“It’s Not Just ‘Girls Booking Nail Appointments,’ It’s an Art”: Interview with Bearded Nail Artist Ivan Dobrov

Discussing gender stereotypes, nail printers, and clients reluctant to pay with cash.

Ivan Dobrov, known on social media as the “bearded nail artist,” challenges stereotypes about male clients in the nail industry. He shared with Zamona the challenges he faced when changing careers and offered valuable tips for those visiting beauty salons.

Ivan Dobrov

Nail Artist. Active on TikTok and Instagram.

About His Work

— Where did you work before?

— I spent about 10 years in sales. Toward the end, I experienced professional burnout. The job brought me no joy, only pain and frustration.

Then I met my future wife, who had long been a manicurist and pedicurist. Visiting her home for the first time, I was amazed by the vast collection of nail polishes, files, stickers, a special table, and a flexible lamp. She helped me realize that this isn’t just 'girls booking nail appointments,' but a genuine art form.

Initially, I just observed her work. One day, I asked, “Nastya, would you teach me?” She agreed, and slowly we started learning together. I discovered that I really enjoyed it!

Eventually, I quit my previous job and enrolled in a professional nail service school. That’s when everything took off!

— How did you feel being the only man among nail artists?

— Fantastic! I felt very comfortable. I enjoy attention, and here I didn’t even have to try — just walking into the classroom caught everyone’s eyes.

I’m sure the girls might have discussed me, maybe even negatively, but I never faced any direct confrontation.

— Where did you find your first clients?

— Before promoting myself, I started a blog sharing my learning journey: filing nails for the first time, applying gel polish, creating designs. This sparked interest, and within a few weeks, about 600 followers joined. Some clients came directly from Instagram.

At one point, I also looked for clients on dating sites, listing “Nail Artist” in my profile. Some women booked appointments.

I posted ads in VKontakte groups too, which attracted clients. Eventually, word of mouth helped grow my clientele.

— Did you do manicures for yourself before? Now, as a professional, you probably keep your nails well-groomed.

— I used to just cut my nails short and move on. But after starting training, I began doing manicures on myself. It was helpful since my nails were always handy for testing new materials and designs. Sometimes, I test products on my wife’s hands too.

— Do you and your wife do each other’s nails?

— Sometimes! Mostly, I manage my own nails because our schedules differ; we share a workspace but work in shifts and rarely see each other. Occasionally, we plan a day off to go to the salon together for manicures and pedicures and spend quality time.

— Are you self-employed now? Did you ever work in a salon?

— Yes, I’m registered as self-employed. I worked in a salon for about a month but didn’t like being told what to do or having fixed schedules. I prefer working independently.

— Has the business changed since the pandemic?

— Definitely. COVID-19 shook the industry. At first, salons were closed. When restrictions eased, clients gradually returned. People always want to look good.

— What’s the toughest part of being a nail artist?

— At first glance, the job seems easy: sitting under air conditioning in summer, near a heater in winter, with music or movies playing. Comfortable conditions.

But seeing 4–5 clients a day means sitting for long hours, which takes a toll on your back, neck, shoulders, and eyes. By day’s end, you feel old and achy.

Initially, I struggled with the detailed work. I’m more of a hands-on, physical labor type and would get frustrated if I made mistakes like pushing polish under the cuticle.

Manicuring requires patience and precision, which was challenging for me. Eventually, I realized that to succeed, I had to set aside my reluctance and push through.

— Anything that annoys you about clients?

— Common issues: clients arriving late or too early, which disrupts the schedule. The worst is when they don’t show up at all, especially for early appointments. You wake up early, wait at the salon, and they never come or notify you. It’s frustrating.

Fortunately, I haven’t had truly difficult clients, though some were unusual.

Many of my clients identify as LGBTQ+. Some flirt, and once a client even tried to pay with a sexual favor.

It’s odd because my Instagram clearly shows I have a wife and child. I don’t hide that part of my life and wear my wedding ring.

— What do clients prefer: manicures or pedicures? Any favorite styles?

— I prefer pedicures. The results are more noticeable since feet often receive less care than hands. I enjoy transforming them like a magician with my files. Pedicures are also quicker and more lucrative. I’d rather do one pedicure than one manicure.

About Manicure and Pedicure

— How can clients be sure tools are properly sterilized?

— Most sterilization pouches have indicators that change color when processed. However, they can be faked by heating with a lighter.

Some pouches have built-in indicators that burn if exposed to a lighter, making them more reliable.

Technicians should record sterilization details in a special logbook, including date, pouch number, contents, and attach the indicator. Clients can request to see this book, especially during their first visit.

This is the best way to verify safety. Having sterilizers or autoclaves doesn’t guarantee proper tool processing.

— What if clients feel awkward asking about sterilization? How do technicians react?

— I can’t speak for all, but I believe it’s better to prioritize safety over fear of offending. Some might be sensitive, but a professional understands that clients care about their health.

If a technician follows hygiene standards and does great work, clients will recommend them to friends.

— Are nail clippers or scissors better for trimming nails?

— Both are fine. The risk arises with long nails because of the hyponychium — living tissue under the nail. Cutting nails too short can hurt this area, cause bleeding, or lead to onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed.

Cutting nails carefully with either tool is safe.

— Why remove the cuticle?

— Removing cuticles makes the manicure look neater and allows polish to be applied underneath for a clean finish.

— What nail styles do your clients usually choose? Long nails with designs or nude French tips?

— I don’t do extensions, so most clients have short to medium nails. Design preferences vary: some prefer classic red without decoration, others like creative seasonal designs like glitter, Christmas trees, or snowmen.

Most clients opt for designs. Since I’m not skilled at freehand art, I use sliders, stickers, and stamping. I have a large selection, so clients rarely leave without some design.

Sometimes, a simple solid color suits better, like black, depending on finger shape and hand size.

— Are colored or extended nails still trendy?

— I don’t focus on trends or fashion. I wish people chose styles based on their preferences. If you want lilac nails with flowers in winter, go for it!

Pantone sets color trends, but personally, I believe the color of the year should be what you want.

— What are the latest innovations in nail art?

1. Nail tattoos: ink is embedded shallowly into the nail plate. It’s harmless but somewhat pointless since it fades like stickers and can’t match sticker quality.

2. Nail printers: a cool gadget for printing high-quality images like photos of loved ones or favorite anime characters on nails. Helpful if you lack stickers or drawing skills.

@boroda_nails Aaaaaaah! 😦😦😦😦😦 Check out more on Instagram: boroda_nails 🤫♬ original sound — Ivan Dobrov

3. Manicure stylus: a newer tool resembling an orange stick made of medical steel or titanium with abrasive attachments. Allows manual manicures without cutting tools or machines. I think it’s a passing trend since other technologies are well established.

On Stereotypes

— How often do you encounter the stereotype that manicure isn’t for men? Who says this most?

— Honestly, in three years of doing nails, no one said that to me face-to-face. But online, negative comments are common, mostly from women aged 35–40 whose husbands are traditional men who hunt, work with their hands, and eat hearty meals.

They often say things like, “Poor men! Soon all will be effeminate, and who will defend the country?” There’s a lot of negativity.

Once, a client came to a salon where I worked. She asked for a female manicurist. When told I was the artist, she looked me up and down with disdain and left.

During training, a model was surprised to learn I would do her pedicure and had to be persuaded to stay.

— How do you handle online hate?

— Simply. I’m grateful because it increases my engagement. People spend time commenting, so I respond kindly or with self-irony. For example, if someone insults me, I reply, “Yeah, so what?” They usually have nothing else to say.

I don’t internalize it; I know who I am. I do good work, make people beautiful, and have demand. Nothing said online will make me break down.

Personal Life and Family

— Did your family understand your career change? How did friends and parents react?

— My parents and close friends supported me, saying, “If you like it, why not?” Acquaintances were split: some respectful, others skeptical. No one said, “That’s not manly!” though their expressions sometimes showed disapproval.

I don’t try to convince anyone and avoid provocations. Even if my family felt ashamed, I probably wouldn’t quit. It may sound selfish, but people should live for themselves.

— How does your daughter feel about your profession?

— At seven years old, just starting school, she doesn’t understand gender roles. She’s curious and often asks me to do her nails.

I’m unsure how she’ll feel later if peers say their dads are police officers or miners, and she says, “My dad files nails.” But I believe this generation is more open-minded.

— What’s your view on manicure for children and teenagers?

— I don’t usually ask clients’ ages, but if I see young clients on Instagram, I ask for age confirmation. If under 16, they must come with parents. Some parents might mistake manicure for tattooing, and I don’t want to take responsibility if they get upset.

— Have wives brought their husbands to you? How do men react?

— Quite often! Some wives practically drag their husbands, who sit nervously wondering what will happen or if it will change their orientation. Many men are scared, similar to visiting the dentist.

I explain the process to calm them.

Sometimes, jealous husbands accompany their wives to ensure everything is professional. They check the workspace, meet me, and then leave reassured.

— Are more men getting manicures now? Why?

— Absolutely! Many come after watching my videos where I encourage men to try manicures and dismiss stigma. People are becoming braver and question societal norms.

Media personalities like Morgenshtern, Egor Kreed, and Danya Milokhin also paint their nails publicly, inspiring others.

In the past year, male clientele has grown significantly, which is fantastic!

*Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are restricted in Russia.

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