Women have always pursued beauty ever since ancient times. Whether it’s the deep red of Cleopatra’s nails or the creative designs shared by influencers in modern times, the evolution of nail polish reflects major changes in society and culture over millennia.
Ancient Egypt is known as one of the first cultural centers that had many of the fashion trends that still echo in today’s styles. In this article, we will follow the truly fascinating yet bizarre history of nail polish from Cleopatra’s days to the modern era of Instagram and everyday glam.
Ancient Beginnings
Ancient Egypt marked the early beginnings of beautifying products for women, including one of the first versions of nail polish. Back then, it came in the form of henna, a natural dye already used for staining mummy wrappings. Egyptians believed it to retain a person’s spirituality in the afterlife, giving it both cosmetic and spiritual significance.
Later, it was rediscovered by women as an effective form of nail decoration due to its bold pigmentation and lasting color. Cleopatra herself was known to tint her nails with henna, sometimes mixing it with plant extracts to achieve a deep blood-red hue. This shade was considered an indication of power and status.
In contrast, pale shades were reserved for women of lower social classes. In some districts, it was even considered a crime to adorn your nails with deeper colors if you had no noble lineage. Imagine being legally banned from wearing your favorite shade of bold red today!
Medieval Europe
While Ancient Egypt was focused on experimentation with beautifying products, Medieval Europe was more on the reserved side. During these times, modesty and religious devotion shaped beauty standards, and it was unthinkable to adorn your nails with any form of nail polish because it was a sign of vanity.
Beauty was considered as an inner quality that was enhanced by one’s propriety, and showing it in physical parameters could even be seen as sinful, especially for women. Therefore, these times in Europe set a quiet pause in the history of nail polish and its early variations.
However, there were still some subtle ways in which women of more wealth could show their refinement. These ways included soft, non-working, well-manicured nails, together with fragrant oils that were fashionable among the noble classes. These methods were simple, fresh, and morally acceptable.
Modern Nail Polish
Modern nail polish as we know it today set its beginning in the Roaring Twenties, drawing inspiration from a strange source: automobile paint. This breakthrough of a new, shiny lacquer inspired the creation of the very first modern nail polish by the Cutex company, introduced as a liquid nail tint.
Suddenly, women across all social classes could paint their nails in vibrant, glossy colors that could showcase their boldness and shifting roles in society. In America, this new beautifying product became the hallmark of the new flapper woman who was daring, independent, and focused on breaking current social norms.
Interestingly, perfectly polished red nails marked both Cleopatra’s noble descent and status in society in Ancient times and the new modern woman’s courageous attempts to break free of current oppressions. In my eyes, this shared symbol of red nails showcases the connection between the ancient and the modern woman and how both use beauty as a form of expression and subtle rebellion.
Hollywood Glamour
By the time of the Hollywood craze and the beginnings of the cinematic era, nail polish had become a significant symbol of cinematic elegance. Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth had the perfect red or pink manicures that glittered under the projector lights for everyone to see and draw inspiration from.
The half-moon manicure, where the base and tip of the nail were left bare, gained extreme popularity and was a sign of refined style. Moreover, it was a practical decision, as it was harder to reapply nail polish back then, unlike nowadays when some women go for a new nail look every two weeks.
Nail technologies and designs continued in their advancement throughout the years, and inventions like nail wraps and acrylic nails appeared on the wide market. An intriguing fact is that acrylic nails were actually developed by a dentist on accident with the materials that were used to fill cavities.
The Instagram Era
The so-called Instagram Era began at the turn of the new century and has been evolving at a rapid speed ever since. The wide accessibility to social media, especially Instagram, has turned nails into an artistic medium of their own. Everyone can show their nail designs and get inspired by other people’s ideas and backstories.
Today, there are defined genres of nail art, such as seasonal-inspired designs, 3D forms of nail art, and all kinds of nail glitter and decorations. The rise of beauty influencers has naturally extended to nail enthusiasts, and one can find all kinds of tutorials or time-lapse nail art videos, which are the hallmarks of Instagram.
In the current modern era, nail art has become way more than just decoration – it is a form of personal expression. We can say a lot about a person according to the shape, color, and choice of detail of their nail designs, as they communicate our current moods, personality traits, and creative spark.
From ancient times, nail designs have been a reflection of the current society and its merits. Starting off with early civilizations and their cue for hierarchy and social order, through the medieval focus on religious devotion and propriety, and the breaking free of social conventions of new women, all the way to modern times of independence and free self-expression.
So, next time you sit in the nail salon, take a moment to reflect on your connection to all these women of the past and feel deeply connected to them through the simple yet empowering form of expression through nail art.
