Check out 17 interesting facts about nail polish, its origin, most used colors and ingredients used throughout history.
1- Dinastia Ming
Enamel has been used since the time of the Ming Dynasty. However, at that time the nail polish was made with a combination of beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes and gum arabic. But only upper class women could wear it.
2- Car paint
Did you know that the enamel we use today is made from the same material used in car paints since 1920? Anyway, in 1920 there were only basic colored nail polishes that were inspired by the colors of cars.
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3- Reusing the bottle
Furthermore, you can reuse empty nail polish bottles. Finally, clean the bottle and use it to store vegetable oil, which not only softens your cuticles, but also keeps them healthy.
4- Use nail polish to repair holes
A fun fact about nail polish is that you can use it to repair small holes in glass, floors and even wood. Anyway, just fill the holes with clear nail polish and let it dry.
5- Glaze with gelatin or formaldehyde
Some people have the habit of applying nail polish with gelatin or formaldehyde to their nails to make them stronger. However, there is no scientific proof that this mixture actually works. In fact, using it will make your nails hard and inflexible, making them break easier.
6- Dark nail polish stains the nails
Another interesting thing about nail polish is that it comes in dark colors, such as brown, red, purple and black, for example. When removed, they leave the nails discolored or yellowish. However, it usually disappears over time as long as you don’t use dark nail polish again.
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7- French Royalty
In the 18th century, it was customary for French royalty to have servants do their nails. And the curious thing is that both men and women got their nails done. Because rough hands and poorly manicured nails meant that the person was from a lower social class.
8- Cutting your nails makes them grow
Among the curiosities, we highlight the fact that nails tend to grow faster in warmer climates, especially during the day. Furthermore, if you cut your nails frequently, it will make them grow faster.
9- Obsession with nail polish
Jill Brent, in September 2007, noticed that there was a small scratch on her car. This way, she used nail polish to paint the scratched area. However, this eventually became an obsession and Jill began painting other parts of the car with nail polish.
Anyway, after a month, his car looked like a patchwork of colors. According to Jill, she believes she used around 250 bottles of nail polish, most of which were donated.
10- Red nail polish was not always well regarded
Another interesting fact about nail polish is that in the 1950s vibrant colors, like red, for example, were considered promiscuous. Therefore, women only wore light colors. Furthermore, nail polish should be removed on the Sunday before church services.
11- Red nail polish exclusive to nobility
In China and Ancient Egypt, the color of nail polish showed the social class to which a man or woman belonged. Therefore, red or metallic enamel (gold or silver) was for the exclusive use of the royal family or people who held a prestigious position in society.
12- Red color
In the 60s, the favorite among women were nail polishes in vibrant, dark colors. In particular, the red nail polish. Anyway, soft and nude colors have only become a trend in recent decades.
13- The favorite of Brazilian women
Continuing with the curiosities about nail polish, did you know that nine out of ten Brazilian women use nail polish? Well, Brazilian women love painting their nails, regardless of the occasion.
Some other curiosities about nail polish that you didn’t know
14- Nails decorated with gold
Also part of the curiosities about nail polish is the fact that in Ancient China, the Chinese used to use gold and silver to paint and decorate their nails.
15- Bizarre ingredients
Throughout the history of nail polish, several bizarre ingredients have been part of its composition. For example, including formaldehyde, beeswax and gelatin.
16- Inca costumes
Another interesting fact about nail polish is that the Incas used to paint pictures and designs on their nails. Furthermore, it was a family practice, where many had drawings of eagles on their fingers. And this practice is widely used today.
17- Nail massage
Interestingly, if you type with your nails it will provide the same effect as a nail massage. Furthermore, it will also stimulate your growth. But, it’s worth remembering that a man’s toenails and fingernails grow faster than a woman’s.
Anyway, these were some of the very interesting curiosities about nail polish that we have put together for you.
So, if you liked the content of this article and want to know more about the subject, read also: History of enamel: origin, evolution and trends of the last century.
