The History of Nail Polish You Should Know

Nail polish has gone through quite the metamorphosis. Our little bottles of long-lasting color are extremely new-world in comparison to Cleopatra’s days. Let’s delve into the rich history of nail polish, spanning over 5000 years. 

1. Ancient China: The history of nail polish begins in ancient China. In its earliest form, it was worn by rulers and those in high society as a symbol of their wealth and power. Early nail polish was a mixture of (definitely not vegan) beeswax, gelatin, and egg white dyed with orchids or roses. It was left on the nails for hours, leaving a stain. Reds and blacks were popular colors, along with metallic dust of silver and gold. Stained nails were such a symbol of wealth that it was a crime for anyone else to wear them!

2. Spread Across Continents: The techniques of ancient Chinese nail staining traveled to India, Africa, and the Middle East. Egyptians started coloring their nails with henna, and Cleopatra used plant extracts to dye her nails a deep blood red. Nail adornment with henna was popular across India and Africa.

3. Europe’s Introduction: Nail polish didn’t make its way to Europe until much later, arriving in the late 18th century through trade deals from India and the Middle East. It remained associated with the wealthy until the first nail salon opened in late 19th-century Paris. However, nail polish hadn’t yet developed into its liquid form. Powders and oils were rubbed into the nails and buffed away, leaving a soft pink or brave red shade.

4. Advances in the US: It was only when nail polish traveled to the US that modern-day advances were made. The first US nail salon, opened in Manhattan in 1878 by Mary Cobb, offered buff and shine manicures. The invention of liquid nail polish wasn’t far off. During World War I, the US seized German chemical patents, leading to the release of Nitrocellulose onto the American market. French makeup artist Michelle Menard, working for the Charles Revson company, then created the first liquid nail polish—an offshoot of car paint. The Charles Revson company became Revlon, a leader in the cosmetics industry.
5.  Sienna’s Modern Approach: Today, Sienna offers natural and vegan nail polish with a luxe plant-based formula. They use raw, sustainable ingredients like sugar cane, cassava, cotton, and corn. Sienna is the world’s first nano-particle-free nail polish, healthy for people and the planet. Their eco-friendly shimmers, made from crushed crystals and organic ingredients, bring sparkle without glitter. Sienna’s commitment to being vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic aligns with their values.

In summary, nail polish has come a long way—from ancient Chinese stains to modern, eco-friendly formulas. So next time you paint your nails, remember the fascinating journey behind that little bottle of color! 🌟

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