Nail Art Ideas : An Artistic Journey

A touch of history

Far from being a simple gendered fashion, nail painting is a form of art that has been practiced for thousands of years. The first records regarding nail art ideas go back to ancient Egypt, almost 6000 years ago.

Red stiletto nail art

The proximity of a navigable river such as the mighty Nile allowed the Egyptian to access treasures made of minerals and colorings, which they also used to paint nails and hands following the traditions of the civilizations they traded with: an example is the ancient art of the henné. Also Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans developed a remarkable ensemble of tools specifically dedicated to enhance and celebrate beauty, including manicure and nail polish accessories.

Elegant nail art

It was Christianity that slew down this aesthetic form of art: whatever exalted feminine beauty, in fact, especially if it was conspicuous, suddenly was labeled as sinful. The veto, however, didn’t last long. Thanks to the minstrels’ odes to beauty, the ancient cult of decoration and embellishment made his comeback, starting from the year 1000.

Red Nails

Running through modernity and postmodernity, the 90s can truly claim their place as THE revolutionary decade for nail art ideas, an historical moment that witnessed the introduction of an impressive series of innovations: fake nails, new materials and surfaces upon which artists from all over the world can express their personality and taste.

Blue nails

Postmodern, Halloween nail art and beyond

How to do nail art then? The postmodern nail – homogeneous and strong – is an ever-changing artifact that welcomes brilliantine, improbable colors, minerals and crystals (including Swarovksi): it is the ultimate tip of a walking canvass. Personalities of any kind and shape, from the dreamiest to the toughest, encounter an opportunity to express themselves on this malleable surface. Plus, with all these beautiful tricks and shades, there is now a different look for every occasion: there is aHalloween nail art, a Christmas nail art… pure eclecticism.