Neon? Glow-in-the-dark? Sticker or acrylic? The nail industry offers a plethora of colors suited for everybody’s taste. Manicure has evolved into the ‘art’ that became the obsession of our generation. Would you believe that these trendy nail colors go way, way back? Not Kylie’s Instagram-update-last-week kind-of-back, but rather, a millennia ago?
That’s right. Nail beautification is a trend pioneered by our ancestors all over the world. From Egypt’s pharaohs, women from India, to dynasties in East Asia, manicures used to be a definition of glamor and grace—accessible only to royal and blue-blooded individuals.
The truth is: we can’t tell the specific culture that started this nail obsession. It’s more of the culmination of vast influences existing during different eras of our history that makes up for the colorful history of cuticle culture we have today. Would you even believe that men started this trend? Curious? Then, let’s rewind a little bit!
Ancient Babylon in the shade: Glimmering Gold
Back in the days, Babylonian men colored their nails using kohl—an ancient eye-cosmetic that came even before Sephora eye shadows were considered the trend.
Manicures also reflect the evident disparity between upper and lower classes back then. Like how it is with clothes, nail colors are determinants of a person’s status in the community. Black and bolder colors for royals and nude to light palettes for the lower caste.
Apart from that, Babylonians were known for the retrieved manicure set made from solid gold used to paint nails and a piece of combat equipment at the same time. Is there anything more bougie than that?
Classics from India and Egypt in the shade: Henna Red
Ancient queens like Cleopatra also embraced the art of nail styling the royalty way—rubbing hands in exquisite oils and styling her nails with henna paint. It was a show of wealth and status which is what the blood-red hue signifies back then.
At the same time, women in India are also coloring their nails using henna paint au natural. It’s usually a mixture of henna powder, water, and lemon, forming a paste. They apply this all over their hands, dry it off, and remove it. The resulting color is usually between the palettes of orange or bronze, depending on skin type and color.
China and the evolution of nail colors in the shade: Reddish Pink
China’s long-standing dynasties improved nail paints into the very first nail polish. Beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and dyes from roses and orchids. These are the secret behind the perfect talons of the men and women of the Ming Dynasty.
As a result, they have shiny reddish-pink nails partnered with precious stones. Nail extensions are also a timeless craft during this time, especially for those who have smaller nails. Who would have thought that the earliest forms of nail art came from these ingenious ways?
The 20s Charm in the shade: Glossy Half-Moon
It’s not called the roaring 20s for nothing, especially for the history of nail polish. With its history of exclusivity for those in power, painting your nails was considered a luxury until the 1920s came.
The booming automobile industry paved the way for the glossy nail polish that Michelle Menard introduced. It served as Revlon’s stepping stone for the successful launch of a cream color nail paint inspired by a colorless version of car paint. It marks the significant start of the public’s access to affordable manicures. It’s also the beginning of an era in the form of pigments, half-moon techniques, and hues popularized by actresses like Uma Thurman, among others.
As nail polishes became a public demand, classic styles that were only for the elites before can now be into the nails of anyone. It was a redefining moment for the historical context of red nail colors and pointed talons. What used to be a color of power and social inequality became symbols of empowerment led by women during this time.
However, the proceeding years of the 60s and 70s toned the hues of manicure and showcased pastel shades, thanks to the rising hippie influence famous during the time. Less is more as this era symbolizes, presenting a new color palette for women’s precious fingernails.
Visions of the 80s and 90s in the shade: More Pizazz
With new nail colors manufactured every day, what used to be a simple manicure and nail paintings evolved into a more intricate form of art. During this time, nail stylists experimented with more than just colors—designs, textures, accessories, and prints for all kinds of nail conditions.
Nail shapes also evolved from the usual almond type to square filing. It was a crazy time in the manicure business as people also had more unique preferences and imaginations with what they do with their nails.
What started from natural dyes has now evolved into 3D printed nails, lego blocks on nails, and so much more. It’s all upwards from here, as more nail artists and nail bars continue to think outside the box to provide a wide array of choices for the current generation.
The 2000s to the present in the shade: Limitless
More people turn to creating their brand at the helm of their choices. Therefore, the number of leaps that the current cuticle curation offers will continue to evolve. With the help of new technologies and innovation supporting it, nail styling has never been this advanced compared to where it started. Will we expect some out-of-this-world designs soon? Probably—if the nail fits.
