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Who Invented Nail Polish

Nail polish (or nail varnish) is a liquid that is applied to fingernails and toenails. But who invented nail polish? This post will answer that question, and also look at some interesting facts about nail polish.

Who Invented Nail Polish?

Nail polish was invented by the Chinese in about 3000 B.C. It was made from a mixture of Arabic gum, egg whites, gelatin and beeswax. It is unknown who the first person was to invent nail polish, but it was used by the ancient Chinese and ancient Egyptians. Chinese royalty often used gold and silver nail polish.

Facts About Nail Polish

  • Nail polish is very popular with women, although it is gaining popularity with men. The company Hard Candy released a nail polish line, Candy Man, aimed specifically at men.
  • Acetonitrile, a highly toxic substance, was once used as a component of nail polish remover. After the accidental poisoning of several young children, it was banned in the European Economic Area.
  • In the 19th century, many cookbooks contained ‘recipes’ for making nail polish.
  • Ultraviolet stabilizers are used in nail polish so that it doesn’t change color when exposed to light!
  • Nail polish can help make nails stronger, preventing them from breaking, cracking or splitting.

Other Inventions:

Who Invented Windshield Wipers

Who Invented the Battery

(11) Comments

  1. Good information.

    I came across many queries in several forums where people have been asking for advice on the best glue that can be used on nails and that is not only strong but also safe on nails. This was the same question I had sometime back when I used to apply nail gel myself. Initially the glue I got would never hold on the way it used to when done in the salon. I then came across the nail glue being sold on gel-nails which lasts very long and is pretty easy to apply. It provides a strong bonding for my nails and also does a great job in repairing the nail tips.

    Most important of all is that this is strong glue I was actually looking out for and this is used by nail salons and nail artists for professional applications. It is available at a cheap price at gel-nails and I remember seeing it at a discount of 74% which is great. Maybe this can help if you also face problems relating to poor glue quality as I did earlier.

  2. Yes Bob that is very true. During the Chou Dynasty in China (around 600 BC) lower class women who wore nail polish were often punished by death.

  3. Tiffany Dawnawich

    This was really good and it had a lot of info. I have a project and needed a website for my research… I hope many other girls get inspired by the history of nail polish! =)

  4. thanx for posting that i was having difficulties finding info about it for my project i really enjoyed reading this

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