Nail polish, that little colored bottle that beautifies our hands and expresses our personality, has a fascinating history spanning thousands of years. Far more than just a beauty accessory, nail polish has crossed ages and cultures, evolving with trends and innovations. Discover how nail polish has become a symbol of style and individuality, and how it continues to inspire generations of beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
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A little history...
Before becoming the modern nail polish we all know, this common cosmetic product in makeup bags enjoyed a few good years before reaching the West. A quick look at the origin of nail polish.
From China to Europe: a look back at the origin of nail polish
Nail polish is believed to have been invented more than 3000 years ago in China. At that time, women used a mixture of rose petal powder, beeswax, egg white, and henna to color their nails. Some royal families directly applied gold and silver leaf to beautify their nails.
Besides being elegant, nail polish long served as a symbol of belonging to a social class, thanks to its shades and the use of certain materials. In ancient Egypt, red hues were primarily reserved for the nobility, while pale shades were for women of lower rank.
Around 600 BC, Egyptians instead used metals like gold and silver within polishes to decorate their nails.
In the 19th century in Europe, pioneers colored their nails red with perfumed oils. They were also polished with a chamois cloth.
Contemporary Era
It wasn't until much later, in the 1900s, that nail polish became widely popular in the West. From then on, textures, formulas, and packaging attracted more and more women! A little later, in the 20s, polish was applied to the entire nail except for the base. Sometimes, the tip of the nail was also left unpolished, this was the famous "Moon Manicure" highly favored by Hollywood stars like Rita Hayworth.
Over time, the choice of shades multiplied, styles became more complex, coverage became much more intense, and wear significantly improved. Specialized nail technician schools opened their doors. Manicures now became a real profession !
Today, brands innovate and offer a wide range of polishes: glitter, matte, caviar, quick-drying, semi-permanent, sticker... Every 2 seconds a nail polish is sold worldwide! However, today the color red remains the most popular in the world.
