The Most Used Nail Shades in 1900 – Ranked by Percentage
Sweety Karlak
In 1900, nail trends were very natural and understated. Women mostly preferred clear, polished nails or very soft, natural pinks. Bright colors, reds, or bold shades were extremely rare, as the focus was on a healthy, natural appearance. Nail care emphasized cleanliness and elegance over fashion statements.
Nail Colors in 1900 (Percentage of Women Who Used Each Color)
Clear Gloss / Transparent Shine – 50% of women used clear polish
Clear, glossy nails were the most popular, reflecting natural beauty and cleanliness, which were highly valued at the time.
Soft Pink & Pale Natural Shades – 30% of women used these colors
Very soft pinks and natural nail shades were common for subtle elegance, giving a healthy and polished look.
Beige & Nude Shades – 10% of women used these colors
Beige and nude tones were worn for a slightly more refined, understated style for formal occasions.
Bright Red & Cherry Shades – 5% of women used these colors
Red nails were extremely rare, mostly used in theatrical performances or very wealthy circles.
French Manicure (Classic Tips) – 2% of women used French nails
French tips were practically nonexistent in 1900, with very few experimenting with tip designs.
Dark Shades (Burgundy, Deep Plum, Black) – 1% of women used dark colors
Dark nails were almost never worn and were only occasionally seen in artistic or theatrical contexts.
Metallic & Chrome Nails – 1% of women used metallic nails
Metallic nail polish was nearly nonexistent, as nail products were limited and focused on natural looks.
Glitter & Sparkle Nails – 0.5% of women used glitter polish
Glitter was extremely rare, used only for theatrical purposes or special performances.
Pastel Shades (Lavender, Mint, Baby Blue) – 0.5% of women used pastel nails
Pastels were almost unheard of and very experimental.
Bold Colors (Hot Pink, Bright Blue, Orange) – 0.5% of women used bold shades
Bold neon or bright colors were virtually unknown and rarely applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the most popular nail color in 1900?
Clear glossy nails, used by 50% of women, were the top choice for a natural, polished look.
2. Were soft pink nails common in 1900?
Yes, 30% of women used soft pink or pale natural shades for subtle elegance.
3. Were nude or beige nails worn in 1900?
Yes, 10% of women chose nude or beige for formal or refined appearances.
4. How common were red nails in 1900?
Red nails were rare, used by only 5% of women, mainly for theater or wealthy circles.
5. Were French manicures popular in 1900?
No, only 2% of women experimented with tip designs; French manicures were not mainstream.
6. How common were dark nail colors?
Very rare, with 1% of women using shades like burgundy, deep plum, or black.
7. Were metallic nails used in 1900?
Only 1% of women tried metallic shades; most products focused on natural colors.
8. How widely were glitter nails used in 1900?
Glitter was nearly nonexistent, used by 0.5% of women for theatrical purposes.
9. Were pastel shades popular in 1900?
Pastels were extremely rare, with 0.5% of women using experimental soft colors.
10. Were bold neon or bright colors common?
No, bold bright colors like hot pink or blue were virtually unknown, used by 0.5% of women.
