NAIL HISTORY
1. Nail care started in ancient China and Egypt. Around 3000 BC, Chinese royalty used polish from beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and gum Arabic to show status, while Egyptians used henna to color their nails for social classes.
2. In the 19th century, European women began using oils and powders to add shine to their nails. Around this time, manicures became more common in Europe and North America, primarily focusing on nail care and natural polish.
The first nail salon started in 1878 in New York City.
3. The modern nail industry took off in the with the birth and invention of glossy nail polish inspired by the automotive paint industry. In 1932, Revlon was founded and became one of the first companies to market colored nail polish, revolutionizing nail care and beauty.
4. 1940s - 1960s: During this period, the popularity of manicures grew as film stars and celebrities showcased beautifully manicured nails. The introduction of the French manicure and other nail art styles also began during this time.
5. 1970s - The Acrylic Revolution: The 1970s saw the introduction of acrylic nails, which were initially developed by dentists. This innovation allowed for longer, more durable nails, paving the way for intricate nail art and designs.
6. The 1975 fall of Saigon sparked the growth of the $8 billion+ nail industry.
When the first wave of refugees from #Vietnam arrived in the U.S., actress Tippi Hedren and her manicurist Dusty Coots, started training 20 Vietnamese women in Hope Village, California.
7. The first nail salon in the hood, called ManTrap, founded by Olivell Robinson and Charlie Vo in 1983.
If you've had manicure done, it was likely at a Vietnamese-run #nail salon, found in every city, state, and strip mall in the U.S. and beyond.
8. In 2024, Nail Coin - $NAIL cryptocurrency was created for this $8 billion+ Nail Industry. This community-driven project aims to make $NAIL the preferred cryptocurrency for all nail-related payments, covering from products to services and other beauty treatments.