If you like to indulge in self-care routines on the weekend or have mani-pedi parties, then this feature is for you. Giving yourself a manicure can be very relaxing and soothing, especially after a day that hasn’t gone your way. However, most nail products have chemicals that are not only dangerous to your health, but also to the environment. It’s always a good idea to care for what you put on your body especially nail products, given the fact that there isn’t any conclusive proof on the effects of daily exposure to these chemicals.
Choose the right products
Nail care products can contain chemicals that may cause harm, so make sure you are well versed with the brand and it’s ingredients. Products these days are fast-drying, hard to chip, and generally quick in their application and use. While this product offering may seem attractive given our busy schedules, you may want to give it a second thought. It’s better to take time out for a spa day for face, hair, and nails, than to try and rush it by exposing yourself to unnecessary pro rush formulas laden with toxins.
When buying a polish remover, read the bottle for non-toxic traits. Back in the day, most polish removers contained ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone, and while it is said that non-acetone removers are better than those containing acetone, this is only a myth. Removers with Acetone are less damaging to your nails than non-acetone ones.
When it comes to nail polish, try to look for ones that do not contain camphor, formaldehyde, and toluene. Instead go for water-based polishes that use minerals to create color.
A great way to be sustainable and responsible is to choose reusable cotton pads. You don’t even have to buy new ones, you can use old bath towels or microfibre cloths cut into circles.
Lastly, ditch the nail massage oils (frankly, these are the easiest to avoid). Instead of using fancy, expensive nail massage oils, try using what you may have at hand. Coconut oil or olive oil are great for nail care, and surely do not contain harmful chemicals.
Select your color with the 8 Free movement in mind
If you’re following Butter nail polish on Instagram, you’ll be familiar with the 8 free movement, splashing social media with nail toxin awareness.
Nail polish is supposed to be all about fun colors, right? Well, things aren’t exactly that simple. Aside from clean beauty products, several beauty products that we use daily contain potentially harmful chemicals and toxin So, the same way you carefully choose toxin-free foods, you should be very selective when it comes to selecting the products you apply to your skin, hair, and nails. Speaking of potentially dangerous chemicals found in nail polish, you’ve probably heard of the Big Three: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Reportedly, they are linked to cancer and hormone disruption, and may create a variety of health issues in babies during pregnancy. Luckily, some brands have finally decided to act on the matter and create 8-free nail polish formulas promising no traces of toluene, ethyl tosylamide, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), camphor, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and xylene.
Several brands today are following the 8-free movement offering a gorgeous palette of colors that are always in style. So you can have healthy and beautiful nails with no toxicity whatsoever.
Take your time to do it yourself and do it right
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, you can start your spa day of pampering and fun. Whether you prefer to do it by yourself or with friends is up to you- but take this time for self care and focus on your nails, maybe add a face mask or two in the mix. Light some candles, gentle music in the background, and a drink if necessary! Start by prepping your nails – remove the old nail polish, cut them to the desired length, shape and get rid of all the cuticles. Now that your nails are ready, get your favorite color and start painting. If you like multiple colors on your fingernails, check out some inspiration boards on Pinterest and get fresh ideas about what to do this time. When you are done painting, wait for your nails to dry completely.
The next step is either putting on a finishing coat and again waiting for it to dry, or avoiding this step completely and going straight to the massage. Take your favorite oil and massage around your nails in circular motions, covering the cuticles and the base of your nail. It is very important to save this step for the end, because if you put oil on your nails before applying the polish, it won’t stick to your nail and chip away.
Search Eco-friendly businesses
If you don’t have the time to do your own mani-pedi, ask your local nail spas about their product offerings. Check their suppliers, and choose someone with an eco-friendly distributor, such as Jessica Cosmetics. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients in the products you buy. A lot of nail salons are now adapting to new consumer demands and try to use toxin-free products. Most of them will understand your concerns since many people now actively look for toxin free products.
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