100 Years of Nail Art | Glamour

Take a look back at the last century of nail art, from the crescent nails craze of the 1930s (popularized by Joan Crawford), to the introduction of acrylic nails in the 1950s, to the popularity of darker shades in the 90s as grunge music took the country by storm.

[what.whatisthatyousay]

French tips were DEFINITELY a big part of the 2000s. Rounded off square nail shape with French tips was the look for the majority of the decade for a lot of people. Accent nails also became popular. Whole hand one color and then one finger on each hand (usually ring) was another. Neon pink/orange was also a big trend.

[littleblacksubmarie]

I really appreciate that you all took time to differentiate Black nail styles, esp bc they are very prominent today... it's important to credit those girls who did it first

[madelinekalu]

My friends and l had nail piercings on our acrylic nails in the 90's. We also attached trinkets to our piercings such as the first letter of our given names. They were so much fun to wear, but the piercings would get caught on almost every fabric and the trinkets were heavy to wear.

It also just occurred to me - for my 21st birthday (still in the 90's) l went and had my acrylic nails extended to about 7cm, maybe longer with a baby pink polish. I couldn't touch or pick up anything, but l knew l wouldn't have them done like that again, so l just enjoyed the moment. All good times! Thanks for the memories! LOL!

[HunterJarvis]

Abstract nails will forever be synonymous with 2022 to me. They were absolutely EVERYWHERE this summer!!

[SeabassFishbrains]

Nail tech here: All of the nail extension shapes in the 2000's and earlier in this video are suuuper inaccurate, straight, pinched forms didn't rise in popularity until the late 2000's and straight tips weren't really a thing until about 3-4 years ago, before then we had super curved tips that didn't have much c-curve to them and super stiff forms that also lacked c-curve and even created a slight flared edge on longer nails. Additionally, the acrylic nail extensions that were invented in the 1950's (which we still use today) were absolutely not the first ever nail extensions as this video suggests, silk wrap nail extensions have a much longer history. Also, who the heck thought it would be a good idea to make the model hold a guitar upside down and backwards? It makes the model (and by extension those who wear nails in general) look stupid and vapid.

[moni]

I remember the neon nail polish of the 80s! The lack, fingerless gloves showed off the neon polish. Thanks for the history of the French Manicure in 1975. I love French Manicures. It's my signature nail design!

[AbigayleFall-spwt]

I still remember growing up in the late 2000’s into the early 2010’s that nail art was one of THE BEST ways to express yourself! I can still remember little elementary school me wearing magenta polish 😁❤️

[jadalong]

Nail tech here! Duck nails were a Y2K essential, but they weren’t highlighted or mentioned in the video. Duck nails with a combination of bright colors and prints (example: hot or neon pink base with zebra print French tips).

[stree.]

To be honest i am not a fan of long nails and prefer short painted nails, but i love the colors💚💙❤💜🧡🖤💞😍💅👍👏🌟

[Emma-utmf]

I can remember going to my Nans once after painting my nails metallic blue and her complementing me on them so I offered to do hers for a wedding she was going to, I can remember her telling me that all they had when she was my age was red nail polish as I was painting her nails for the wedding.

[lovejones]

As a kid in the 90s I used to watch my mom with her long nails. I hated them because they reminded me of Freddy Kruger. Lol plus I didn't think they were that functional. But because of her I love getting my short nails done. Also when I hit my teenage years (late 90s/00s) I ventured towards the grunge look with nails anyway

[cocomami]

French manicure is a classic nail art style 💅✨

[behoney]

Thank you for mentioning Coko of SWV, she was nail goals!!!

[qytj]

My favourite are the classic ones at the beginning, along with French tips and the nude ombre

[ananyasinha]

Absolutely beautiful editing and amazing effort guys! Well done 💖

[fantasyprincessgirl]

Your series was brought back!
My Suggestion for your next episode is
Teen Boys Clothing

[Scarletdollie]

Can believe yall didn't include the coffin nail crazy of 2010

[gigigigi]

I just love the production and artistry along with the music...wonderfully done!!!

[venus_envy]

I remember in the 2010s doing a French fade on myself without an airbrush, I used a makeup sponge instead, it worked great probably my best DIY nails up to that point!

[minalove]

Omg I remember when minx nails were all the rage! Funny how trends reset. Now we're back to the longer-than-life nails, it's all beautiful though if you can function. 😊