You might be surprised to learn that false nails weren't invented by someone in the beauty industry and even more surprised to learn that the first person to wear them wasn't into get their nails done either. So who invented false nails?
In 1954, Frederick Slack, a dentist from Philadelphia, was having a regular day at work. That is until he accidentally broke one of his nails during a dental procedure. Now, for most of us, a broken nail is an annoying inconvenience, but for Frederick, it sparked a pretty cool idea.
Instead of trimming off the broken nail or leaving it as is, Frederick decided to try something different. With his expertise in dental materials, he used dental acrylic, an innovative material at the time, to create a makeshift cover for his broken nail. Not only did this acrylic nail cover the broken area perfectly, but it also looked surprisingly natural and durable.
This was no ordinary fix. Frederick realised that his accidental creation had potential far beyond the dental chair. What started as a solution to a personal problem could actually be the next big thing in beauty.
Frederick Slack wasn’t content with just a single acrylic nail on his own finger. He saw an opportunity to take his discovery to the masses. Working with his brother, Tom Slack, Frederick began refining the technique and materials, aiming to create a commercial product that could be used by women everywhere. They developed a process that involved sculpting nails using the same dental acrylics but designed specifically for cosmetic use. These early false nails could be shaped, polished, and painted, offering a level of durability and aesthetic appeal that was previously unimaginable. As word spread, they built their business Nail Systems International and sold products to brands like OPI and salons all over the world.
False nails have come a long way since their accidental invention in 1954, but Loste wouldn't exist (maybe) without the initiative of Frederick!