Talons makes designer nails for men with some pretty cool styles

Talons offers designer nails for men, crafted to help boost self-expression confidence and show off your personality in new and interesting ways.

I chew my nails. I know, I know, it’s a disgusting habit to have, but it’s one I’ve always had since I was young and I’ve never been able to kick it. It soothes my anxiety and woes and sometimes I just find myself doing it without meaning to. I’ve tried a lot of ways to get rid of it, but one that usually works — albeit temporarily — is painting my nails. It works until the paint scrapes or wears off, anyway. Then I’m back to square one. But a more permanent or physical option, like gel nails, would work well. The problem is twofold here, though. Nails aren’t generally accepted as a masculine fashion item. Two, they don’t really make nail designs for men. I don’t want flowers or animals or cute little designs — it’s totally cool if that’s your thing it’s just not mine.

Enter Talons, a brand that leads with style and offers designer nails for men. Now, I realize I’m speaking to a very small demographic here. Not every male is going to be down with wearing fake nails. Not everyone bites or chews their nails either. But it’s another way to show some self-expression. Whether hanging in the arid desert during Burning Man, hitting a concert at your local amphitheater, or visiting a cigar lounge, you’ll certainly stand out and that makes for an excellent conversation starter. More importantly, it’s another way to accessorize your outfit, if you like to do that. And if you wear wristwatches, necklaces, and other jewelry, you definitely like to do that.

They’re fitted and sized, durable and reusable — just take off the adhesive and reapply when you want to reuse — and fast, and easy, to take off or put on.

But why fake nails for men?

Why does Talons make designer nails for men?

Talons designer nails for men worn while drinking coffee

The Talons team believes that “self-expression isn’t just a style choice,” but instead it’s a deeper “form of self-care.” They want to empower men to “show up fully, boldly and unapologetically themselves.” I can get down with that and it tracks, big-time for me. They often say nail biting is a sign of a deep-seated mental concern, which means bucking that habit isn’t going to be simple.

But beyond my experiences, Talons understands that everyone, not just men, needs to express their identity. Research shows it reduces social anxiety, boosts self-confidence and improves overall mental wellbeing. That’s why the brand donates 5% of all profits to organizations supporting men’s mental health. It’s a movement, and an inspiring one at that. The brand is a proud supporter of the LGBT community, as well.

Okay, okay, but we didn’t actually address why they’re making designer nails for men, did we?

How Talons came to be

I mentioned Burning Man above, which fits here because that’s kind of where the brand was imagined. Talon’s ‘aha’ moment came after Sasha Dash joined co-creator Maria Gil’s Burning Man camp and decided to get his nails done to embrace the spirit of creativity. After doing so, most responded positively: Strangers became friends, compliments sparked conversations, and a small act of what Sasha chocked up to a style improvement suddenly grew into something bigger. The nails offered men like him a new form of self-expression.

Unfortunately, Sasha discovered that there aren’t many options out there. “The men’s fashion market is booming, but nails have been completely overlooked. Men were being left out of the self-expression space — not because they weren’t interested, but because the products simply weren’t made for them. When some people take the lead — whether it’s wearing nail art, trying a bold look, or challenging old norms — it signals to others that they can do the same. That’s how cultural change happens: it starts with a few, but it frees many.”

Co-creator of Talons, Maria Gil expands upon Sasha’s idea. “As a woman founder creating a product for men, I see an incredible opportunity to challenge stereotypes on both sides — Talons is about giving men the same freedom of self-expression that women have long fought for, without shame or limits. Talons reflects my own belief in the power of style – as a burner, artist and technologist. My PhD work in human sexuality informs understanding of gender, identity, and cultural change — giving Talons depth beyond commerce.”

I don’t know about depth beyond commerce, but I do know it’s a pretty cool idea. It’s unique, and it just may help me with my nail problem(s). Maybe it will be exciting to a few others out there, too.