“Guys getting a colored or clear polish is sort of a natural progression from going to get a manicure or pedicure,” said Will Welch, a senior editor at GQ. “The change is guys being like, ‘Some of these things that are traditionally for women only are actually O.K. for me now, and I’m not self-conscious about it.’ Once that door’s open, the idea of clear or colored polish is sort of in the room.”

Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that a handful of nail lacquers aimed specifically at men have emerged. EvolutionMan, a Los Angeles-based collection of men’s skin-care products, offers a selection of polishes ($14 apiece), both in two clear versions and in colors like a matte deep plum. When 11 of the brand’s products were featured on the flash sale Web site HauteLook in March, its clear Pure Matte polish was one of several items that sold out. AlphaNail, another men’s line, comes in a chunky marker-like pen (now on sale for $9.95) that is perhaps more comfortable for larger hands to manipulate than the traditional tiny bottle with a delicate brush tucked inside the cap.

Some popular women’s brands also offer polishes specifically for men. The Essie line, for example, includes Man-e-cure, a semi-shiny clear polish that, although transparent when applied, is the color of a margarita inside its black-capped bottle. Orly has had sales increase by 20 percent in the last year for Nails for Males, a similar item that leaves a much flatter but still noticeable finish, said Carina Breda, the company’s senior vice president for marketing. Orly is developing a wider men’s line.

“The whole nail category has had an explosive growth over the last couple years,” Ms. Breda said. “Men are more interested in that category as well. There is more perception and awareness in terms of nails.”