When Was Nail Polish Invented?
Photo of red nail lacquer drop on reflective surface by an_photos from Pixabay
Updated 2024.08.13. This page contains affiliate links and this site earns from qualifying purchases made through these sponsored links.
Nail painting has been recorded as far back as 5000 BCE in India.
In China, as far back as 3000 BCE, nails were decorated with a mix of egg whites, beeswax, gelatin, gum, and then colored with flower petals, or gold or silver dust.
In Ancient Babylon, nail varnish was used by male warriors. Men pigmented their nails with finely powdered sulfides, and other kohls.
In Ancient Egypt, 1330-30 BCE, both Nefertiti and Cleopatra are reported to have colored their nails dark red with the plant-based pigments of henna.
Fast forward to the early 1900’s and Victorian Manicure sets included tinted creams, pomades and powders which were buffed on the nails until shiny. One of these products was Nail Lustre by Richard Hudnut.
In the 1910’s comes Northam Warren and his side hustle.
Photo of red nail polish bottle with pearls by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay
As a druggist and chemist, he started a side business with financing provided by his wife. He invented the first nail polish remover, called Cutex, in 1911.
Then, Northam Warren invented the modern day liquid nail polish in America with the brush and bottle in 1916 with clear Cutex nail polish.
It was easier than buffing and polishing out the cream pastes and it grew in popularity. In 1917, a rose tint was introduced, while nail buffing creams and cakes continued to be produced.
In this same year, 1917, Peggy Sage had formed a manicure business.
In 1920 Peggy Sage products became available in Canada, then in New York in 1927. Her products included opaque polish, which was a new thing, as before this time it was mostly clear or tinted sheers.
Cutex became the largest nail polish brand in the United States by 1930, introducing opaque polishes in 1934.
During this time Peggy Sage expanded her line, to new colors, cuticle care and hand care products, which were advertised in the 1930’s and 40’s.
Around 1932, Revlon entered the market with nail polish, positioning itself on the more prestigious end of the brands and becoming a big competitor of Peggy Sage, as Revlon also focused on opaque shades.
Originally to be called Revlac, it was started by two brothers and with shade names like Sun Rose and Chestnut (1935). Their nail polish business was eventually used to create matching lipsticks which were very popular.
This is the short history of who invented nail polish.
When Was Nail Polish Invented? over photo of red nail lacquer drop on reflective surface by an_photos from Pixabay
As you can see, there are a few groups and names that can be attributed to the beautification of the hands trend that has spanned centuries. Nail painting is an ancient hobby with twists and turns up into the 20th century.
Finally, the Peggy Sage brand continues to sell nail care products from Paris, France and beyond.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When you click links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. As a Walmart.com Affiliate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.
