History
First and foremost, the foundation for long, decorated nails has a deep, cultural significance in Black history. The introduction of painted nails in modern society started in the early 20th century with glamorous Hollywood entertainers like Josephine Baker and Lena Horne acting against the normal beauty starndards for the time. By the 1960’s we had women like Donyale Luna, the first Black woman on the cover of Vogue, sporting acrylics.
Luna, 1966 Twen shoot
By the 1980’s and 90’s, black women were adding airbrush techniques and rhinestones to their sets. This wasn’t just a form of self expression and creativity. It was also in risilience to stereotypes that deemed long, bright nails as “unprofessional”, thus reclaiming the narrative. And here we are today. The nail industry brings in billions of dollars a year thanks to the innovation and creativity of women of color. This is just one of many examples of black culture being appropriated by white people for profit. To learn more, please visit www.aaregistry.org.
Sarah Guilford
I’m a neurodivergent woman who loves art, dogs, and dismantling the patriarchy. As we face civil unrest and imminent climate disaster, I like to use glitter and bright colors to create hand-painted press-on nails to make you smile.
Free Palestine.
