How did people paint their nails before mail polish
Before the invention of nail polish, people used various substances to color and decorate their nails. Here are some of the ways people painted their nails before nail polish:
- Henna: In ancient Egypt, India, and the Middle East, henna was used to stain the nails a reddish-brown color. Henna is a plant-based dye that was applied to the nails using a brush or a stick.
- Beeswax and berry juice: In ancient Greece and Rome, people used a mixture of beeswax and berry juice to color their nails. The mixture was applied to the nails using a brush or a cloth.
- Gum arabic and vegetable dyes: In ancient China, people used a mixture of gum arabic (a natural adhesive) and vegetable dyes to color their nails. The mixture was applied to the nails using a brush.
- Lacquer: In ancient China, Japan, and Korea, people used a natural lacquer made from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus vernicifera) to create a shiny, colored finish on their nails. The lacquer was applied in multiple thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
- Kohl: In ancient Egypt, people used kohl, a black powder made from galena (a lead-based ore), to line their eyes and color their nails. Kohl was applied using a small brush or a stick.
- Plant-based dyes: In many ancient cultures, people used plant-based dyes, such as indigo, turmeric, and pomegranate, to color their nails. The dyes were applied using a brush or a cloth.
- Wax and pigment: In ancient Europe, people used a mixture of wax and pigment to color their nails. The mixture was applied to the nails using a brush or a cloth.
These methods were often time-consuming and required some skill, but they allowed people to add color and decoration to their nails. The development of modern nail polish in the late 19th century revolutionized the way people cared for and decorated their nails, making it easier and more accessible for everyone.