Manicure & Nail Art: A Short History
Photo credit: Isi Parente
If you want to feel reinvigorated, why not visit a nail salon? Getting nails done has long been a favorite pastime for many women throughout the history. But where and when did it begin exactly? Let’s go back in time and find out.
When & Where
It is speculated that nail art has existed since the ancient Egyptian period from 5000 B.B. In Egypt, nails and henna were painted on the mummy’s hands whereas the nail polish was first introduced in ancient China in 3000 B.C., using the combination of egg whites, gelatin, beeswax, and dyes from roses and orchids.
Photo credit: Sutori
Why
In many cultures, manicure serves as a symbol for social status. For example, in the Ming Dynasty of China, the aristocrats had their nails extended. In Egypt, Cleopatra and Nefertiti were found to have their nails painted red while the general public was forbidden from having flashy nail colors. Red was the most popular color back in those days.
Photo credit: Workbook
The social significance of manicures goes beyond the question of beauty. Reserved for the elite with time to spare, nail art indicates class, idenity as well as luxury. It’s no secret, then, that these women with colorful nails of those days were often thought of as highly desirable.
Today, nail art is not only reserved for the hi-so. Everyone from all walks of life have access to the fabulous world of nail art. EQ sit down with Oy Murada, owner of 9 Nails Inch to find out what it all means to her and her customers.
Photo credit: Britannica
"As a nail tech, I find it very challenging. It’s like creating a piece of art on someone’s body. It requires meticulous attention to detail to be able to do it well. Every nail is different because there are all these shapes that you need to take into consideration. False nails need to have a perfect fit otherwise they need to be redone or replaced.”
“It’s not like when you ordered clothes that are too big, you can send them back. With these nails, they need to be remade right away,” Oy explains before adding that another challenge for nail techs lies in the communication between her and the client.
“When I get briefed by my client, I have to try to come up with the design and colors that go with the costume dictated by the stylist. Not only that, I have to think about things like the shape and the length. I have to make sure that everything fits the brief 100%.”
Photo credit: 9nails.inch
“Finally, the whole process takes a long time. Nail art is not easy – it’s not just about painting, there’s detail involved in every step of the way including cutting and filing.”
Photo credit: 9nails.inch
“Nail art is an art form and an expression of beauty. The most important thing is for the client to be happy with the end result. You can’t just be like, ‘you’re done, next!’ Given its long history, it’s still an activity that women can share among themselves. They go to a nail salon to get pampered, destress, and indulge in a little ‘me’ time. It’s a way of self-love.”
Photo credit: 9nails.inch
Sources:
Hagley: https://bit.ly/3ClJSk7
EnVogue: https://bit.ly/3tvCqPn
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