* Ancient Times: There's evidence of nail coloring going back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, China, and India. They used natural dyes like henna, berries, and even animal blood to color their nails.
* 19th Century: In the 1800s, the practice of nail coloring was mostly limited to the wealthy and upper classes.
* Early 20th Century: The early 1900s saw the introduction of commercially produced nail polish, though it was still considered quite a novelty.
* 1920s: Nail polish gained popularity during the Roaring Twenties, becoming associated with the fashionable flapper style.
* 1930s & 1940s: The rise of Hollywood and the glamour of movie stars like Marilyn Monroe further cemented the use of nail polish as a beauty staple.
So, while we can't pinpoint a precise starting date, nail polish has been around for centuries, but its widespread adoption and popularity began in the early 20th century.