Show Me Your Nails!

Manicures have gone over the top—and Hollywood stars and pop singers are driving the trend. Lizzo made headlines when she sported 3-D orange roses atop extra-long nails at the 2023 Grammys. Other celebrities have showcased fingernails bedazzled with glitter, sequins, rhinestones, and even diamonds!

It could be argued that the nail art trend started in 3000 B.C. That’s when the first nail polish was invented in China, using dyes made from flower petals. Long nails were a fashion statement for the wealthy, and many wore nail guards made of brass dotted with semiprecious stones. Archaeologists have also unearthed Egyptian mummies decorated with shimmering golden nails and dyed fingertips. And ancient Babylonian men may have sported solid-gold manicures in combat.

Have you ever painted your nails? If so, you wouldn’t be the first. People have been decorating their fingernails for thousands of years. But recently, nail art has gone over the top!

Celebrities like Lizzo are behind the trend. At the 2023 Grammys, the singer wore long, pointy nails with 3-D roses on top. Other stars have also been showing off fabulous fingernails. They’re decorated with glitter, sequins, and even diamonds!

The first nail polish was made in China around 3000 BC. It was dyed with flower petals. Wealthy people wore their nails long as a fashion statement. Some also had brass nail guards decorated with gemstones. In ancient Egypt, shiny golden nails were sometimes painted on mummies. And ancient Babylonian men may have worn solid-gold nails into battle.

Bernadette Thompson put modern nail art on the map in the 1990s with the “Money Nails” manicure that she designed for rapper Lil’ Kim. It featured cut-up dollar bill pieces, blingy golden spikes, and sparkly green rhinestones. Nearly 20 years after the iconic look was created, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) featured it in an exhibition about influential 21st-century fashions. “When MoMA called me, I assumed they wanted me to do nails at an event. I was stunned when they asked that my money nails be part of their exhibition,” says Thompson. She’s the first nail artist to be exhibited in MoMA and have her nails included in their permanent collection.

Bernadette Thompson is a nail artist. She helped bring attention to modern nail art. In the 1990s, she designed a money-themed manicure. The rapper Lil’ Kim wore the nails. They included cut-up dollar bills, golden spikes, and green rhinestones. Nearly 20 years later, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) put the look on display. It was the first time the museum had showcased nail art. “When MoMA called me, I assumed they wanted me to do nails at an event,” says Thompson. “I was stunned when they asked [to exhibit] my money nails.”

Nail art is popping up everywhere more than ever. Social media feeds, fashion magazines, blogs, and more showcase new trends and build up new stars, like Mei Kawajiri. Her Instagram page @NailsbyMei shows off her over-the-top 3-D nail designs. “Creating realistic 3-D items on my nails is so much fun! I am inspired by so many things—especially architecture, food, and nature,” Kawajiri says. “I think the future of nail art is limitless design and being able to change your nails all the time!”

Now nail art is everywhere. Social media, magazines, and blogs highlight new trends. There are even new stars, like Mei Kawajiri. She creates outrageous 3-D designs. “I am inspired by so many things—especially architecture, food, and nature,” she says. “I think the future of nail art is limitless!”