Nail polish

Bottle of "No. 17" nail polish

Nail polish is a cosmetic lacquer that is applied to the nails of both the fingers and toes, usually as ornamentation but also as protection. Most nail polishes are made of nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent and either left clear or colored with various pigments.

There are historic records of its use in ancient societies of China and Egypt, where colour signified social class. Originally made of natural pigments, modern nail polish is similar to car paint, and requires a polish remover such as acetone to remove.

Many people grow their finger nails and polish them with nail polish, whereas the toenails are usually kept short. Sometimes people paint their nails a color that will match their clothes. It is typically, but not exclusively, worn by women though is this day and age many teenage boys in particular will wear it as well. Nail polish may be applied as one of several components in a manicure. Reddish and pinkish shades of nail polish represent femininity in most cultures and can make the wearer appear more sexually attractive. Black is a colour often worn by goths. There are also types of polish that aid nail growth, make nails stronger, and stop nail biting.