Nail Polish Origins History

Nail polish is believed to have originated in China, and can be traced back to 3000 B.C. According to The People's Media Company, the early combination for nail polish was a mixture of bees' wax, gelatin, gum Arabic and egg whites. Gum Arabic is a natural product found in the African Acacia tree. The Web site also said some Chinese added flower petals of roses and orchids to their polish, and used natural pigments for different colors.

During the same period in Egypt, members of the upper class used nail polish similar to lacquer paint. This paint signified money and prosperity. Some believe that Egyptians used to paint their nails with strawberries or henna and that after a night on the nail, the color would remain.

Around 600 B.C., the royal colors in China were metallic, gold and silver, hence the nail polishes of choice were the same. If someone from the lower class attempted to wear nail polish, they were put to death.

It is unclear how nail polish evolved after these ancient times, but according to "The History of Nail Care," an article published in Nails magazine in 2007, by the 19th century nails were treated with scented red oils and polished with chamois cloth. A century later, some women massaged their nails with tinted powders and creams and then polished them to make them shine. One product used was Graf's Hyglo nail polish paste. During this period women used a clear varnish applied with a tiny brush made from camel hair.

In the early 1920s, when automobile paint was invented, it inspired Michelle Ménard to modernize the nail polish we use today.

According to the Web site for the nail polish brand OPI, most nail polishes are now made from nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent. A Sept. 7, 2006 article in The New York Times reported that several makers had agreed not to use dibutyl phthalate, which was linked to testicular problems in animals and humans.

There is nail polish to fit almost any needs. There are polishes to help you strengthen nails, make them grow faster, or even prevent them from turning yellow. Prices for a bottle of nail polish can range from 99 cents to more than $25, according to The People's Media.

Senior Shari Lau said she likes nail polish with a pearly look. When buying it, she looks for quick-drying formulas. Her favorite brand is Sally Hansen.

There are many brands to choose from, but the salon uses OPI since it has given them the best results in quality and quantity, said Melissa McKay, a stylist at the salon.

The New York Times article recommended keeping nail polish in the refrigerator. This will prevent it from clumping and prolong its shelf life.
Source: http://media.www.spectatornews.com/media/storage/paper218/news/2007/09/17/Showcase/History.Of.Nail.Polish-2971156.shtml