Getting our nails done is a staple for many of us; it’s a part of making us feel confident and put together, but you may be wondering if there’s a way to do so without negatively impacting your health or the environment. Let’s go through a few different options and how you can make more sustainable changes to your self-care routine that can also reduce your health risks.
NAIL POLISH
Standard nail polish is easy to do, cost effective, and a timely way to make your nails look fresh and clean; however, studies have shown that nail polish can be absorbed into the body through the nails, as the surface is porous. Health Canada deems the level of most of the substances found in nail polish and other cosmetics as “safe.” Still, the data doesn’t tell us whether these products are healthy to use for an entire lifetime or only safe short term or in small doses. You can check the ingredients listed on a nail polish bottle and other personal care products to see if they’re harmful and to what degree at EWG’s website.
A Better Way
Today, you can find nail polishes that are labelled eco-friendly and/or non-toxic, are plant-based, and use recycled plastic and glass containers. These polishes are a great option; you can still show off your vibrant, colourful nails while reducing your health risk and helping the environment at the same time.
GEL NAIL POLISH
Gel polish is my favourite. It typically lasts longer than regular nail polish, and it tends to be a little more dramatic because you can apply a thicker coat. I also find the gel polish to be easier to work with.
Traditional gel nail polish is similar to regular nail polish except for the need for UV radiation to cure it. Exposure to UV radiation may cause damage to the DNA in our skin cells, which may increase your risk of skin cancer. In addition to UV radiation, removing the gel polish requires buffing the nails and/or soaking them in acetone, both of which can damage the nail bed and its layers.
Science to the Rescue
There’s still hope if you’re someone like me who loves gel nail polish; you can now find eco-friendly and non-toxic gel polishes similar to the regular kind. Choosing a nail polish without harsh chemicals can save your nails and the planet, all in one bottle. Some gel polishes are now formulated so you can still get a thicker, more vibrant polish without the risks associated with UV light, and when it’s time to remove the polish, there are plant-based polish removers as well.
Tips When Using Gel Polish
- When removing the gel polish, avoid aggressive buffing of the nail, such as with electric buffers, as these destroy the nail bed.
- Avoid picking the polish off, as this may remove layers of the nail underneath.
- If using traditional gel polish, apply sunscreen to the hands before using the UV light, or wear fingerless gloves.
ACRYLIC NAILS
Acrylic nails are a fan favourite for many of us because they allow for beautiful, intricate designs and provide the illusion of longer nails. Traditionally, the acrylic nail is moulded onto your natural nail and cannot be reused. It’s removed by clipping the ends and soaking the rest of the nail in acetone or another nail-removing solution. This poses a few different issues. Firstly, the plastic is non-reusable, so if you’re getting your nails done every two to three weeks, that’s quite a bit of plastic waste. Second, nail polishes and nail polish removers have been associated with eczema and allergic reactions in some cases. Thirdly, methacrylate monomers (MMA) is used to adhere the acrylic nail to the natural nail, which may cause fingernail damage and deformity, in addition to allergic reactions.
More Good News!
Some artificial nail companies have recognised the need for more sustainable options and are now offering reusable press-on and biodegradable nails. When you're ready to remove them, the safest way to do so (without acetone) is to use a homemade solution of warm water, oil, and body wash. Soak your nails for approximately 10 minutes, then gently pull them off and set them aside to reuse again.
ECO-SALONS
If doing your nails at home is not your thing, you can look for a salon that is GreenCircle Certified. These salons have gone through a rigorous process to ensure they’re using sustainable products and practices to reduce waste and improve energy consumption.
Having long, colourful, and luxurious nails does not have to mean a toxic overload. Choose eco-friendly and sustainable options and show your nails to the world.
