The History Of Nail Polishes
Nail polish or nail varnish is lacquer which is applied to nails, it can be worn by anyone but women tend to wear it more than men. As part of the beautification process, nail polishes make a statement. Based on the color, a nail polish can tell people the sort of person you are when you walk into a room.
Invented some 5000 years ago by the Chinese, they used egg whites, beeswax and gelatin to color their nails whiles the Egyptians preferred reddish-brown stains from the henna to decorate their nails. This development was further enhanced in the 20th century when the creation of car paint inspired the creation of modern nail enamel.
Modern nail varnish as we know it is made from nitrocellulose dissolved in solvents such as butylacetate and ethylacetate; pigmentation or coloring agents are usually then added to the solution. Other ingredients used in mail varnishes are plasticizers, resins and film forming agents; these days nail varnishes can b found in almost any color.
Manufactures of nail varnish were heavily criticized a few years back for using toxic ingredients such as dibutylphthalate in the making of the varnishes. The argument was that there is a link between dibutylphthalate and testicular and other forms of cancers in humans and lab rats. The pressure saw dibutylphthalate and ingredients like it removed from nail varnishes.
Current nail varnishes on the market costs a lot so looking after the ones you have got to make it last longer is a good idea. Storing the varnish in an a cool dry place and out of sunlight will help the varnish last longer. When properly looked after, a nail varnish can last for two o more years.
Still on getting a nail varnish to last a long time, two strokes is all that is needed when painting your nails. Always apply a thin first coat, wait for it to dry before applying the second coat. Applying thick coats do not look attractive and overrun, also do not apply a fresh quote on top of an old nail polish, take off the old coat before applying a new one.
There are many types of nail polish, making it daunting when it comes to choosing one, especially if the wearer is not beauty savvy. Ultimately, the type of nail varnish chosen will depend on the state of the nail they want to paint.
There is the option of matte polishes which are flat color with a shine or you can go for a cream or pearl finish which gives the nail a metallic look. Other finishes are glitter which is mainly for a night out.
Apart from the finish, there are different types of nail varnishes, for weak and brittle nails there is nail strengthening varnishes which will help stop the nails from breaking. For those who work a lot with their hands, they can opt for a long lasting nail varnish.
For people always on the go, a fast drying nail f=vanish is a great option as the varnish dries almost as soon as it is put on. But if you have brittle nails, working hands and are always on the go, there is the choice of a nail varnish with the combination of all the above qualities.
The main thing to remember when buying any of the many nail polishes on the market is that deciding what your nails need is the most important thing. Once decided, it is plausible that you will find it in whatever color you want.
Learn loads more about the history of nail lacque also commonly referred to as nail varnish now in our comprehensive fab nail color guide.