Nail Polish vs Lacquer
Women around the globe have used various colors and paints on their nails to enhance their beauty and attractiveness. Nowadays, this color or paint is available as nail polish, also known as enamel, which not only makes nails more appealing but also strengthens them. Nail lacquer is another product available on the market, and many women are unsure about the differences between the two and which one to use. This article aims to explore these products and their distinctions.
Key Takeaways
- Nail polish and nail lacquer are essentially the same product, with a third name being nail enamel.
- The term lacquer refers to the varnish or layer applied over nails, which dries quickly.
- Some people believe that nail lacquer is thicker, stronger, and more chip-resistant than nail polish after drying.
Nail Polish
Nail polish is a cosmetic product used by women worldwide. It is not merely paint, as using paint designed for wood or automobiles would be hazardous to humans. Nail polish was invented in China thousands of years ago to add shine and color to nails using various ingredients like egg whites, wax, and vegetable dyes. The shade of nail polish signified a person’s status, with darker shades implying a higher societal standing. Soon, nail polish use spread globally, with Egyptian queens using it to feel beautiful and attractive.
Nail Lacquer
Nail lacquer is a more recent product, appearing on the market only in the last few years. Cosmetic companies promote their beauty products using the name “nail lacquer.” It is a quick-drying liquid formula containing pigments that leave a protective coating on the nail while also providing a sheen and shade that make nails look stunning. Nitrocellulose is the main ingredient that acts as a thin film on the nails after drying. Resins and plasticizers are added to the nitrocellulose to make it resistant to water and soap. Colors or pigments are then added to this mixture to create the nail lacquer.
Nail Polish vs Nail Lacquer
• Nail polish and nail lacquer are the same products. In fact, cosmetic manufacturers use a third name for the same product: nail enamel.
• The use of the word “lacquer” refers to the varnish or layer that is applied over the nails and dries quickly.
• Nail polishes have been in use for thousands of years, with the Chinese credited with the invention of this product.
• Some people believe that nail lacquer is thicker and stronger than nail polish. It is harder than nail polish after drying and is also more chip-resistant than nail polish.
