Skip to content

Our 2024 Print Your Own Calendar is now on sale! Buy now!

Nail Day lights up the calendar on May 5 every year. It’s a vibrant celebration that brings color and style to the forefront of beauty culture.

People embrace this day to experiment with various nail art designs, shapes, and colors, turning their nails into canvases of creativity. Created by Elegant Touch, a brand known for its fake nails, Nail Day has evolved. It’s not just about acrylics anymore but a broader appreciation of all things nail-related​​.

This day is rooted in a long history of nail care that dates back thousands of years. The practice of adorning nails has been a symbol of status and beauty across different cultures.

From the Ming Dynasty to Ancient Egypt, nails painted in various colors denoted social standing. The modern nail polish era began in the 1920s in France and has since transformed into an industry of endless colors and innovations, including the invention of artificial nails​​.

Interestingly, there’s another nail-focused day worth noting: National Nail Polish Day on June 1. Started by the nail polish brand Essie in 2017, it’s a day that celebrates the joy and variety of nail polish colors. It encourages people to try new shades and express themselves through their nail color choices.

Whether it’s the historical aspect of nail art or the modern palette of colors, these days remind us of the beauty in our hands​​.

History of Nail Day

Once upon a time, someone thought, “Why not have a whole day dedicated to nails?” And so, Nail Day was born, celebrated with flair on May 5th.

This day is all about flaunting those fingers with the brightest colors and coolest shapes. Whether it’s your natural nails craving some jazz or you’re all about those snap-on styles, Nail Day is your runway.

The story starts with Elegant Touch, a company all about those fake nails. They kicked off this colorful tradition to honor acrylic nails. But, like a nail polish collection, it grew to include all kinds of nail art. Now, it’s a day for everyone to get creative with their claws​​​​.

Nail care isn’t new. It goes way back. Imagine, in 3000 B.C., folks in China mixed beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, and flower dyes for a manicure. Fast forward to the 1920s, and glossy nail polish enters the scene, thanks to French makeup artist Michelle Menard.

Not too long after, in 1932, Revlon made manicures a thing for everyone. And then, there’s the tale of Fred Slack, a dentist who accidentally created the first realistic fake nail in 1954. His invention sparked a manicure movement that’s still making waves today​​​​.

So, this Nail Day, why not dive into the fun? Grab some fake nails, try a new polish color, or throw a nail party. After all, it’s a day to celebrate how a simple touch of color can make you feel brand new.

How to Celebrate Nail Day

Celebrating Nail Day can be a blast with these fun ideas:

Snap a Nailfie: Dive into the digital world and post a “nailfie” on your favorite social platform. Get creative with those designs and use the hashtag #NailDay to join the global nail art party​​.

Throw a Nail Art Bash: Why celebrate alone when you can have a nail art party? Invite your pals over, share your top nail painting tips, and maybe even swap some polish. It’s all about having fun and seeing who can come up with the wackiest designs​​.

DIY Spa Time: Mix up your own cuticle oil or hand scrub using ingredients you probably already have at home. Pampering your hands will make them ready to show off those fabulous nail designs​​.

Experiment with Colors: Dare to be different by trying out a nail polish shade you’ve never worn before. Whether it’s a neon bright or a deep, mysterious dark, discovering a new favorite color can highlight your Nail Day​​.

Mani-Pedi Day Out: Book a session at your local salon for a manicure and pedicure. It’s a perfect way to relax, especially if you go with friends or family. Plus, those professionals can give you a nail look that’ll turn heads​​.

Nail Shopping Spree: Treat yourself to some retail therapy by picking out new nail polishes or nail art supplies. Look for eco-friendly brands that don’t test on animals for a guilt-free shopping experience​​.

Support a Cause: Nail Day isn’t just about looking good; it’s also a chance to do good. Consider donating to charities that offer manicure services to those in need or support nail technicians with their education. It’s a beautiful way to spread the love of nails further​​.

These activities celebrate the art of nail design and encourage self-expression and creativity. So, pick your favorite suggestions, or better yet, try them all to make this Nail Day unforgettable!

Also on ...

View all holidays
View all holidays

We think you may also like...

Calendar