Currently, just an idea that's led to some deep and meaningful conversations between men that we don't believe would otherwise have happened. We're carefully researching it further now... but one day, hope it could be a way of fostering conversations around gender equality and masculinity through a creative act of solidarity, empathy, and awareness-raising; i.e., men painting nails.

Perhaps, but it's based on the empirical evidence of our own experience. We didn't design this; it just happened, and the unusual depth of the conversations around equality, mental health, and allyship it sparked seems worth exploring.

That could be a risk, so before we get too bold, we're in a research stage, testing the idea among different men, trying out conversation prompts, and working with a researcher to help measure whether it's a longer-term catalyst for action.

You're probably right on both fronts, but we'd argue that the workaround equality does normally fall to those it affects the most, and all too often white cis males do the least. There are reasons for that, many of which are systemic and complex, which is why we think a very different approach might cut through and get a lot of men who'd normally lean out, to have an experience to change their minds and behaviors.

To a degree, yes. As white cis men in a position of leadership, we hear from a lot of men who want to play a more active role as allies but see far more barriers than they do benefits. So we're trying to use our positions and privileges as leverage to open the door to a group of men who could do a lot more.

No, Hard As Nails encourages participation from everyone, regardless of gender, to engage in and promote these crucial conversations. But evidence suggests men find these conversations hard to have, so there is a focus on men in an attempt to leverage their positive, powerful contribution.

Nothing is going to solve inequality overnight, but hopefully, a range of proactive, inclusive, creative actions will continue to contribute to dismantling the systemic inequality in society. Hard As Nails is a small, but hopefully powerful contribution, that could bring more men into the conversation, by serving as a conversation starter, a symbol of solidarity, and a challenge to traditional gender norms, encouraging deeper discussions on related issues.

Recent research identified one of the least involved groups in the work around allyship was men, and at the same time, the same men are in a mental health crisis, so it seems to us there's a chance to address both issues and break out of some silos whilst trying to break down some barriers.

Absolutely! We welcome nominations of individuals who are making a difference or have inspiring stories to share. And we'd really love some people to take part who are in a position of influence which would help us raise awareness. Do you know Idris Elba or Dermot O'Leary by any chance?

It's not. Our main aim is to engage ordinary blokes, who are willing to wear their new nails bravely into their normal workplace or safe space and see what conversations it sparks and what actions occur as a result. It's very much about IRL conversations. But, it would help spread the word if Idris wanted to help.

Yes, of course. We're aware that a bunch of blokes in a nail salon risks invading physical and emotional space that's traditionally not a masculine domain. We recognize by exploring identity and calling it 'fun' we risk being seen as trivializing issues that are deep and complex and meaningful for many people. And, we can also see that lots of men, younger, gayer, and cooler than us have been painting their nails for years, if not longer. We acknowledge, respect, appreciate, and admire all these groups and hope to be able to contribute positively to the broader conversation around advancing understanding of awareness, allyship, and equality. To begin with, we're just in the research phase to explore the idea's potential, as much as its pitfalls. We're inviting collaboration and criticism. As much as possible, we want to create something positive, without negative unintended consequences to any group. And, down the line, if the idea grows, we foresee some sort of fundraising element we'd like to see generate income for existing causes who are advancing the key issues of allyship, gender equality, masculinity, and men's mental health.

Yes, to begin with, we're keeping it small, but small groups of men are gathering to test the idea out and examine their experiences and provide data for our researchers.

We're keen on partnerships that align with our mission or can take the idea further than our limited resources allow. Contact us to explore how we can work together. hello@hard-as-nails.com

Participation in Hard As Nails is voluntary and can take many forms. Engaging in conversations and supporting our cause in any way you're comfortable with is highly valued. Simply sharing the stories of the men involved, or nominating a man you know would be greatly appreciated.

To create a world where open, honest conversations about gender, masculinity, and equality are not just expected but celebrated, leading to real social change and contributing to the dismantling of systemic inequality. Tell that to Andrew Tate. We’d be glad to. Or, more accurately, we’d like to engage thousands of men in becoming more informed, more confident, and more qualified in explaining why that’s important to the many young men Andrew Tate is an influence on.