Red nails are a timeless trend that never goes out of style. And women’s love story with red nail polish is very old.
When we talk about nail polish, red ones are certainly among women’s favorites. And this passion for red nails is not new, as this trend is much older than many imagine. This color was already used by women of the nobility of Ancient Egypt, more than 3500 years BC
Red nails represent strength, power, love, passion, femininity, and of course it is a very beautiful nail polish color. For a long time in history, red nail polish was used to distinguish social classes, but from the 20th century onwards it fell into popular taste, and became a democratic color among all women.
However, even though from time to time other shades gain prominence among favorite nail polishes, red never goes out of fashion, always being a fashion icon with great appeal. There’s no denying that red nails are a classic, and just like basic black, you can never go wrong. Elegant, modern, feminine and cool, red nail polish in all its shades is a timeless trend.
Therefore, today we will discover the history of red nail polish and check out different inspirations for red nails that will please all tastes.
History of red nail polish
Red nails have been part of women’s aesthetics for thousands of years. So, let’s learn about the history of red nail polish, used as a power accessory by women throughout the centuries.
The first record of the use of red coloring on nails comes from Ancient Egypt, more than 3500 years BC At that time, common women used black henna on their nails, leaving shades of red only for royalty. In this way, the red tone was used as a symbol of wealth, power and sovereignty.
In China, red also represented high social status, making the color much more desired and striking. And it was like that for a long time. In the Chou dynasty, 600 years BC, nail colors played a role in separating noble women from common women. Therefore, non-noble women only wore light colors, while red was the color of ostentation, reserved only for powerful women of the time.
However, with the Catholic church gaining more and more power and influence, in the 19th century modesty became an indispensable virtue. Therefore, any display of extravagance was seen as something bad, and this included flashy colors, such as red.
Then, within the religious context, red was seen as the color of the flesh, sin, the devil and temptation, and thus fell into disuse, even if momentarily. It didn’t take long for red nails to gain prominence again, making a triumphant return, marking an entire season.
Return of red nail polish
With the First World War, women were forced to play roles that until then were exclusively male, taking over their jobs. To give you an idea, in Great Britain, around two million women took their husbands’ positions in factories.
In this way, working women began to wear uniforms, cut their hair and perform heavy work. So, femininity was hidden in details, such as nail polish and lipstick, which at this point abandoned light colors, making room for the return of red, as an imposing color.
Therefore, red nails became a staple of the 1920s, thanks to Hollywood divas. They used red nail polish to compose their image filled with power, attraction, desire and passion. Furthermore, red has the power to stimulate the nervous system and blood circulation, giving energy to the body and raising self-esteem. In other words, everything women needed in that post-war period.
And even today, a hundred years later, red nail polish remains one of the favorites of all women, regardless of social class. Therefore, this says a lot about the historical moment we live in, where women have more power than ever and seek even more. So, red nails contribute to an image of power and self-confidence, with an air of femininity and sensuality.
Red nail inspirations
Did you see how striking red nails are? There are several shades of red nail polish and endless possibilities for red nails. Therefore, we have selected some inspirations with red nail polish for all tastes and styles. Check it out below:
Red nails with an only daughter to add extra charm
Using jewelry on red nails makes the look more powerful and luxurious.
Christmas and romantic themes go well with red nails
Plain red nails are a timeless classic
Red nails with stickers to get away from the traditional
Anyway, what did you think of this article? By the way, take the opportunity to also check out Seven layers of nail polish, what is it? What is it for and how to make it at home.
Sources: Fashion Bubbles Hi Bonita Woman Tips
Images: Women’s Tips Women’s Tips Princess Hands Fashion Bubbles Pinterest
