon, I was sensitive to
fashion and believe it is as natural to be a nail artist, as it is
to be a hairdresser or a makeup artist.
When I began my career, I learnt that there were already many
legendary male nail artists in the West. They were in their 40s or
50s, working as a nail art tutors and setting the trends for the
colors and designs.
Now many nail salons in China have male nailists. And there are
some salons in Beijing with only male nail artists. It has been
said that men are more suitable for the job, as women usually wear
nail makeup to attract men. Also a male nailist brings something
new to a nail store.
Q: Being a nailist is a job that requires patience. Are you
very patient?
A: I'm a typical Cancerian, a mix of extroverted and introverted.
Sometimes I get impatient when I find there is a mess, I can't wait
to clear it, or when others do a job slowly I can't wait to take
over and finish it.
But when I am sitting at the nail table with my clients, I become
very patient. Most my clients say I am very patient and
considerate, that is why I am well received.
Q: Have you ever been rejected or treated disrespectfully
because you are male?
A: I once met a celebrity client when I was working at
Toni&Guy. She wanted some translucent white false French nails.
When the leader introduced me to her, she assumed I was not
qualified to do her nails. She cast a contemptuous glance at me,
and asked: "Who are you?"
I just said with a smile that I would make the nails for her and
introduced my ways of making the French nails. She became a repeat
customer of mine. But most clients I meet are very kind after
communicating with them for a while.
I never feel I am lower than others. I believe every job is equal.
It is to provide a service for others. It is just a difference in
clients and approaches. I joined the industry because I love it. At
the beginning I was inspired by my interest and curiosity and now I
get satisfaction from it.
Q: What's you interpretation of your job, routine or
creative?
A: It really needs creativity, but it is based on routines and
standards. I have to learn how to spread smoothly on surface before
I create images on it. After acquiring a sound basis, I need some
imagination and sense of fashion and color. If one says she likes
red, I should know how to realize it and add some colors like
shimmering gold or dark color to make it better.
It usually takes three or four hours to make false nails. I usually
work several hours a day, sometimes until late night to 1 am, if
there is client, especially in summer. I make average 5,000 yuan a
month.
Q: Would you have a habit of looking at someone from his or
her hands?
A: Yes. When I watch entertainment TV shows, my focus is always on
their hands and I would stand close to the screen and have a clear
look at their nails. In summer, I like to see what girls' fingers
and toes are wearing. I also pay attention to men's fingers.
Now more men are starting to pay attention to nail care. It is not
yet common in China, while in other countries, like Japan, nail
care has become a regular makeup for man.
I regularly polish my nails and do some nail cares. Neat nails
would convey that I am careful and dainty so it makes it easier for
my clients to trust me and agree to give me their hands.
Q: Do you have men clients?
A: Yes, in this community store ,I have some. There are more in
those high-level nail salons or clubs. Most are white-collar
workers, especially those with high position in a company. For
them, nail care a must and reveals their good tastes as a fine
man.
Nail care makes a man neat and polite and also makes them in a good
mood. In fact men's nails generally grow faster than women's and
tend to be stronger. However, their increased surface area makes
them prone to trauma from bumps and bangs.
Q: Is there anything special with men's nail
care?
A: They seldom do hand care, and just get a manicure. Sometimes
they wear polishes.
There are many brands out that have released polish specifically
for men that come in a variety of colors, while the favorite is
non-gloss clear polish that is great for those who like the natural
look.
