Search results
Apr 25, 2014 · Author Suzanne E. Shapiro traces the origins of the modern manicure as a radical gesture in style and follows it through today’s culture of ubiquitous nail salons and edgy experiments in nail art, showing how at every turn the manicure has reflected larger style trends as well as changing ideals of femininity.
- (44)
- Suzanne E. Shapiro
- $6.5
- Suzanne E. Shapiro
Apr 25, 2014 · A fun, well-illustrated book about the history of nail polish, which delves into the way social trends and moments in history influence fashion and the way we look at one another. Recommended for fashion historians, social historians, and people who simply love nail color.
- (40)
- Paperback
The book chronicles the timeline of nail polish, beginning earlier than you probably thought polish even existed and running right into the present, referencing some big name polish ladies you may be familiar with.
- Where It All Began
- The Mark of Class
- Cleopatra's Pick
- The First-Ever Nail Salon
- The Birth of Big Brands
- A Genius Invention
- The Debut of A Classic
- Famous Shades
It's claimed that warriors in Babylonia during 3200 B.C. would spend hours having their hair curled and lacquered and their nails manicured and colored before going off to battle. The purported ingredient of choice: kohl. The colors of their nails may have signified their class. For example, black nails may have been considered higher rank whereas ...
It's said that in 3000 B.C., the Chinese used nail color as a distinction of rank and dynasty. The upper classes may have used ingredients like beeswax, Arabic gum, and egg whites for nail color, while those of the ruling regime may have worn highly pigmented colors like red. During certain dynasties, wearing the color of royals may have been punis...
It's purported that Cleopatra decided to use henna on her nails instead of applying it in intricate designsto the entire hand as was custom (and still is in many cultures today). She would dip each finger in henna, coating just the nail portion. Her go-to color of choice? Blood red. While this may not be proven, women were using henna to dye their ...
Mary E. Cobb first learned the art of the manicure in France. She then redeveloped the process and brought it to the United States. In 1878, Cobb opened the first-ever nail salon titled "Mrs. Pray's Manicure." Little did she know, it would be one of the most popular and most requested beauty services in history. She then went on to open the first m...
In 1911, Cutex launched with just one product: an extract for softening cuticles around the nail bed. Fast forward to 1925, Cutex went on to create what we know today as the widely popular liquid nail polish. The brand has since grown to be a beauty empire. In 1920, makeup artist Michelle Menard wanted to create a glossy nail lacquer that mimicked ...
In 1957, dentist Frederick Slack broke a nail at work, and to repair it, he used aluminum foil and dental acrylic from his lab, according to Slack's brand NSI. As it turns out, he designed a faux nail that looked entirely too realistic. It prompted the dentist to collaborate with his brother to create—and then later patent—what we know today as acr...
Jeff Pink, the American makeup artist and founder of Orly, needed a manicure that wouldn't compete with multiple costume changes. So according to Orly, in 1975, he created the versatile French manicure. Little did he know, it would be one of the most popular styles of manicures ever invented. It debuted on the runways in Paris and became an instant...
Essie Weingarten developed her collection of nail polishes in the early '80s. They quickly gained popularity, and in 1983, Essie garnered one of the first celebrity endorsements of a nail polish brand. The late Joan Rivers mentioned her nail color of choice, Essie's "Jelly Apple," on-air and soon after, Essie was a household name. In the 1994 movie...
- Deven Hopp
Jan 31, 2024 · The genesis of modern nail polish in the 1920s marked a significant turning point in the history of cosmetics. This era saw the transformation of nail coloring from a symbol of status to a fashion statement accessible to all.
Aug 1, 2003 · Ever wondered when nail polish first came into vogue or how women took care of their nails at the turn of the century? NAILS delves into the roots of modern nail care with a look back at the last 200 years of the nail industry.
People also ask
When did nail polish become popular?
Who invented nail polish?
Why was nail polish popular in the 1920s?
When was liquid nail polish invented?
So what is the history of modern nail polish? Northam Warren (1878-1962) was a chemist who worked for Parke, Davis & Company in Chicago. In 1910, he started his own business as a drug broker in New York.
