Sample Pack Makeup History: Nail Polish

1930 nail polish ad with popular nail polishes from Cutex a popular nail care company from 1911 and still around today!

After working on a period show in which the actresses were costumed with specific nail polish colors, I got thinking about this series and the history of nail polish. When was nail polish first used? Who used it? What were popular colors in different time periods?

The first type of nail polish that Archaeologists have found was for soldiers in Babylon. In 32,000 BCE, soldiers would stain their nails before battle with green or black khol as a type of war paint. It was an elaborate prebattle ritual and each soldier was said to have his own nail kit. 

Others say nail polish was first used in China. The colors came from vegetable dyes. Other ingredients included bees wax and gelatin. In Ancient Egypt nail polish colors were used to signify your class status. High society wore red nails. Some believe the trend has continued through history from the Ancient Egyptians. 

Then a large gap in our nail art happened. What we see as modern nail polish was not used until the 1920's when the Revlon company partnered with Michelle Ménard to create a nail lacquer inspired by car finishes. The "moon manicure" was popular with the nail mostly painted but leaving a crescent unpainted on the tip; like a reverse french manicure. Nail oils and "tints" were popular before 1920's but they were not similar to the lacquers we use today. 
​

1950s acrylic nails were invented by a dentist! Using his dental acrylic after breaking a nail at work, he created a pretty great fake nail. Later in the 1970's the French Manicure was created in Paris. The manicure didn't clash with the various costume changes models need to do during fashion shows. 

1980s Essie nail polish becomes a household name. With fun polish names like "miss fancy pants" it is no wonder why many nail painters use this brand. 

From 100 layer nail polish challenges to pierced nail jewelry there are so many different ways to create a unique expression today. 

References: 
​A Fascinating History of Nail Polish-Mental Floss
Nail Polish Facts-Weird History of Nail Polish-Good Housekeeping
The History of the Flapper Part2-Smithsonian
Vintage Nail Art to Inspire Your Next Mani- Modcloth