Nail Design: From Henna to Nail Stamping Plates

Nail stamping plates have completely revolutionized the nail art industry.

From henna used in 5000 B.C. to nail stamping plates introduced in the early 2000s, nail art has been around for a really long time. Often used to indicate a woman’s social status, decorated fingertips in the old world were not only a sign of wealth and good health, but also a sign of beauty. Today, nail art is just another way for women (and some men!) to express themselves creatively while boosting their self-confidence.

A Brief History

The Greeks

In Greek mythology, Eros is considered to be the first manicurist in history. He cut Aphrodite’s fingernails while she was sleeping and scattered the clippings down from the heavens. The legend goes on to say that her fingernail clippings actually turned into the semi precious stone that we know today as onyx.

The Egyptians

Although the exact origin of decorating fingernails is unknown, nail design has been around since approximately 5000 B.C. In ancient Egypt, nail art (typically made with henna) was a sign of social status, and the colours used indicated where a woman stood in society’s circle.

The Ming Dynasty

Dying, painting, and staining fingernails were common practice almost everywhere. However, in some cultures, specifically the men and women of the Ming Dynasty, extremely long fingernails covered in gold and jewels was the ultimate status symbol.

The Western World

In the western hemisphere before the twentieth century, finger nail art was not considered a popular practice. Nails that were unstained and even bleached white, were considered to be a sign of moral purity and exceptional personal hygiene. These beautifully buffed and whitened fingertips were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and leisure.

The Evolution of Nail Art

When Hollywood emerged and the fashion scene really took off in the 1920s, women featured in films were typically found flaunting colourful fingertips. This playful new look symbolized modernity and sexuality, and it made women flock to commercial outlets in search of similar nail polish. This was truly the turning point in Western nail art.

Since then, nail polish manufacturers have flooded the market place with every colour imaginable. Pushing boundaries and searching for new angles, manufacturers have created polishes with glitter, quick-dry formulas, and ones with holographic or crackle effects.

The Need for Nail Stamping

Unless you are particularly skilled at freehand nail design, quality nail art was something most people couldn’t attain. With the invention of nail stamping plates, consumers and fingernail enthusiasts could finally achieve eye-catching nail art on their own. Although nail art stickers were introduced into the marketplace during the 1980s, they didn’t last long and didn’t look very polished. As the demand for fun and edgy nail art grew, stamping plates finally emerged in 2002.

These innovative plates have allowed consumers to achieve salon quality nails with consistently perfect images at home. Because you don’t need to be crazy talented with a nail polish brush, stampers have become the must-have nail accessory for DIY-ers. Even salons have adopted this exciting innovation due to the efficiency and ease of use. Since their introduction, nail stamping plates have completely changed and improved the nail art industry in every aspect.

Clear Jelly Stampers have taken this innovative product one step further. To discover how, check out our previous post: Clear Stampers: The Must-Have Nail Art Accessory.  

If you’re looking to discover the magic and creative freedom that comes with using stamping plates, check out Clear Jelly Stampers. We offer everything you need to get started, from nail stamping plates and stampers to kits and storage solutions.