Mani’s and Pedi’s – *Sigh, we can be so grateful for them, right? Whether you have that important interview to “nail”, (see what I did there) or your wedding to prepare for, or simply because you know having beautiful nails gives off a super first impression, mani’s and pedi’s are the ultimate feel good therapy. But have you ever wondered who you have to thank for this incredible “invention” Let’s take a closer look at the History of Manicures and Pedicures.
Grecian Goddess’s
It turns out the Greeks aren’t just famously known for the first Olympic games that ever took place, (in 776 BC) or for breaking plates during a wedding celebration, but we can also give kudos to Eros, who was the Greek god of love and he was considered to be the first manicurist when he cut Aphrodite’s (Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty) fingernails while she was asleep. Eros then discarded these clippings onto the white sands of sacred beach where they were turned into precious gems.
Good Old Southern Babylonia
Southern Babylonian men took care of their nails by colouring their nails using Kohl. (Kohl is an ancient eye cosmetic, traditionally made by grinding stibnite) Different colours represented different classes – the lower class wore green while black was the status colour used for the upper echelons.
The Egypticians
The Egyptians. We can go on about many amazing and inspirational rituals, drawings, makeup art, etc that they were responsible for, however we talking mani’s and pedi’s here! It was the legendary Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti who would stain their nails using henna and thereafter, massage their hands with rich oils to keep them soft and well-nourished. With the Egyptian culture back in the day, it was also known that the upper class wore a bolder colour, which indicated one had a great deal of power.
The Roaring 1920’s and 1930’s:
The 1920’s was a remarkable era. Women gained the right to vote, the mass media was born, the automobile industry bloomed and so did women begin to colour their nails using high-gloss car paint! Popular beauty brand Revlon launched a revolutionary polish that used pigments instead of dyes while flappers and well-known actresses used this to their advantage with French manicures and the half moon technique.
The Groovy 1960’s
This is the era where we welcome the hippie movement and say a farewell to nail varnish hues and a groovy hello to pastel shades. Think gorgeous supermodel Twiggy gracing countless magazines with her gorgeous accentuated eyes her pastel outfits and nails. This is one era we all love and find true happiness is bringing back into trend!
The Modern Mani & Pedi
What nail trend don’t we follow today? I think us modern ladies and men for that matter, are always keen to try almost anything and everything! This is why trends are forever evolving. From au natural to 3D nails to crazy nail art, we certainly have “nailed” it! Polish also comes every colour imaginable with new and stronger technologies such as gelish, acrylic, nail appliques, you name it!
At Langaro Nail Salon in Cape Town, our nail technicians are trained to do it all. If you make a manicure or pedicure booking with us, we will always consult with you first, making sure all your needs are met and that the outcome result is exactly what you envisioned.
