Nail art, as an expressive form of beauty and self-adornment, traces its origins back thousands of years to various cultures around the world. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Chinese used nails as a medium of artistic expression and a signifier of status.
In ancient Egypt, nail care and decoration were a significant part of beauty rituals, particularly among the elite. As far back as 5000 BCE, Egyptian women used henna to stain their nails. More significantly, Queen Nefertiti, known for her commitment to beauty, colored her nails and fingertips a striking reddish-orange with henna. Cleopatra, another legendary Egyptian queen, reportedly took this a step further, dyeing her nails a deep red to signify her royal status.
Meanwhile, in China, around 3000 BCE, nail art was an indicator of social standing. The higher classes used a mixture of egg whites, gelatin, beeswax, and vegetable dyes to paint their nails. Colors such as gold, silver, and black were reserved for royalty and aristocrats, signifying power and wealth. The commoners were forbidden from wearing these colors, thus emphasizing the role of nail art as a class distinction.
In Babylon, warriors of the time would color their nails before going into battle. Men, particularly soldiers, would tint their nails in shades of black and green, which added an element of intimidation as well as beauty.
Nail Art in the 20th Century
Despite its ancient history, nail art only became mainstream in the 20th century. The introduction of modern nail polish in the 1920s, popularized by brands like Revlon, shifted nail art from a luxury reserved for the elite to an accessible fashion trend.
The advent of the French manicure in the 1970s revolutionized nail care, providing a simple yet elegant look that remains popular today. This method, invented by Jeff Pink, focused on highlighting the natural appearance of nails, using a pale pink or nude base coat with white tips.
During the 1980s and 1990s, nail art exploded into mainstream fashion. With bold, neon colors, intricate designs, and elaborate nail shapes, people from all walks of life embraced this medium of self-expression. Celebrities like Madonna and Gwen Stefani contributed to this rise, incorporating wild nail art into their personal styles.
Nail Art in Contemporary Culture
Today, nail art has become a global phenomenon, fueled by social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where nail artists showcase their intricate and creative designs. From minimalist styles to extravagant 3D nail sculptures, the possibilities for artistic expression have grown tremendously.
The development of new nail technologies, such as gel nails, acrylic nails, and dip powder, has also allowed for more durable and long-lasting designs. Additionally, innovations in nail art tools, such as dotting tools, stencils, and stamping kits, make it easier for both professionals and amateurs to create stunning nail art at home.
One of the significant trends in the 21st century is nail art as a form of activism and personal identity. People use their nails to express political opinions, social causes, or align with cultural movements. For example, rainbow-colored nails are often worn to show support for LGBTQ+ rights, while themed nail art for causes like climate change or women’s rights has also grown in popularity.
Why People Do Nail Art
Nail art has evolved from an elite beauty practice to a widely embraced form of self-expression. Today, the reasons why people engage in nail art are as varied as the designs themselves.
Self-Expression: Perhaps the most significant reason people gravitate toward nail art is its ability to convey personality and creativity. Nail art acts as a canvas for individuals to showcase their unique styles. Whether someone prefers minimalist designs, abstract shapes, or detailed patterns, nail art becomes an extension of one’s personal aesthetic.
Fashion Statement: Just like clothing, makeup, or hairstyles, nails have become a critical part of a person’s overall fashion look. Nail art trends often follow the patterns of seasonal fashion, with designs that complement runway collections, celebrity red carpet looks, or street fashion. Certain patterns, colors, and textures rise in popularity depending on the season—like pastels in spring or bold reds and metallics for winter holidays.
Cultural or Social Identity: Many individuals use nail art as a way to represent their cultural or social identities. Tribal patterns, national flags, or designs inspired by traditional art forms are examples of nail art being used to honor one’s heritage or community. Moreover, nail art serves as a badge of pride in certain subcultures, such as hip-hop or punk rock, where unique nail designs often complement the overall aesthetic.
Occasions and Celebrations: Weddings, birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions often call for themed or celebratory nail art. Bridal nail art, for instance, can range from classic French manicures to intricate lace-inspired designs that match the bride’s gown. Holiday-themed nail art, such as Halloween nails with ghosts and pumpkins or Christmas designs with snowflakes, have become increasingly popular.
Mental Health and Self-Care: Engaging in the process of creating or getting nail art done can be a form of self-care. The act of choosing designs, visiting a nail salon, or even doing nails at home can be relaxing and therapeutic. For many, it’s a small but significant way to practice mindfulness and invest in personal well-being. There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from looking at beautifully done nails, boosting confidence and providing a little spark of joy in everyday life.
Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have been instrumental in the rise of nail art trends. Nail artists and influencers frequently post tutorials, showcasing a wide array of designs from beginner to advanced levels. Followers of these influencers are often inspired to try the designs themselves, contributing to the massive popularity of nail art. Hashtags like #nailart or #naildesign attract millions of posts, and viral trends—such as ombre nails, marble designs, or chrome nails—spread quickly across the internet.
Professional and Social Expectations: For some, nail art is a part of professional grooming or social expectations. In fields where personal appearance is emphasized—such as fashion, beauty, and hospitality—well-maintained and stylish nails are seen as part of the overall presentation. Many women and men also see nail art as a way to stand out and make a statement in both personal and professional settings.
Who Does Nail Art?
Nail art has become widely democratized, appealing to a broad range of individuals across various demographics. However, certain groups are more likely to engage in this creative practice:
Women and Femmes: Women have traditionally been the primary consumers of nail art, with the practice being historically associated with femininity. Nail art allows women to express their personal style, experiment with fashion, or maintain professional grooming standards. However, it’s worth noting that nail art is not limited by gender, and more men have also embraced this form of self-expression in recent years.
Teenagers and Young Adults: Nail art is particularly popular among teenagers and young adults, who often use it as a fun way to express their individuality. This group is also heavily influenced by social media trends and celebrity styles, making them key consumers in the nail art industry. The affordability and accessibility of DIY nail kits and tutorials make it an attractive hobby for younger audiences.
Celebrities and Influencers: Nail art has become a key part of celebrity fashion, with stars like Cardi B, Rihanna, and Billie Eilish frequently flaunting elaborate nail designs. These high-profile figures often set the trends, and their fans and followers look to them for inspiration. Additionally, nail artists like Jenny Bui (Cardi B’s nail artist) have gained fame in their own right, with their designs being widely emulated.
Nail Technicians and Artists: Nail technicians are, of course, the professionals behind much of the intricate and high-quality nail art seen today. These artists have honed their craft over years and often push the boundaries of what’s possible in nail design, experimenting with 3D sculptures, metallic foils, and intricate hand-painted patterns.
Men: While nail art has traditionally been associated with women, men are increasingly getting involved in the trend, especially within certain subcultures. From punk rockers to hip-hop artists and even actors like Harry Styles, men are embracing painted nails and nail art as a form of personal expression. The shift in societal norms around masculinity has allowed more men to engage with nail art without facing traditional stigmas.
Members of LGBTQ+ Communities: Nail art is also popular among the LGBTQ+ community, where it is often used as a form of self-expression and identity. Bold and colorful designs are embraced, with many using their nails to reflect pride or solidarity with LGBTQ+ causes.
Conclusion
Nail art has come a long way from its historical roots in ancient civilizations to its current status as a mainstream form of self-expression. Whether used for fashion, culture, personal identity, or activism, nail art is a dynamic and ever-evolving practice. Today, people from various backgrounds, genders, and cultures are embracing nail art as a way to make a statement about who they are, proving that nails are indeed tiny canvases for art, identity, and expression.
