Fly By: History of Nails!

As you know, Fly Vintage and I LOVE nails! Filing, buffing, shaping, picking paint - we enjoy every moment.  Here is Fly's 2nd post for Fauxshionable all about nails through the decades and today.

History of Nails!

by Fly Vintage

Ladies (and gents)…

Heighten your glamorous style with the often overlooked but never to be under appreciated extra: NAILS!

Nails have always been an integral part of fashion. Their importance has wavered but nail fashion has never completely disappeared. Here is a look at nail fashion in the past 60 years.

The 1950's Nail:

Medium length and tapered on the ends. Oval shape was THE shape. Shades of red and pink were the only acceptable options. Matching your nail color to your lipstick was tres chic.

The 1960's Nail:

Longer lengths and oval shaped ends that almost come to a point. The first sightings of the square end tips started popping up. Pastel colors were very sought after.


The 1970's Nail:

The 70’s nail, like the clothing of the era, had more sparkle. Toward the end of the decade, the square shape began emerging as a more common trend. The natural buffed nail was popular but lengths were always kept long. Clear varnish top coat on top of the color choice became a staple in any manicure.

The 1980's Nail:

The 80’s really started the squaring of the nail. Neon nail polishes, glitter and acrylic nails all become the new standard.

The 1990's Nail:

French tip and square. Rhinestones, airbrush art and an assortment of colors all reigned supreme.

The 2000's Nail:

Short and dark. Jewel tones. Black nail polish became quite chic and no longer taboo. The first wait list for nail polish was created for Chanel’s Vamp.

The Now Nails:

Ovals ARE BACK!!! Longer lengths and more outrageous techniques are prevalent. Nail stickers are everywhere. The varieties are endless! On top of all this amazing goodness, progressive technologies are being used to create polish without all the toxic chemicals. Deborah Lippmann is a new favorite brand of nail lacquer that contains no toluene, formaldehyde or DBP AND the color selections are exquisite.

Modern Advice:

Keep them fresh. If you wouldn’t walk down the street with holes in your clothes, why would you allow chips in your polish? Chipped nails are like snags in silk. They don't necessarily detract from the overall look but are an eyesore none the less. A sign of a put together woman is one with well manicured nails. Whether that means an au natural buffed look or a lacquered bold hue, consistency is key.

P.S.  If you are having trouble choosing a shade always remember that you can never go wrong with red. Classic.