From ancient Chinese high society to Cleopatra
Nail polish as we know it has gone through quite the metamorphosis from Cleopatra’s days. With a rich history spanning back as far as ancient China - our little bottles of long-lasting colour are extremely new-world in comparison. The history of nail polish is something we previously have only touched a surface of, but there is over 5000 years of history to explore.
The history of nail polish begins in ancient China, in its earliest form it was worn by the rulers and those in high society as a symbol of their wealth and power. Early nail polish was a mixture of (definitely not vegan) beeswax, gelatin and egg white dyed with orchids or roses, that was left on the nails for a number of hours leaving a stain.Redsandblackswere very popular colours according to ancient manuscripts, as well as adding inmetallicdust ofsilverandgold. Stained nails were such a symbol of the wealthy and powerful, it was a crime for anyone else to wear, can you believe it!
The techniques of the ancient Chinese then travelled across to India, Africa and the Middle East. Egyptians started colouring their nails with henna. Cleopatra used plant extracts to die her nails adeep blood red, and other mummified Pharaohs were found with henna stained nails. It was popular for women across India and Africa to dye their fingertips withhennaas an adornment.
Nail polish didn’t make its way across into Europe until much later, arriving in the late 18th century with trade deals from India and the Middle east. It was still very much associated with the wealthy at this stage, until the first nail salon opened in the late 19th century in Paris.
Nail polish still hadn’t developed into its liquid form however. Powders and oils were rubbed into the nails and buffed away, leaving asoft pink colour, or a red for the brave! Princess de Faucigny-Lucinge was a style icon with hercrimson nails.
It was only once nail polish travelled across to the US, that advances in nail technology like today’s offerings were developed. The first US nail salon was opened in Manhattan in 1878 by a woman called Mary Cobb. Her $1.25 buff and shine manicures set her up as a successful female entrepreneur- a girl boss even!
The invention of modern day nail polish wasn’t far off at this point in the vast history of nail polish. During World War 1, the US seized German chemical patents- leading to the release of Nitrocellulose onto the American market. The ingredient was then included in car paint in the 1920s, inspiring a French makeup artist Michelle Menard, who was working for the Charles Revson company at the time, to release the first liquid nail polish, essentially an off-shoot of car paint. The Charles Revson company was renamed as Revlon, and became the leader in the cosmetics industry, but not without reportedly having issues with the strong chemicals ruining their customer’s nails.
Nail technologies continued to advance throughout the 1950s with the arrival of nail wraps and acrylic nails. Acrylic nails were accidentally developed by a dentist. The materials used to fill cavities in teeth became false nails!
Fast forward to the current day, and there are endless options when it comes to the adornment of colour to our nails. There is a vast spectrum of products suited for every individual’s desires and aesthetic. At one end of the spectrum is peel-off nail polishes that last a few hours on the nails and the other end is acrylic nails, allowing clients whatever shape, length and colour they desire for several weeks without chipping, (though they contain a lot of chemicals to do so).
Where do we sit along the spectrum? We believe we have struck the perfect balance. Our nail polish is free of all the harmful ingredients that can negatively affect your health (think those that were found in the car-paint-esque formulations!) but with good application and care, can last you upwards of a week on the nail. The history of nail polish is 5000+ year tale, but one that is fascinating! We wonder which of our reds Cleopatra would have worn?MaybeTempestor evenFlorence?
FAQs
Over 5,000 years ago, the earliest form of nail polish was used by rulers and members of high society as a way to showcase their wealth and influence. Though the formula could vary, this ancient Chinese polish was often a mixture of egg whites, gelatin, beeswax, and vegetable dyes.
What is the history of nail polish? ›
Nail polish originated in China and dates back to 3000 BCE. Around 600 BCE, during the Zhou dynasty, the royal house preferred the colors gold and silver. However, red and black eventually replaced these metallic colors as royal favorites.
Did you know facts about nail polish? ›
Nail polish was invented in ancient times.
The art of nail painting goes back as early as 3,000 BC. During the Ming Dynasty, aristocratic women of ancient China would soak their nails in a formula made of egg whites, beeswax, gelatin, and gum Arabic, adding dyes from vegetables, orchids, and roses to color their nails.
Was nail polish originally made for guys? ›
Which Gender Was Nail Polish Originally For? Just like heeled shoes, wigs and the colour pink, nail polish was also originally created for men, despite its feminine connotations nowadays. Men would apply polish to their nails to make them look shiny and clean.
Who was the first person to use nail polish? ›
Most historians will date nail polish as we know it today back to Ancient China, but it can be argued that the use of nail polish started even earlier, around 3200 BC in Ancient Babylon, the area of modern-day Iraq.
What is the most expensive nail polish? ›
The Nail Polish
The trendy Selfridge's London is selling a bottle of Azature nail polish, prices at $267,280 or 160,000 British pounds. The reason for the steep price? There are a whopping 267 carats worth of black diamonds within the nail polish.
Do nail colors have meaning? ›
The meaning of nail polish shades that fall under the category of cool colors is peacefulness (in contrast with warm colors' passion). Specifically, blue evokes in us a sense of trust and stability, green reminds us of nature and harmony, and purple symbolizes abundance and creativity.
Can a straight guy paint his nails? ›
As of late, men painting their nails is in vogue, especially for straight male stars like Bad Bunny and Harry Styles. GQ recently published an article, “Jeremy Allen White Can Pull off a Manicure, and So Can You“. These men are lauded for their self-expression and flare, protected by their straight privilege.
Who wore fake nails first? ›
Artificial nails have been worn predominantly by women for hundreds of years, originally by Egyptian women as a symbol of status and wealth. These were often made from bones or ivory. The concept of the acrylic nail was then accidentally founded in 1954 by a dentist called Frederick Slack.
What does one painted pinky nail mean? ›
Men often paint one fingernail to help raise awareness about violence against children. The idea is that by painting one in five nails, it raises awareness that one in five children will be victims of sexual violence. The campaign is spearheaded by Polished Man, a nonprofit organization.
The earliest instance of colored nails was in 3200 B.C. when males in Babylon dyed their nails with kohl before going into battle. During 3000 B.C., the Chinese and Egyptians used beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, natural gums and flowers to make nail colors.
What's the difference between nail polish and nail paint? ›
Nail polish is a varnish that you apply to your nails to make them shiny. A nail paint, on the other hand, is a lacquer which is a fast-drying paint. Most people tend you use the term nail lacquer interchangeably with nail polish and this may also confuse you. But, most nail polishes today in the market are lacquers.
Does nail polish expire? ›
So, Does Nail Polish Expire? In a word, yes. The average bottle has a lifespan of about 2 years, according to nail expert Tina Wang, but that's not a hard-and fast-timetable, She says it's more important to consider how often it was used and how it was stored.
What culture started fake nails? ›
Historically, artificial nails were common symbols of status all across the world: During the Ming Dynasty of China, noblewomen wore very long artificial nails as a status symbol indicating that, unlike commoners, they did not have to do manual labor.
What is the science behind nail polish? ›
Regular nail polish is based mostly on nitrocellulose and hardens after solvent evaporation. Gel, acrylic, and powder, or “dip,” nails are all based on acrylic polymers, and the polymerization is part of the application process.
What are some facts about nail polish in ancient China? ›
Outside battles and warriors, members of famous Chinese dynasties wore nail polish to signify their class and high status. For example, the Zhou Dynasty preferred gold and silver polish, and others enjoyed red, black, and metallic colors.
