History of artificial nails

Artificial nails have existed for a very long time (from BC), they were found all over the world. Every region had its own way of applying artificial nails and in every area artificial nails had their own meaning. Mostly artificial nails were placed on rich and important women.

Ancient Egyptian women wore nail extensions made of gold, bone and ivory, luxury materials that were only available to the wealthier population.
During the Ming Dynasty of China (1368-1644), noblewomen wore long false nails as a status symbol. This showed that, unlike ordinary people, they did not perform manual labor.
In the early 19th century, women in Greece wore pistachio shells on their nails. Slowly, this artificial nail trend spread throughout Europe.
It is not known exactly when nail polish was first discovered. Historical sources show that women were already busy with their nails around 5000 BC. It was said that Indian women decorated their fingertips with henna. Over the years, various mixtures and recipes have been used that served as nail polish. Around 3000 BC, Chinese women made nail polish from gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax, vegetable dyes and egg whites. To obtain a beautiful red-pink colour, orchids and rose petals were pressed, this nail polish had to dry for hours. Around 600 BC, gold and silver were used by rich women who were protected by guards. Gold and silver symbolised wealth and free time, something that ordinary workers did not have.

During the Middle Ages, manicures were a thing of the past. It wasn't until the Renaissance that wealthy European women started paying attention to their nails again. In the Victorian era between 1800 and 1900, beauty, hygiene and purity were very important. Manicures became very popular among women during this period.

The first manicure salon was opened in Manhattan, New York by Marry E. Cobb in the year 1878. Marry opened her manicure salon after studying nail care in France. Marry not only did manicures in her salon but you could also go there for your hair and skin care. In 1884 she produced her own line of cosmetics, nail care products, powders and steam machines for the face. In addition to her stores she also focused on a mail order business where she offered professional training in nail care.

In 1932, the first Revlon nail polish colors appeared, invented by Michelle Ménard, a French make-up artist. Michelle Ménard found her inspiration in car paint.
Before Fred Slack started with nail products he was an inventor in the dental industry. He developed the first powder-liquid composite filling material. In the year 1954 Fred Slack broke a nail, then he decided to use the filling material to create an artificial nail as a replacement until the nail grew back. The Slack family developed the acrylic system.