The Most Used Nail Shades in 1850 – Ranked by Percentage

In 1850, nail trends were extremely natural. Women primarily focused on clean, well-groomed nails, with no artificial coloring or polish widely used. Subtle care, gentle buffing, and natural nail shine defined elegance, as the concept of colored nail polish had not yet become mainstream. 

Nail Colors in 1850 (Percentage of Women Who Used Each Color)

Natural Clear / Buffed Nails – 70% of women used this style

Most women in 1850 preferred natural nails, carefully buffed to shine. Clean, uncolored nails were considered the epitome of beauty and proper grooming.

Soft Pink / Pale Natural Shades – 20% of women used these colors

Slightly rosy natural nails were achieved through careful buffing and health, giving a subtle feminine look.

Beige / Nude Tones – 5% of women used these colors

Very light beige or nude hues appeared occasionally, usually among wealthier women or for formal occasions.

Clear Gloss / Oil Shine – 3% of women used this method

Some women applied oils or waxes to enhance nail shine, creating a glossy, healthy appearance.

Red / Cherry Shades – 1% of women used these colors

Red nails were almost nonexistent, used only for theater, fashion experiments, or by very wealthy circles.

Dark Shades (Burgundy, Black, Deep Plum) – 0.5% of women used dark colors

Dark nail colors were extremely rare and mostly seen in artistic or theatrical contexts.

Metallic / Chrome Nails – 0.5% of women used metallic nails

Metallic nail finishes did not exist in mainstream use, with only rare experimental attempts.

Glitter / Sparkle Nails – 0.5% of women used glitter polish

Glitter or sparkly nails were virtually unknown and extremely rare.

Pastel Shades (Lavender, Mint, Blue) – 0.3% of women used pastels

Pastels were not used in mainstream fashion and were mostly experimental.

Bold / Bright Colors – 0.2% of women used bold shades

Bright neon or striking colors were virtually nonexistent in 1850.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What was the most common nail style in 1850?

Natural, buffed nails were used by 70% of women, focusing on clean and shiny nails.

2. Were soft pink nails popular in 1850?

Yes, 20% of women preferred slightly rosy natural nails for a subtle feminine appearance.

3. Were beige or nude nails used in 1850?

Yes, 5% of women wore very light nude tones, mainly among the wealthy or for formal occasions.

4. Did women use any polish in 1850?

Almost none; some applied oils or waxes (3% of women) for a natural shine.

5. Were red nails popular in 1850?

No, only 1% of women had red nails, typically in theatrical or experimental settings.

6. How common were dark nail colors?

Extremely rare, with 0.5% of women wearing dark shades like burgundy or black.

7. Were metallic nails used in 1850?

No, metallic finishes were almost nonexistent (0.5% of women) and experimental at best.

8. Were glitter nails known in 1850?

No, glitter or sparkly nails were virtually unknown, used by 0.5% of women.

9. Were pastel nail colors used in 1850?

Pastels were extremely rare, with 0.3% of women experimenting with colors like lavender or mint.

10. Were bright or neon colors common?

No, bright neon or bold colors were virtually nonexistent, with only 0.2% of women experimenting.