Nail art

Nail art is the artistic practise of using paint, decorations, and embellishments to adorn one's nails. Nail art is a kind of decoration that may be applied to the nails of a person after they have had a manicure or pedicure. Some women now have their nails done in more than one color, a trend that has emerged as the years have passed. Many people use nail art as a means of expressing themselves or their heritage. Nail salon services including manicures and pedicures file, shape, and paint the nails. The cuticles and the skin surrounding the nails are often removed during these treatments. Manicures come in a wide variety, from those done with paint on natural nails to those done using dipping powder or synthetic nails. Nail extensions are so versatile that the nail form itself may be changed to anything like a square, round, coffin, or stiletto.

History

Since nail care practises sprung out independently yet seemingly at the same time in several regions of the globe, its precise origin is murky at best. Henna nail art was a prestige symbol and a sign of sexual allure for women in ancient Egypt, where it was practised between the years 5000 and 3000 B.C. The higher classes' women favoured rich, brilliant colors, while the lower classes favoured pastels and neutrals. Black and green kohl, an ancient cosmetic, was used to decorate the nails of males in Babylonia about 3200 BC. Babylonian soldiers would spend hours getting their hair and nails done before heading into battle. Black for nobility, green for the ordinary man; so it was with nail polish in ancient Egypt. About the same time, in 3,000 BC, ancient China was also the birthplace of nail polish. It included gum arabic, vegetable colors, egg whites, gelatin, and beeswax. The Chinese would soak their nails in this concoction or let it on to dry for many hours. Depending on the proportions of the various components, the resulting hues varied from pink to crimson. Simple nail paint with gold and silver dust was employed by royalty during the Zhou Dynasty (600 BC) as a status symbol.