Women all over the world have been using some sort of color or paint over their nails of hands and feet to appear beautiful and more attractive to others. This color or paint is today available in the form of nail polish or enamel that also makes nails stronger besides making them look beautiful with different shades or colors. There is another product by the name of nail lacquer available in the market these days. Many women remain confused regarding the difference between these two products and whether they should use one or the other. This article attempts to take a look at these products to come up with their differences.
Nail Polish
Nail polish is a cosmetic product that is used by most women across the world. It is not simply paint as applying paint done on wood or an automobile would be hazardous for human beings. Nail Polish was invented thousands of years ago in China to provide shine and color to the nails using different products such as egg white, wax, vegetable dyes etc. The shade of the nail polish signified the status of the person, with a darker shade implying a higher status in the society. Soon the use of nail polish spread to other parts of the world with queens of Egypt using it to feel beautiful and attractive.
Nail Lacquer
Nail lacquer is a product that is of recent origin and is being seen in the markets only for the last few years. There are cosmetic companies promoting their beauty products using the name nail lacquer. This is a quick drying liquid formation containing pigments to leave a coating on the nail that is not only protective in nature but also provides a sheen and the shade that makes nails look extremely beautiful. The main ingredient that acts like a thin film on the nails after drying is nitrocellulose. Resins and plasticizers are added to this nitrocellulose to make it resistant to water and soap. Color or pigments are added to this mixture to come up with the nail lacquer.
Nail Polish vs Nail Lacquer
• Nail polish and nail lacquer are same products. In fact, there is a third name for the same product, and that is nail enamel being used by cosmetic manufacturers.
• The use of word lacquer refers to the varnish or the layer that gets applied over the nails and dries quickly.
• Nail polishes have been in use for thousands of years and Chinese are 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. It is also more chip resistant than nail polish.