From Ancient Queens to TikTok Trends

Let’s take a little trip through time together. Believe it or not, long before nail salons, gel polish, and viral TikTok trends, people were already obsessed with their nails. Yep—your favorite self-care ritual has been around for thousands of years, and the story is full of queens, warriors, and a whole lot of style.

Where It All Began

Imagine ancient Babylon, about 5,000 years ago. Warriors painted their nails before heading into battle—black for the wealthy, green for the rest. Even then, nails weren’t just nails; they were symbols of status and power.

Across the world in China, around 3,000 B.C., long nails coated with natural dyes made from flowers, beeswax, and egg whites showed that you belonged to high society. The longer the nails, the more important you were (because if you had time to grow them that long, you definitely weren’t farming!).

And of course, we can’t forget Egypt. Cleopatra herself was famous for her rich, red nails made from henna. The color red was reserved for royalty, while lighter shades were left for everyone else. Even back then, your manicure could say a lot about who you were.

Nails Take a Pause (But Not for Long)

In Medieval Europe, nails weren’t exactly the trend of the day. Grooming was simple and practical. But by the Renaissance, beauty rituals came back in style. Clean, neat nails became part of the polished look of the aristocracy.

Meanwhile, in India and the Middle East, henna remained a beloved tradition—used in weddings, festivals, and celebrations. It wasn’t just beauty; it was ritual, culture, and art.

The Birth of the Modern Manicure

The real game-changer came in the 19th century. In 1830, a Frenchman named Dr. Sitts invented the little orange stick—yes, that same tool still in every nail kit today. Suddenly, manicures became a recognized beauty practice.

By the late 1800s, women were using powders and creams to shine and shape their nails. Having “manicured hands” became a sign of sophistication and self-care.

The Glamorous 20th Century

The 1900s were a whirlwind for nails—each decade bringing its own mood, icons, and inventions:

• 1920s: Inspired by the shiny paints used on cars, the very first liquid nail polish was created. Before this, people only had powders or oils for shine. The chic “moon manicure” became a sensation—nails were painted at the tips but left bare at the base, often in deep reds or pinks. It was elegant, daring, and oh-so-flapper.

• 1930s: The beauty industry began to blossom, and Revlon launched its opaque nail enamels in multiple colors. Suddenly, nails weren’t just about shine—they were about style. Polishes now came in shades that matched fashion, and Hollywood icons like Joan Crawford and Jean Harlow turned red nails into the ultimate statement of glamour.

• 1940s: During World War II, resources were tight, but women still found ways to keep nails polished. Patriotic reds and pinks lifted spirits, and manicured hands became symbols of resilience.

• 1950s: Post-war glamour was everywhere. Stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rita Hayworth made sultry red nails the must-have look. Long, oval shapes became the height of elegance, and “matching your lips to your tips” was considered a beauty essential.

• 1960s: Fashion turned playful and experimental. Pastels, frosted polishes, and bold mod-inspired shades reflected the cultural shifts of the decade. Nail colors expanded just as fast as the fashion world itself.

• 1970s: The natural vibe of the hippie movement meant short, nude nails were common—but this decade also saw the birth of acrylic nails. For the first time, women could enjoy durable, dramatic lengths, and by the end of the ‘70s, nail extensions were becoming mainstream.

• 1980s: Think bold, think neon, think excess! Acrylic nails took off, and flashy colors, metallics, and geometric designs ruled salons. This was the decade when nail art began to be seen as a true form of self-expression.

• 1990s: Minimalism took center stage. The French manicure—pale pink bases with crisp white tips—became the most requested look worldwide. It was clean, classy, and perfect for both professional and casual wear.

By the end of the century, nails had transformed from a beauty detail into a booming industry. Each decade had left its mark, setting the stage for the creativity explosion of the 21st century.

The 21st Century: Nails Without Limits

And here we are today—living in the golden age of nails. With social media, trends spread across the globe in seconds. One viral post can fill salon appointment books overnight.

We’ve got:

• Gel polish that lasts for weeks without a chip.

• Gels for sculpting and building beautiful extensions.

• Acrylic gels (also known as polygels), combining the strength of acrylics with the flexibility of gel.

Nails aren’t just about looking good anymore—they’re about identity, fashion, and art. They can whisper sophistication, scream rebellion, or simply sparkle because you feel like it.

From Cleopatra to Chrome

From Cleopatra’s henna-stained nails to the neon claws of the ‘80s and today’s chrome stunners, nails have always been more than decoration. They’re tiny canvases that tell the story of who we are.

So next time you sit down for a set—whether it’s a classic French, a bold red, or a full-on 3D masterpiece—remember: you’re part of a tradition that’s been alive for thousands of years. And that? That’s pretty magical.