There has been a lot of media coverage about toxins in nail salons and the effect that these chemicals can have on the people working at the salons.
But weekly salon goers also should take precautions to reduce exposure to the toxic trio—toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate—often found in typical nail products used at salons. These toxins have been linked to serious health conditions including kidney problems, asthma-like attacks, breast and prostate cancers, and abnormal fetal development. The thing to remember is that when it comes to toxins, it’s not just about what you inhale but also about what touches your skin.
When you get that weekly mani/pedi, your skin—an absorbent surface—comes into contact with these chemicals. And while no one has studied toxin levels in people who frequent salons, the levels could be high.
But there are ways to protect yourself. Choose a salon with a good exhaust system to reduce the amount of toxins you inhale during your visit. Read the labels of the products that the salon uses, and if toxin-free versions of polishes, hardeners and removers are not available, consider bringing your own. This helps you and your manicurist.
Finally, consider skipping the salon and polishing your nails at home with toxin-free products, such as those from Scotch Naturals, Zoya and Acquarella.
