A Look into the Captivating World of Nails
From the vast history to finding your perfect style, we’ve got you covered
Imagine you’re sitting in a coffee shop, delightfully sipping on a warm chai latte. Gradually, you start hearing a slight clicking sound. Could that faint noise be someone typing on a computer or a cardinal pecking outside the window? When you look up, you realize it’s the person next to you, speedily typing away on their phone. Alas, their long, manicured, graphic nails are the culprit.
Most of us have probably found ourselves in a similar situation at one point or another. If you are not the guilty party, you likely know someone close to you that has been responsible. Colorful, dynamic, and lively nails are extremely common in today’s society. Vibrant hues and various lengths and shapes can be creative outlets for self-expression. Nail art can also be a way to communicate identity or be symbolic of cultural beliefs. Today, it is hard to drive more than 10 minutes down the road without passing by a nail salon in most areas. So, how did nail art become so popular?
A Brief History
To understand the history of nail art, it’s important to know that the facts are a little hazy. The actual origin is unclear, as the emergence of nail color in many ancient societies seems to have happened during a similar time frame. What we do know is the craft dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt. From 5000 to 3000 BC, Egyptian women were thought to have decorated their nails with henna. This method indicated one’s social class in society. Lower-class women typically wore muted shades, while the wealthier usually flaunted more brilliant hues. And if you thought nail color was specific to women, think again. Babylonian men in 3200 BC are said to have painted their nails with black and green kohl in preparation for war. Like Ancient Egyptian society, nail color represented societal class.
The first actual nail polish reputedly originated from Ancient China in 3000 BC. You may not exactly recognize what ingredients are in your nail polish today, but it is guaranteed the formulation has evolved since this time. The first nail polish was made from beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes, and gum arabic. Unlike today where you can apply a fresh coat and have a beautiful shade within minutes, the Chinese supposedly sometimes sat for hours with their nails in the solution, waiting for their shade to appear. Even though we often spend hours at nail salons in modern times indulging in manicures and pedicures (guilty!), at least we have more advanced methods, so our hands aren’t that restricted.
Let’s take a little time jump as the nail story continues. In 1830, a podiatrist in Europe, Dr. Sitts, created one of the first modern manicure tools. His invention of the “orange stick” consisted of, you guessed it, a stick of wood that had a pointed end. If you’ve ever gotten your nails done–or even done them yourself– you’ll recognize this as the tool that pushes back your cuticles. Before this invention, people used acid, metal rods, or scissors to shape the nails. Acid vs. wood? Thanks, Dr. Sitts! Many of us would prefer the latter any day.
A man named Northam Warren introduced the first nail polish and cuticle remover to Cutex–a nail brand now owned by Revlon– in 1911. The formulation was originally colorless, but vivid shades soon made their debut as it became apparent consumers delighted in a splash of color. The Roaring Twenties saw not only a surge in flapper dresses and jazz music, but nail polish as well. Flash forward to 1976, when Jeff Pink, the founder of ORLY– a cosmetics company based in LA–, created the French manicure. He developed this infamous design because he strived for a neutral nail style. People adored the sleek look of a pristine white accent on the tip of the nail. Ever since the 1980s, the popularity of nail color, art, and design has soared significantly. So, where are we at now?
Nail Art Today
Acrylics, gel, and just simple nail polish are some of the most popular nail styling methods. Acrylics are nail enhancements formulated with a chemical liquid and powder that is applied to the nail. When it hardens, the base is stronger and can be shaped and coated in any way desired. Gel nails consist of several coats of a chemical formula that cures under UV or LED light. Gel nails are sought-after due to the chip-proof powers they hold. Plus, the finish is typically stunningly shiny. Simple nail polish can be a simple lacquer that coats the fingers or toes and produces a protective finish.
If you crave long, strong nails but are prone to breakage, don’t worry. Adding extensions onto nails is extremely popular. (You didn’t actually think all that clicking was from natural nails, did you?) Nail extensions are usually made from lightweight plastic. They are placed on either the entire nail or just the tip and can be shaped to any liking. These lengthening agents are glued on with special adhesive and are generally topped with gel or acrylic finishes. There are definitely no shortages when it comes to the world of nails. As numerous shapes and lengths exist to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect match for all your nail goals.
The shades of nail pigments are endless. If a neutral, smooth and glossy mauve tone is desired, there are a multitude of options to choose from in that category alone. Feeling flirty and animated? Try selecting a brilliant neon orange and incorporating a bright magenta line design, or even add on some shimmery gems. The possibilities are limitless, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming when you walk into a nail salon and are thrust with a basket of hundreds of shades to sort through. Luckily, someone is looking out for you.
Next time you’re conflicted when you walk into a salon, check out this guide below for a few nail suggestions:
Dramatic Almond Nails: If you are bold and outspoken, these are the perfect flair for you. Almond nails with exaggerated extensions convey that you have style but contain just a touch of edginess to match your fiery personality. Flaunting this shape will make you feel powerful and invincible in any setting. Ask for this shape in a neutral color or showcase your dynamic spirit with animated designs. You can’t go wrong!
Bubbly Coffin Nails: Don’t let the title of “coffin” trick you into believing this nail type isn’t lively. Coffin-shaped nails are elegant and can be perfect in any situation. Formal night at college? Try a midnight blue color on this flirty shape to match your date’s bow tie. Bridesmaid in your best friend’s summer wedding? Coffin nails can be heavenly romantic with a little hint of a passionate pink. Add some floral accents to accentuate the look! Even if you have no special event going on, coffin nails can be embraced in day-to-day life. If you want to add a little sass to your routine, these are for you.
Short, Sweet, & Simple Nails: Some of us don’t have the patience to not only sit in a salon chair for hours and watch our nails slowly morph into claws, but to adjust to everyday tasks with drastically longer fingertips. (Trust me, it takes some getting used to!) Maybe you’re also a little more reserved and prefer a timeless nail. If this sounds like you, look no further. Delicate, classic styles can be a beautiful work of art. Round or square shapes are perfectly fitting for this sort. If you’re feeling festive, incorporate designs that reflect the season or switch it up with various hues! Who says basic baby pink can’t be fun?
When it comes to nails, there are no boundaries. Everyone has unique tastes, as shapes and styles can be profoundly reflective of your personality or lifestyle. They also can be an artistic channel that emanates your imaginative side. Nail history is deep and has roots in almost every culture. Whatever you decide on after walking into that salon, make sure it’s fun and brings radiance to your life. Soon enough, you may just be the person who’s mindlessly clicking away at the coffee shop. Slightly irritating? Maybe. Utterly fabulous? Absolutely.
