Japanese manicure art is a huge deal for women, but the business nail trend is a growing one in Japan that literally puts the "man" in manicure. What's bizarre about the business nail is that businessmen are apparently using them to get ahead in the job market. However, the bijinesu neiru (business nail) community is a very close-knit and tight lipped one too. An anonymous source told Japan Today that the society is comparable to Fight Club: "You do not talk about business nail" or where to get your nails done.
Although the business nail is strange enough on its own, what's even more perplexing is that the men who are getting their nails done will often spend half of their salaries on nail decorations.
Masculine Business Manicures
The 'Business Nail' Japanese Manicure is a Strange Phenomenon
Trend Themes
1. Masculine Nail Art - The trend of men getting business manicures with nail decorations is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the nail art industry to cater to a new customer segment.
2. Gender-inclusive Grooming - The growing popularity of business nails among men presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the grooming industry to develop inclusive products and services that cater to diverse gender expressions.
3. Professional Identity Expression - The business nail trend highlights the opportunity for the personal branding industry to offer innovative ways for professionals to express their identities and stand out in the job market.
Industry Implications
1. Nail Art - The business nail trend opens up opportunities for the nail art industry to expand their offerings and create specialized services targeting male professionals seeking unique nail decorations.
2. Grooming - The trend of men spending half of their salaries on nail decorations for business nails suggests an opportunity for the grooming industry to capitalize on the demand for high-end, professional grooming services catered specifically to men.
3. Personal Branding - The business nail trend creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for the personal branding industry to provide professionals with innovative ways to incorporate their personal style and identity into their visual brand.