Nail Art Ideas and Care Tips - Good Housekeeping

In the early 1800s, the modern manicure developed with the invention of the orange stick, a thin wooden stick with one pointy end, usually made from orange wood.[4] It was invented in 1830, by Dr. Sitts, a European podiatrist, who adapted a dental tool for manicure purpose. Previous to this invention people used acid, a metal rod, and scissors to shape and trim the nails. In 1892, Dr. Sitts' niece invented a nail care line for women of any social class, which eventually reached United States Salons.[5] Prior to then women had short, almond shaped nails and often used oils for additional shine or tint. Not long after, in 1907, the first liquid nail polish was invented, although it was colorless. Soon thereafter, it was available in variety of different colors.[6] In 1925, the Lunar manicure (today known as the Half-Moon manicure) was seen everywhere. Reds and pinks were used on the nail bed while avoiding the area around the cuticles.[7] Then again in 1970s, the natural look was back in fashion and preferred by many women, but only for a short time.[8] The French manicure style was created in Paris in 1976 by Jeff Pink, who was the founder of the Los Angeles-based cosmetic company ORLY.[9] Nail painting came back in vogue in the 1980s and since then has been extremely popular.[8]