Nail Polish

Nail Polish is a cosmetic used to color and enhance the nails. Specific types of nail polish are sold to help strengthen and protect the nails. When nail polish was first used, it derived from natural elements, however the common nail polish today is made with a number of ingredients including phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde.

Fast Facts

1. 3000 B.C.: Nail polish was introduced
2. Traditionally worn only by women, but gaining popularity with men
3. Available in a wide variety of colors
4. Must remove with a nail polish remover

History

The Chinese originally used lacquer, made of gum arabic, egg whites, gelatin and beeswax to color the nails. The Egyptians used henna plants to stain the nails a reddish-brown color. During 600 B.C., the Chinese would color their nails with gold and silver to denote their royalty. The Egyptians also used nail color to denote their royalty status, with royalty using bright, dark reds and lower ranked women were only allowed to use pale colors.

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