Iridescence Salon & Spa

The Full Spectrum of Beauty: Then & Now

💅 The First American Manicure

Did you know professional manicures have been around in America for nearly 150 years?

In 1878, Mary E. Cobb opened one of the country's first manicure salons in New York City. At the time, a manicure wasn't about gel polish or intricate nail art. Instead, the service focused on soaking the hands, caring for the cuticles, shaping the nails, buffing them to a natural shine, and keeping them healthy.

Mary also developed her own nail-care products and trained other women to become professional manicurists, helping transform nail care into the thriving beauty industry we know today.

Then ➜ Now

While today's manicures include builder gel, acrylics, chrome, intricate nail art, and countless colors and finishes, the heart of a great manicure hasn't changed:

✨ Healthy nails.
✨ Beautiful hands.
✨ A little time dedicated to yourself.

Nearly 150 years later, we're still carrying on that tradition (just with a few more colors to choose from). 💙

If you could bring back one nail trend from any decade, or if you're loving today's styles, which would you choose: classic French, bold nail art, chrome, cat eye, timeless neutrals, or something else? Tell us below! 👇