Nail Care in the Jane Austen Era: Tips for Modern Day Beauties
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, nail care was an essential part of a woman’s grooming routine. Well-manicured hands were a sign of refinement and elegance, indicating that a lady was not required to perform manual labor.
Jane Austen herself was known to take great pride in her appearance, often writing about fashionable dresses, hairstyles, and accessories in her novels. However, despite its importance during this time period, nail care has been somewhat overlooked by modern-day women.
Here are some tips inspired by the Jane Austen era on how to achieve beautiful nails:
1. Keep your nails short
During the Regency era, long nails were considered vulgar as they implied that a woman did not need to use her hands for any practical purposes. Instead, women kept their nails short and clean-cut.
Today we know that keeping our nails short is also important from a hygiene perspective as it prevents dirt and bacteria from accumulating under them. So follow in Jane’s footsteps and keep those talons trimmed!
2. Moisturize your cuticles
Dry or cracked cuticles can be unsightly and painful but moisturizing them with natural oils can help prevent this problem.
Jane Austen would have likely used almond oil or beeswax to nourish her cuticles but today there are various products available specifically designed for this purpose such as vitamin E oil or coconut oil.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals
During the Georgian era when Jane lived (1714-1837), many beauty products contained harmful substances such as lead which could cause damage to the skin or even death when absorbed into the bloodstream through open wounds like cuts on fingertips.
Nowadays cosmetic companies have stricter regulations regarding ingredients but some still contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde or phthalates which can weaken nails over time so opt for natural nail polish options instead.
4. Protect your nails from damage
Jane Austen would have known that a lady’s hands were often exposed to harsh elements such as sun, wind, and water which could cause damage to the nails.
To prevent this, she may have worn gloves when outside or applied a protective layer of oil or cream. Today we can use cuticle oil or hand cream with SPF protection to keep our hands and nails healthy.
5. Eat for healthy nails
In Jane Austen’s time, there wasn’t much scientific research about nutrition but she would have known that eating a balanced diet was important for overall health including nail care.
Today we know that certain foods are particularly beneficial for maintaining strong and shiny nails such as eggs (high in biotin), spinach (rich in iron), and nuts (packed with vitamin E). So be sure to include these in your diet!
6. Don’t forget the basics
Lastly, don’t forget the basic rules of nail care such as not using your fingernails as tools (e.g. opening cans) or biting them which can lead to breakage and infection.
Also, make sure you’re regularly washing your hands with mild soap and warm water to prevent bacteria buildup under the nails.
In conclusion:
While many things have changed since Jane Austen’s time, taking pride in one’s appearance remains an important aspect of modern-day life. By following these simple tips inspired by her era, you too can achieve beautiful, healthy-looking nails fit for a Regency-era heroine!