The Most Used Nail Shades in 1800 – Ranked by Percentage
Sweety Karlak
In 1800, nail trends were entirely natural. Colored nail polish was not available, and women focused on clean, well-groomed nails. Subtle care, buffing, and natural nail shine reflected health, hygiene, and social status. Elegance was defined by the natural appearance rather than decorative color.
Nail Colors in 1800 (Percentage of Women Who Used Each Color)
Natural Clear / Buffed Nails – 80% of women used this style
Most women preferred uncolored nails, buffed to a subtle shine. Clean, polished natural nails were the standard of elegance.
Soft Pink / Pale Natural Shades – 15% of women used these colors
Slightly rosy natural nails appeared due to healthy nail beds and careful care, giving a feminine touch.
Beige / Nude Tones – 3% of women used these colors
Very light beige or nude shades were rare, sometimes used by the wealthy for formal appearances.
Clear Gloss / Oil Shine – 2% of women used this method
Some applied natural oils, waxes, or creams to enhance shine and maintain healthy nails.
Red / Cherry Shades – 0.5% of women used these colors
Red nails were extremely uncommon, mainly in theatrical or elite circles experimenting with nail decoration.
Dark Shades (Burgundy, Black, Deep Plum) – 0.3% of women used dark colors
Dark nails were almost never worn, only in rare artistic or theatrical contexts.
Metallic / Chrome Nails – 0.1% of women used metallic nails
Metallic finishes did not exist for general use and were practically unheard of.
Glitter / Sparkle Nails – 0.05% of women used glitter polish
Glitter nails were virtually nonexistent.
Pastel Shades (Lavender, Mint, Blue) – 0.05% of women used pastel nails
Pastels were experimental and extremely rare in the 1800s.
Bold / Bright Colors – 0.05% of women used bold shades
Bright or neon colors were unknown; almost all nails were natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the most common nail style in 1800?
Natural, buffed nails were used by 80% of women, focusing on clean, shiny nails.
2. Were soft pink nails popular in 1800?
Yes, 15% of women had slightly rosy natural nails for a subtle feminine appearance.
3. Were nude or beige nails used in 1800?
Rarely, 3% of women wore very light nude shades, mostly among the wealthy.
4. Did women use any polish in 1800?
Mostly no; 2% of women applied oils or waxes to enhance nail shine.
5. Were red nails popular in 1800?
No, only 0.5% of women used red nails, typically for theater or elite experiments.
6. How common were dark nail colors?
Extremely rare, with 0.3% of women wearing dark shades.
7. Were metallic nails used in 1800?
Practically none (0.1% of women); metallic finishes were not available.
8. Were glitter nails known in 1800?
Glitter polish was virtually nonexistent (0.05% of women).
9. Were pastel nail colors used in 1800?
Pastels were experimental and extremely rare, worn by only 0.05% of women.
10. Were bright or neon colors common in 1800?
No, bright colors were almost unknown (0.05% of women).
