What Are Masculine Hands? (And How to Get Them)

Hands come in all shapes and sizes, but stereotypically masculine hands tend to be larger, thicker, and rougher than stereotypical feminine hands, which are usually smaller, slenderer, and smoother. You can get more manly hands by doing hand workouts and cutting your nails short. In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about masculine hands, including how to make your hands look more manly and why some people may consider masculine hands attractive. We'll also include info on how to get more feminine hands as well.

What makes hands masculine?

Masculine hands are typically big, veiny, and muscular with big knuckles and thick fingers. The palm and fingers tend to be proportional, and they're often scarred, callused, or bruised from working.

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What are masculine hands?

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Masculine hands tend to be muscular and veiny with thick, strong fingers. They usually have defined muscles, thick knuckles, and slender veins. The palm and fingers also tend to be proportional. Really masculine hands are hairy with a little bit of wear and tear from working. You’ll know if you have masculine hands if they are rough with thick, defined features.
- Masculine hands show that you work hard.^{[1]
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How to Make Your Hands Look More Masculine

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Focus on growing the muscles in your hands. Masculine hands are usually full of muscle, while feminine hands are often sleek. To grow those muscles, focus on doing grip strength exercises. Farmers holds, barbell lifting, and reverse wrist curls are great ways to increase your grip strength and develop the muscles in your hands. Use a hand gripper for less intense workouts.^{[2]
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- If you don’t have any exercise equipment, squeeze your fist as tight as you can a few times a day. This will increase your grip strength and make your hands look masculine.
If your fingers are long and slender, round nails are a good way to go. They make your fingers look shorter and stubbier, which is a characteristic of masculine hands.^{[3]
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Rough up your hands so they have character. A key feature of masculine hands is their rough texture, so don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Lifting heavy objects and doing hand workouts are a great way to add some character to your hands. Avoid over-exfoliating or using too much lotion, as that will keep your hands smooth and get rid of their texture.
- Be careful not to accidentally damage your hands while working out.
If you choose to wear jewelry, opt for masculine pieces. Bold watches, leather bracelets, chunky metal rings, and signet rings are traditionally "manly" options.

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Why are masculine hands attractive?

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Masculine hands may be attractive because they look protective and capable. When looking for a romantic or sexual partner, traditionally masculine hands may be attractive because they could indicate you're strong and capable of protecting your partner. The scars or calluses may suggest that you work hard, which may also be attractive. Moreover, the veins are a sign of fitness and strength, so they’re like a cherry on top.
- Remember that callused hands don't have to be rough: regular moisturizing can ensure even the most callused hands are smooth and soft.

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What do feminine hands look like?

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They tend to be well-moisturized, which is why they’re so smooth. They’re often slender—thanks to the long fingers and skinnier frame—and usually don’t have as many scars or calluses. The nails often have rounded edges, which soften the look of the hand and add a touch of femininity.^{[4]
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How to Make Your Hands Look More Feminine

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Grow longer nails to elongate your fingers. Longer nails make your fingers seem longer, and long fingers are often associated with feminine hands. Tapered styles like almond or oval-shaped nails are a great way to make your fingers look longer.^{[5]
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- If your fingers are short and stubby, avoid square nails, as they draw attention to their width.
Feminine hands are usually smoother than masculine hands, so regularly apply moisturizing lotion to keep them smooth.

EXPERT TIP

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist

To avoid dry or rough hands, use fragrance-free soaps and thick emollient creams. This will soften the skin and increase moisture levels. Protect your hands from the sun with sunscreen or sun guard sleeves.
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Wear jewelry on your hands. Men tend to wear less jewelry than women, so bracelets, adjustable rings, and other types of hand jewelry can make your hands look more feminine. Wear bracelets with floral patterns or handmade jewelry for a more unique, personalized look. Wear thin, adjustable rings for a more subtle look.
- Avoid bulky, silver rings, as they’re typically worn by men.
A key feature of masculine hands is strong muscle definition, so if you want your hands to be less masculine, avoid doing hand workouts. If you go to the gym a lot and find it hard to avoid working your hands out, consider using lighter weights or taking longer rest days so that the muscles don’t develop.^{[6]
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Masculine Hands vs. Feminine Hands

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Masculine hands tend to be stronger, rougher, and bigger than feminine hands. Stereotypically masculine hands may be more callused and suggest the person who has them is used to hard work. On the other hand (see what we did there?), stereotypically feminine hands are soft, small, and smooth, suggesting the person who has them is more dainty and graceful.
- While we're using terms like "masculine" and "feminine," it's important to note that the characteristics of masculine and feminine hands don't automatically equate to a specific gender, and that anyone of any gender can have masculine or feminine hands.

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Final Thoughts

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Both masculine and feminine hands are great in their own ways. If you're a woman, there's no reason why you can't have more "masculine" hands, just as some men have more "feminine" hands. A lot of what makes someone's hands look more "masculine" or "feminine" has to do with their genetics and their preferences, and you shouldn't feel pressured to try to have one or the other, or feel bad if your hands' don't look how you think they should.