The History Of Nail Polishes

Nail polish also called nail varnish is a lacquer applied to nails; predominantly used by women, both men and women can wear it. Nail polishes are an important part of the beauty regimes of any woman; the color a woman wears can change her mood, project her confidence and portray a certain image to people around her.

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.

In recent years, there has been some form of controversy surrounding the ingredients used in nail varnishes; manufacturers were pressured to reduce or remove completely toxic ingredients like dibutylphthalate which studies proved caused testicular problems in humans and lab animals.

Nail varnish these days do not come cheap so it is always advisable to look after properly so you get to use it for a long time. To preserve its shelf life, keep it out of sunlight in a cool dry place, always shake the bottle before using it this helps mix the vanish evenly. On average a good nail polish can last up to two years when looked after properly.

Also when applying, use easy strokes twice, apply a first coat, wait for it to dry before apply a second coat. To help the varnish last longer, apply thin coats each time and never apply new varnish on top of an old one, remove the old one before putting on an old 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.

Those who have brittle and weak nails should go for growth enhancing polishes with strengthening qualities whiles those who do a lot of house work should opt for long lasting polishes which can withstand housework.

For people who do not have the time to wait for their nails to dry, there is the option of quick drying polishes or combine all of the above qualities and go for a all in one nail polish to protect your nail against all eventualities.

New Nail Polishes are launched practically every month with manufacturers fighting for our custom, when choosing a polish, choose the type you want and then decide on the color which might be hard considering how many colors there are, Good luck.