Red is a classic nail color that really hasn’t gone out of style since the beginning of nail coloring. Its timeless appeal makes it still a very popular color today.
History of Nail Coloring
The art of coloring nails, hair, and skin dates back to as early as 3000 BC. Ancient Egyptians used essential oils, bark, blossoms, and kohl as makeup. They began dipping their nails in henna to dye them a rich, warm red. Queen Nefertiti and Queen Cleopatra took this beauty dedication to a new level by wearing lavish makeup designs and signature scents of essential oils. Chinese, Greeks, and Romans followed suit and also used their own form of cosmetics, including staining or dying hair and nails.
Modern Nail Coloring
The early 20th century sparks a whole new attitude in America. Celebrities with beautiful hair, flawless skin, and meticulously manicured nails were now in the public eye. Radio advertising boomed in the 1920’s and cosmetics were one of the largest sources of revenue. In 1932 Charles Revson of Revlon marketed the very first nail polish. Early formulas were similar to automotive paint. This was the beginning of manicures as we know them today. Women soon had an array of colors to choose from.
And Now…
We have so many options to choose from! Not only do we have traditional nail polish that comes in nearly every color you can think up, we also have other products such as CND’s Shellac that has improved our beauty processes. The first 12 colors of Shellac of course included this classic red color, which they named Wildfire.
One of My Latest Nail Designs Using The Classic Red Color

I recently posted a tutorial of how I turned a regular set of nails into cute Minnie Mouse Nails. My Minnie Mouse Nail Art was actually by request of a customer. Since doing them they have become very popular!
Author Bio
Emily is a professional nail technician. She currently services clients out of her salon in Eagle Mountain, Utah. She is currently sharing her Nail Art passion with women on a consistent basis through multiple websites that have agreed to feature her work!