Nail Polish/ Varnish

Nail polish or nail varnish is a cosmetic lacquer that is applied to the nails of both the fingers and toes, usually as ornamentation but also as protection. more...

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History

There are historic records of nail colouring in ancient societies of China and Egypt, where colour signified social class. In China, it is done by mashing together the petals of impatiens flower and alum. Applying this mixture to nails for a few hours or overnight leaves a color ranging from pink to red.

Originally made of natural pigments, modern nail polish is similar to car paint, and requires a polish remover such as acetone to remove. Modern nail polish was invented by Michelle Ménard in the early 1920s.

Constituents

Most nail polishes are made of nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent and either left clear or colored with various pigments.

Nail polish makers have been under pressure to reduce or eliminate the chemical dibutyl phthalate, which has been linked to testicular problems in lab animals and humans. Several makers have recently agreed to phase out the chemical in updated formulations.

Nail polish should be stored in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, as it will change consistency if left in a warm environment.

Nail polish in fashion

Nail polish is traditionally worn by women, who may apply it to their fingernails, toenails, or both.

Traditional colours for nail polish are red, pink and flesh-coloured shades, although more unusual shades are also available. The film Pulp Fiction started a trend for very dark red nail polish during the mid-1990's, after Uma Thurman's character wore Chanel's \"Rouge Noir\" (known as \"Vamp\" in the USA) throughout. Black or other very dark nail polish has been popular with goths and punks of both genders since the 1970s.

Some men also use nail polish (typically fingernail polish). Rock stars such as Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Metallica's Kirk Hammet are wearers.

Some types of polish that are advertised to cause nail growth, make nails stronger, and stop nail biting. Nail polish may be applied as one of several components in a manicure.

Read more at Wikipedia.org