The Colorful History of Nail Polish

Nail polish has always been more than just a pretty finish — it’s a reflection of culture, style, and even power. Since I spend so much of my time hand-mixing shades for Canna Paint, I thought it would be fun to look back at where this little obsession of ours actually began. Spoiler: polish has been around for thousands of years.

Ancient Beginnings
The earliest records of nail color go back to China around 3000 BC. Back then, nail color wasn’t chosen for fun — it signified social status. Royals wore bold reds and metallic tones made from beeswax, egg whites, and natural dyes, while those of lower classes were limited to softer shades. Your manicure was basically your résumé.In ancient Egypt, nails held the same symbolic weight. Cleopatra herself was said to favor red polish, a color that represented both power and passion. When it comes to timeless classics, she clearly had the right idea.

The Men Wore It First

One of the lesser-known chapters in nail history? Men painted their nails long before the polish aisle existed. In Babylon, warriors colored their nails black or green before battle. It was a way to display strength and intimidation — proof that nail polish has always been a form of armor, in its own way.

From Shine to Stardom

The nail polish we recognize today came about in the 1920s, inspired by automobile paint. That glossy lacquer was reformulated for fingertips, making manicures accessible to the everyday woman. Hollywood soon picked up on the trend, and actresses like Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe turned bold nails into beauty icons.The decades that followed only expanded the possibilities: acrylic nails in the 70s, neon in the 80s, and moody grunge shades in the 90s. Each era added a new chapter to nail culture.

Canna Paint’s Place in the Story

Looking at this history, one thing is clear: nail polish has always been about more than color. It’s about confidence, individuality, and expression. That belief is exactly why I started Canna Paint. Every shade is hand-mixed to stand out — bold when you want impact, soft when you want subtlety, and always a little different from the norm.

If Babylonian warriors could stride into battle with painted nails, you can definitely face your day with a little CBD-infused shine.

A Tradition Worth Carrying On

From ancient royalty to Hollywood icons, nail polish has been an accessory of power and personality. Today, it’s a daily ritual that connects us to that long, colorful history. And the best part? We get to keep writing the next chapter with every fresh coat.