Here at Glossify, we pride ourselves on our inclusivity and support.

In honour of International Men's Day, we delve into Alex Philamond’s journey (@alexdidyournails), from his first steps into the industry to becoming a pivotal member of the community.

With mental health being an important topic to us, we are inspired by Alex’s outlook and hope this sparks more conversation.

When did you first become interested in nails?

Since my earliest memories, nails have always been something of curiosity and fascination for me. My mum has never been one for make-up but always prioritised her nails. I loved going with her to the salon on our high street at the weekends when I was little, and was mesmerised by the process of her manicures. Those long, deep red, oval nails are still her signature look today.

How did you start your career in the nail industry?

Before qualifying, I was a Primary School Teacher for nearly a decade which, post-lockdown, I could feel myself falling out of love with. 

I was a lifelong nail-biter and wanted to get a manicure to kick the habit, but struggled to find a luxury, gender-inclusive at-home service in my local area.

My husband is really entrepreneurial and saw a gap in the market, so encouraged me to fill it. I took my initial nail qualification as a 30th birthday present to myself and honestly my life felt rewritten afterwards. That qualification gave me the means to leave teaching and start this new chapter in the nail industry.

How do you ensure that you look after your mental health?

So much of my mental wellbeing is tethered to my passion for nail artistry. I miss it deeply if I’m away from it for more than a few days, so I always take a small kit away on holiday so I can tinker.

I often joke that I’m as much of a nail hobbyist as I am a nail professional because there’s nothing I love more on a day off than to sit at my nail desk and practice new techniques. If ever I’m feeling anxious or stressed or on-edge, it really helps me unwind.

Is there anything you wish you had been taught when in training?

I’m incredibly lucky to have had a really comprehensive education when I first qualified. My educator's teaching style was all about gearing her students up for the rough as well as the smooth, which I’ve really tried to emulate now that I’ve also stepped into education and mentoring.

In my opinion, no nail education is complete without teaching students to manage client relationships, pricing for financial stability, and avoiding the trap comparison. Success in this industry is as much about business sense as it is manicure technique.

Why do you think it is important to discuss Men’s mental health in particular?

In its simplest form, it’s important because we all have men in our lives and they all possess mental health. Historically, there’s been a trait in the majority of men that has dissuaded them from talking openly about how they are feeling, particularly when things aren’t going well or feeling optimistic.

Encouraging these conversations normalises vulnerability and fosters a healthy culture where men feel empowered to seek support and improves the outcomes for those who might otherwise feel hopeless and incapable of being helped.

What advice would you give to others within the industry?

Never let your situation get to the point where the job isn’t fun anymore. In my opinion, we have the best job in the world. I know plenty of friends who have lost their love for the job at the behest of demanding clients, not charging enough and being stuck in a creative rut.

These are all easily fixable things. Don't be afraid to set boundaries and expectations with clients. As for the creative rut, play around with new styles then showcase the aesthetics you love on socials to attract like-minded clients. Focus on what fulfils you to make the job the best it can be.

What encouraged you to become a Mentor?

Teaching runs in my family, so that nurturing role has always felt very natural to me. Whether it’s helping children learn to read and write, or mentoring nail techs with prep and application, there’s nothing quite like empowering others to succeed.

I’m a very patient and nurturing person and I think those skills are essential for a mentor; you have to want your mentees to succeed and strive for their best, and if they don’t think they can get there, you have to be their driving force to assure them that they can.

It’s the greatest, most fulfilling aspect to my job now. I could never stop doing clients, but I hope to expand my role in mentoring and education next year.