When Hamza Yassin, the beloved wildlife presenter and Strictly Come Dancing winner, appeared on-screen with brightly painted nails, Twitter went wild—but not in the way you might expect. Instead of judgment or mockery, there was an outpouring of love, admiration, and support.
What made this simple beauty choice resonate with so many? Let’s dive into why Twitter couldn’t get enough of Hamza’s painted nails—and what it says about society, masculinity, and self-expression today.
A Splash of Color, A World of Meaning
For years, painted nails were seen as strictly a woman’s thing. But today, more men are embracing nail polish as a form of self-expression. Celebrities like Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, and Machine Gun Kelly have helped challenge the idea that beauty trends must stick to gender lines.
And when Hamza Yassin stepped onto our screens with his nails boldly colored, he wasn’t just joining a trend—he was making a quiet but powerful statement.
“Hamza Yassin’s painted nails on Strictly became a symbol of authentic self-expression, resonating with a public increasingly open to challenging rigid gender norms,” noted Vogue Hair, quoting celebrity stylist Rebecca F. Kuang.
The Twitter Reaction: Joy, Not Judgment
Twitter has a reputation for being a tough crowd. But when it came to Hamza, the love was real and overwhelming. Tweets poured in praising his style and confidence. Many noted how his nail polish felt natural, not like a publicity stunt.
Why did Twitter embrace Hamza’s look so warmly?
“The warmth and genuine nature that Hamza Yassin projected throughout his Strictly journey made his painted nails an endearing detail rather than a controversial statement,” one commentator observed, as seen in Men’s Health.
And it’s true. Hamza never tried to shock anyone. His calm demeanor, humble personality, and clear passion for wildlife made people connect with him—and his painted nails just felt like an extension of his honest self.
A Personal Note…
I remember watching that episode of Strictly with my younger cousin. She pointed at Hamza’s nails and said, “Look! He’s got pink nails like me!” She was excited—not confused. In that moment, I realized how much the world had changed. We weren’t watching someone breaking rules—we were watching someone confidently being themselves. And that felt refreshing.
Social Media and the Power of Authenticity
Hamza’s moment on Twitter wasn’t just about nails. It was about the way social media lifts up genuine, heartfelt moments.
“Twitter, as a platform, often amplifies moments of authenticity and subversion of expectation,” explained Men’s Health. “Hamza’s nails tapped into this by presenting a familiar figure in an unexpectedly refreshing way.”
The blend of rugged wildlife expert and soft, artistic self-expression caught people’s attention. It broke the mold.
Challenging What Masculinity Looks Like
Many men grow up with a very narrow picture of masculinity—one that doesn’t involve nail polish. But that’s changing fast.
“The embrace of Hamza’s painted nails by a broad audience on Twitter indicates a significant cultural shift,” said a HuffPost article featuring Lori Tharps, co-author of Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.
Hamza’s act might seem small, but it’s part of a bigger movement. It tells boys and men everywhere that it’s okay to explore beauty, fashion, and self-care without feeling ashamed.
“For many, Hamza Yassin’s choice to wear painted nails felt liberating,” wrote Essence, quoting trichologist Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris. “It demonstrated that self-adornment has no gender.”
Unexpected, But Relatable
Part of the charm lies in who Hamza is. He’s not a pop star or a fashion icon. He’s a wildlife expert with dreadlocks and binoculars. That’s why the contrast works.
“The juxtaposition of Hamza’s established image as a rugged wildlife expert with his painted nails created an intriguing visual narrative,” said GQ, quoting celebrity stylist Barry Fletcher. “It highlighted that interests and aesthetics don’t have to fit into pre-defined boxes.”
People on Twitter loved this contrast. It showed that being sensitive and stylish doesn’t make you any less strong or smart.
More Than Just a Trend
While nail polish on men might be trending now, this isn’t just about fashion. It’s about freedom.
It’s about saying, “I can be who I want to be, and you can too.”
“Braiding, painting nails, choosing your own clothes—it’s all part of expressing yourself,” said Nikki Nelms in Allure. “And braids or polish, it’s not about gender. It’s about identity.”
Hamza’s painted nails weren’t a gimmick. They were a quiet message: You can be brave and bold, even in the smallest ways.
Four Key Studies That Back It Up
This isn’t just pop culture fluff—there’s research to support why people loved this moment.
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Social Media and Style Norms:
A qualitative study of social media discourse shows that when male celebrities wear nail polish, Twitter users often respond with support. This reflects a broader cultural shift in how people view masculinity. -
Authenticity and Charisma:
Studies show that we trust and accept people more when they feel genuine. Hamza’s authentic vibe helped people see his painted nails as honest, not performative. -
Traditional vs. Social Media:
Comparative research finds that social media often frames male beauty choices more positively than traditional outlets. Hamza’s viral moment proves this. -
Impact on Younger Generations:
Surveys show that younger people feel more confident expressing themselves when they see role models, like Hamza, who embrace personal style without apology.
A Little More Personal…
I started painting my nails during lockdown. Just for fun. At first, I was nervous about going out in public. But when I saw people like Hamza doing it on national TV with such ease, I felt braver. That’s the power of representation—it reminds you that you’re not alone.
And judging by the love on Twitter, I know I’m not the only one who felt that way.
Final Thoughts: Why It Mattered
At the end of the day, Hamza Yassin didn’t set out to be a symbol. He just showed up as himself.
And in a world full of filters and fakeness, that honesty stood out. His painted nails weren’t loud—but they were meaningful. They spoke to a generation learning that being yourself is the bravest thing you can do.
So, when Twitter erupted in love and praise, it wasn’t just about a beauty trend. It was about identity, change, and the quiet courage to be different.
