From Tips to Toes: A Brief History of Manicures & Pedicures

After a long week of school or work, preparing for a birthday or wedding or even gearing up to take a mini vacation can be even more relaxing when you're at a salon getting a manicure and a pedicure.( I honestly can't wait to the end of the semester so I can do this also).But anyways, have you ever got so relaxed in that salon chair to the point that you start thinking about the world of stuff like perhaps,where did the art of a manicure begin? Well, if you haven't I have and if you continue to read I'll take you on a journey to where this art actually began.

Manicures began approximately 5,000 years ago in India, when henna was used as nail polish. This popular practice eventually moved on to China where Cixi the dowager empress was known for her beautiful long nails and although they were artificial Cixi always had them well manicured...sounds familiar doesnt it? Well after decades, currently, these fashion nails have become popular for women who did not have long nails but still wanted a manicure.Then in 20th Century and into the 21st as you may know we now have acrylic and UV gel nails which are the modern day "fashion nails"

The French Manicure

First DIY Manicure Kit by Jeff pink

As crazy as it may sound the French manicure did not originate in France, nor was it created by a French national. Actually it was an invention by...you guessed it, an American.

The term “French manicure/pedicure” was first coined during the late 1978 by Jeff Pink, founder of nail polish and treatment brand Orly. However, the technique is believed to originate back in the 1930s when Max Factor, the father of modern cosmetics, claimed he invented the look for the fashionistas of Paris (thus the French connection).

Founder of Orly Jeff Pink

Classic Hollywood stars were also sporting that look during the 30s while others say the look was first seen even earlier during the late 1800s.

Nevertheless, the French manicure started to became popular after Pink created the first DIY French manicure kit,shown above for Hollywood actresses in the 70s and it quickly became a hit. According to worldgoo.com "Pink said Hollywood directors used to complain about how long it takes for actresses to change nail colors, so he was asked to make a color that would complement each wardrobe change" Before I go any further, let that sit for a minute a MAN created the whole idea of French Tips, who would've thought a man created God's best gift to women...I guess they aren't all that bad afterall lol.

Jeff Pink thought the universal look for the nails that would look elegant at the same time is the color of natural nails. He created a flesh-toned polish then added white polish on the tip of the nails, and called the supplies he used the “Natural Look Nail Kit”.

Pink next went to Paris and painted this manicure style on models at a fashion show. When he came back to Los Angeles, he started calling it the “French manicure,” in honor of his friends in Paris and the runway models who donned his new look. After the people saw the chic nail look on Cher and Barbra Streisand, they started talking about it. Not long after that, the French manicure became extremely popular.

Timeless and classically simple as it is, the French manicure (hands) or pedicure (feet) is one of the most common beauty treatments for the toenails and feet. A french manicure is a classic pedicure or spa manicure / pedicure which makes use of two colors: a sheer nude or light pink color as base for the toenails, and a distinguishing thin white polish stripe at the tip. This type of pedicure is a popular style of choice when women want their toenails to look natural yet vibrant and polished, so their feet would look nice in open-toed shoes and sandals.

Pedicure History

The term "pedicure" comes from the Latin words "pedis" which means foot, and "cura" which means nurture, treatment, or care. When it comes to pampering yourself, you can't forget your toes because this goes hand in hand with your manicure so here's a bit of history. People have been pedicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures. Fun Fact! The use of fingernail polish can be traced back even further.

Originating in China in 3000 BC, nail color indicated one’s social status, according to a Ming Dynasty Manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red. As fpr Ancient Egyptians they have been manicuring and pedicuring all the way back to 2300 BC.

Depiction of Ancient Egyptian Manicure and Pedicure

A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a Pharo's tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs. We already know that the Egyptians of the days of the Pharaohs had a fairly advanced form of taking care of their body, especially after the death of people in high positions. Mummified bodies of many Pharaohs have been found exceptionally well preserved to this day. Therefore, they must have had the practice of caring for their bodies even when they were alive.

With this in mind, It is quite probable that they practiced pedicures and manicures in one form or another in those days. Queen Nefertiti, who was one of the most popular and powerful queens in Egypt is known to have painted her nails in a flashy shade of ruby as red was used to indicate that a person belonged to the highest class in society.

History shows that manicures and pedicures are a treatment worth trying: not only for a great time of relaxation, but to keep your feet,hands and nails healthy!