3. Victorian Era Refinements
The Victorian era was a major turning point in the evolution of nail artistry and treatment. Professional manicure services and the first produced nail care products debuted at this time. Victorian women preferred a natural, well-maintaining appearance, with gently pink nails attained by meticulous buffing and the application of subdued colours. The development of the steel nail file in the 1830s transformed nail care and simplified achieving consistent forms. First nail care books were written during this period, offering thorough guidelines for appropriate nail maintenance and setting standards that would affect next generations.
4. Early 20th Century Revolution
The advent of the 20th century brought nail art radical innovations. The business changed when the first modern nail polish was developed in the 1920s. Companies like Revlon started mass-producing coloured nail polishes, and automotive paint helped to inspire glossy, durable nail lacquer creation. The professional manicurist emerged as a respectable job at this time as well. While Hollywood stars helped popularise many manicure fads, like the classic red nail paint that became associated with glamour and refinement, the advent of new equipment and techniques made nail care more accessible to the general public.