1) China is often credited with developing the first "nail polish" around 3000 BC. This concoction was used by both men and women.
In 1920s Modern nail polish made with celluloid became popular, largely thanks to Hollywood celebrities. In 1930s French manicures gained prominence.
2) In many cultures, long nails and nail adornment were traditionally associated with women due to their connection to leisure and beauty, as they signified the ability to afford not having to perform manual labour. Hence the utmost beauty is useless, since it gets damaged and degraded with labour. But this does not hinder ladies to remain very good at piercing still.
Today this is still aimed to trigger feelings of elegance, sophistication, and allure, no matter what the truth is.
3) Many people, particularly women, believe that nature is not perfect enough for them. Therefore they hide themselves behind their idealized self that "surpasses" their natural state and "simulate better themselves".

 

It's much more interesting when women started wearing thongs

A father asks his 18-year-old daughter:
"What are those red laces hanging on the clothesline"
Daughter: “These are not shoelaces, but panties”
Father: "Cowards? What can they protect you from?"
Daughter: “These cowards are not for protection, but for attack...”