* Ancient Times: Nail coloring dates back to ancient times, with evidence found in ancient Egypt (using henna) and China (using beeswax, gelatin, and vegetable dyes). These were used as status symbols.
* Modern Nail Polish Precursors: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people polished their nails using tinted creams, powders, and buffing. These were more about a glossy, healthy look than actual color.
* Automobile Paint Influence: The development of modern nail polish is often credited to the inspiration taken from automobile paint. The Lustre Nail Polish by Michelle Menard was the first modern nail polish, produced in 1920s by the company Cutex.
* Cutex and Revlon: Companies like Cutex and Revlon were crucial in developing and marketing modern nail polish. They introduced a wider range of colors and improved formulas, making nail polish a mainstream beauty product.
In summary: While nail coloring has ancient roots, the modern form of nail polish we know today emerged in the early 20th century, with the influence of automobile paint and the development/marketing efforts of companies like Cutex and Revlon. There isn't one single inventor to credit, but rather a gradual evolution.