China is known for many interesting beauty trends in history. One of the most controversial of these is foot binding. Foot binding was considered very beautiful as it created a tiny and lotus shaped stem that was seen as feminine. This caused most women who had their feet bound to be handicapped and unable to do even simple household tasks. Despite this fact, foot binding was popular for thousands of years.
Another interesting fact in Chinese beauty culture is nail painting. China may have been one of the first places to have women that painted their nails. The color on a woman’s nails would express her social status. Darker colors were used by those of higher status, while middle class women wore pale and nude colors on their nails.
Pale skin was desired and created by Chinese women with substances such as chalk and rice powder. This white powder was applied on the face, neck, legs and hands to create a delicate, doll like, porcelain appearance.
Traditional hairstyles have changed in China among the centuries. One of the most popular and well-known hairstyles of the past is called the kepatsu. The Kepatsu hairstyle is a style that is similar to a braid that is raised in the front, near the forehead. This hairstyle, like many other ancient Chinese beauty trends, can be found in many works of art from the past.
