I’ve pretty much given up nail polish simply because I don’t like the way it feels on my nails. Plus, nail polish isn’t known to be “healthy”.

But I know a lot of people love it!

It's Almost Sandal Season - Safer Options for Nail Polish

What’s so bad about nail polish?

Conventional nail polish often contains the following ingredients to watch out for:

• formaldehyde

• toluene

• dibutyl phthalate

• camphor

• ethyl tosylamide

• triphenyl phosphate

• xylene

• benzophenones

What about gel nails?

Gel nail polish requires exposure to ultraviolet light to set the polish. This a known case of cellular damage and aging and increases the risk for skin cancer. Plus, the ingredients of gel nails likely includes the list of harmful ingredients I listed above.

What about dipped nails?

No light exposure required, but the chemicals in dipped nails likely has harmful ingredients.

What about nail stickers/strips?

These won’t be quite as smelly as conventional nail polish, but you should still check the ingredients list for harmful ingredients. Ingredients not on the label? Try emailing the company and asking what’s in the product.

Safer Options for Nail Polish

I researched some safer options for nail polish and found Dazzle Dry. I started using their nail system and I can’t believe how long it lasts without making my nails feel “claustrophobic”. When I looked through the different product ingredients, there was one product, the topcoat, that included fragrance. Not perfect, but sooooo much better option than conventional nail polish.

Get $15 off your first order of Dazzle Dry with this link.

How can I find a nail salon I trust?

Wondering how to find a nail salon where you can trust the cleanliness and safety of a pedicure or manicure? Here are a few tips:

• Check the salon for health infractions from the county health department

• When you enter the salon, look around

  • Are they washing the pedicure basins between clients?

  • Are they washing their hands before working with clients?

  • Are they cleaning the tools properly?

• Invest in your own manicure tools and nail polish and bring them to the salon

• Skip cuticle cutting to minimize chance for infection

What tips do you have to share about safer nail polish and finding a nail salon you can trust?