Desperate? If your nails are your biggest problem, my fedora’s off to you. My grandfather used to get the clear polish with his manicure, and I always thought it was an odd touch on a hefty, homburg-wearing Annapolis grad in a conservative suit. Maybe he was trying to get in touch with his feminine side, but there are better ways of doing that; I like watching Fred Astaire movies and browsing through Italian Vogue. I don’t know why one would use polish, unless it’s to draw attention to one’s nails, and men’s nails are not something that should be of interest to anyone except a manicurist. Supposedly, nail polish strengthens brittle nails, in which case you should be wearing the stuff to prevent splitting, but once you get into that pimp life it’s hard to get out.

Related Stories for GQGlenn O'BrienStyle GuyGrooming