More men are booking manicures and pedicures than ever, and it is easy to see why. Neat, healthy nails make a quiet but real difference, whether you shake hands for a living, play guitar, spend your weekends on a football pitch or simply want your feet to feel human again. If you have been curious about a men's manicure in Croydon but are not sure what is involved, this guide walks you through it honestly: what happens, what it costs, how long it takes and how to make it easy.
What a men's manicure actually involves
Forget any idea of glossy colour unless you want it. A men's manicure is about clean, tidy, natural-looking nails. At Shiny Nails Croydon it costs £15, and a typical appointment covers:
- A quick chat. Your technician asks how you use your hands and how short you like your nails. Someone who types all day and someone who works on building sites will want different things.
- Shaping. Nails are trimmed and filed to an even, practical length, usually short and softly squared or rounded.
- Cuticle tidy. Overgrown cuticles are gently pushed back and tidied, which instantly makes nails look cleaner and longer.
- Smoothing and finishing. Rough edges and snags are smoothed so they stop catching on jumpers and pockets, and the nails are left with a clean, natural finish.
That is it. No fuss, nothing you need to explain to anyone, just hands that look looked-after. You can see the full range on our manicures and gel menu.
The men's pedicure: often the bigger win
If we are honest, many men get more out of a pedicure than a manicure. Feet take a pounding from work boots, trainers and long days, and most of us ignore them until something feels uncomfortable. Our men's pedicure is £28 and focuses on the essentials: a soak, careful nail trimming and shaping, cuticle tidying and attention to rough, dry skin, leaving your feet feeling noticeably fresher.
It is especially worth booking before a holiday, after a season of running or football, or when you are simply tired of toenails that snag your socks. If you would like more detail, read our guide to pedicures for men. One important note: a pedicure is a grooming treatment, not medical care. Painful ingrowing toenails, corns, fungal changes or anything that hurts should be seen by a podiatrist, and skin or nail changes on the hands by a pharmacist or GP.
Prices and timings at a glance
- Men's manicure: £15
- Men's pedicure: £28
- Nails or toes trim only: from £7, if you just want length taken down
- Clear or colour polish: £10 on natural nails, if you want a little shine
- Gel colour: £20 on natural nails, for anyone who fancies longer-lasting colour
Prices may vary with what your nails need, and your technician will confirm the cost before starting. Our full list is on the prices page.
Short on time? Two of our four technicians can work on hands and feet at the same time, so you can have a manicure and pedicure side by side rather than one after the other. It is one of the most efficient hours of self-care you will find in the town centre.
Common questions men are too polite to ask
Will it look obvious?
No. Unless you ask for colour, the result simply looks like you have well-kept hands. Most people will not notice you have had a manicure; they will just notice you look tidy.
Is it awkward to walk in?
Not at all. We welcome men every week, and our technicians focus on doing a good job, not making small talk you do not want. If you prefer a quiet appointment, just say so.
What if I bite my nails?
That is fine, and very common. Regular manicures keep edges smooth and cuticles neat, which removes some of the temptation. If you want extra protection while nails grow, ask about BIAB, a strengthening treatment that can be kept completely natural-looking.
How often should I come in?
Many men find a manicure every three to four weeks keeps things tidy, with a pedicure every four to six weeks. There are no rules, though. Some clients come once before a big occasion and that is perfectly fine.
Making it easy to book
We are at 4 Norfolk House, Wellesley Road, Croydon CR0 1LH, next to the Wellesley Road tram stop and a short walk from East Croydon and West Croydon stations, which makes us handy before or after work. We are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
- Book online 24/7 and get instant email confirmation.
- Cancel online for free up to two hours before if plans change.
- Pay in the salon once you are happy with the result.
- Walk-ins are welcome when a technician is free, but evenings and weekends are busiest, so booking ahead is safer.
First time booking online? The code WELCOME10 gives you 10% off your first online booking (minimum £15), and the free Shiny Club means every pound you spend earns points towards money off. When you are ready, book your men's manicure or pedicure in a minute or two.