You can forgive a bad tie; you can overlook a suit that is a bit worn; and you can even look aside when you see brown shoes with a blue suit. The one thing that won’t be forgiven or forgotten is ill-kempt fingernails. Fingernails that are too long or even worse, dirty, have got to be one of the biggest turn off to a potential suitor. Who could possibly get romantic with a man whose hands need a major overhaul?

If you think that a romantic partner is the only one who notices, think again. Many a well-attired businessman has lost a promotion because of poor grooming habits. Companies today are all about image. What can portray a bad first impression more than disgusting hands?

Men’s grooming has come a long way. While just a few years ago men wouldn’t be keen to admit that they got manicures on a regular basis, manicures have become far more popular in recent years. They can add to men’s confidence levels and add to a polished, professional appearance. With a regular manicure once a month, your hands will look their best and thank you for it.

Nails should be kept trimmed. Long nails on a man are a big turn-off. Besides clipping the nails to shorten the length, you should file them to smooth the edges. Cuticles should also be carefully trimmed. Pushing the cuticle back can cause the skin to tear. If you have any doubt about how to trim the cuticles it’s best to get professional advice from a manicurist. The most important step is keeping your nails clean. You’ll want to have the nail brush handy – perhaps even keeping it in the shower. Every time you take a shower finish the job by using the nail brush to remove any dirt that hand washing might have missed.

Manicures are cheap and easy to get, so there’s no reason why you can’t try one out and see how much better it makes your hands look. If one isn’t used to getting manicures, one might want to look for a “man-friendly” nail salon. Day spas which cater to men and women offer manicures and pedicures. This environment may feel a little more comfortable than would a beauty salon geared toward women.