The History of Nail Art: A blog about the origins of nail art, then and now.
The History of Nail Art is a blog that discusses the origins of nail art, then and now. The blog includes information on nail polishes that are available for purchase as well as tips for applying them. There are also links to other blogs about nails, beauty products and fashion.
The History of Nail Art is written by Anna-Marie Solowij, an Australian blogger who has been blogging since 2007. She lives in Sydney with her husband and two children.
Anna-Marie Solowij is an Australian blogger who has been blogging since 2007. She lives in Sydney with her husband and two children.
The History of Nail Art: A blog about the origins of nail art, then and now.
Although we may often take our nails for granted, there are many long-standing traditions surrounding this seemingly ordinary feature of the human body. Even in the 21st century, nail art is still a popular practice that can be used to reflect one’s personal style and taste, much like the fashion and hairstyle choices of the past.
Take a look at some of the interesting historical tidbits below to learn more about nail art throughout history!
The History of Nail Art: A blog about the origins of nail art, then and now.
While there is no concrete evidence as to when nails were first painted, the earliest known examples of nail polish dates all the way back to 3000 B.C.! However, they were not your typical colors. In ancient Egypt, women would paint their nails with henna (a natural dye made from the leaves of a shrub called hina or the henna tree). The colors ranged from red-brown to orange. Nail paintings were also found in China during Chou Dynasty (around 600 B.C.) and in India around 300 B.C.
Nails, unlike hair, are dead parts of our bodies that can be easily decorated without causing any pain or harm to ourselves.
After all, what is a manicure if not painting on a dead surface? And because they are dead they can be easily shaped and molded into whatever form we desire.
And what better way to show off those works of art than by taking selfies?
The history of nail art is a long, interesting and ever-changing one. The first evidence of nail polish dates back to 3000 B.C., when the Chinese invented an early form of lacquer to protect their nails from dirt and water. This crude lacquer was made from gum Arabic or beeswax mixed with egg whites, and tinted with vegetable dyes for variety.
The first decorated nails came about in early forms of India, where royalty would stain their nails with henna. In ancient Babylon, men and women dyed their nails red using kohl, a crushed mineral powder. In Egypt, women, both rich and poor would stain their nails red using henna.
Nail art has been around for many, decades. From the earliest records of manicures in Babylon and Egypt nails have been painted, buffed and decorated. But what is the history of nail art?
While we do not know who invented nail polish exactly, there is evidence that nail polish was being used as far back as 3000 BC in China! It was made from beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes and gum Arabic. The colors of the polish were created by mixing the vegetable dyes with the white base. These natural ingredients were applied to nails with a fine brush.
Nail Art History Timeline
Nail art is an easy and creative way to express yourself and your feelings. It is also a great way to accommodate events and holidays throughout the year. Nail art is not just for people with a creative side, because it does not necessarily have to be complicated or difficult.
Nail art has been around for centuries, like in ancient Egypt where citizens used different colors to distinguish their social status. They would paint their nails in reds and oranges during special occasions. In China around 3000 BC, nail color indicated one’s social standing as well. Royalty would paint their nails gold and silver, while lower classes wore pale colors. It was also common for them to create intricate designs using a sharp tool on the little finger of the left hand.
Today we don’t use nail polish just to distinguish our social class, but we still use it as a way of expression. Many young girls and women around the world love experimenting with nail art designs, creating their own unique style.
Pastel pink nails are not a new trend. In fact, they have always been in style!
In the 90s and 2000s, our mothers and grandmothers would paint their nails pink and wear a pearl earring on each ear. This was the standard for women.
We don’t think about it much now, but nail polish is actually an invention from the 1920s. Nail polish was invented by a man named Josephine Baker who wanted to create a product that looked natural but stayed on her nails for longer than a day.
Nowadays, nail polish comes in all kinds of colors: blue, purple, green, orange, red, yellow, black and white to name just a few! You can choose from matte or shiny finishes as well as different textures like glittery or metallic ones.
The most popular nail polish brands include Essie and OPI which both have been around since 1981 when they first launched with just one color: pale pink!