If you are looking for nail art near you, you can search for local nail salons that offer this service. However, before getting nail art, it is important to be aware of the ingredients or materials used in nail products. Some nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. Here are some common ingredients in nail polish:
- Resin: The tough material that holds polish together. Nail polish traditionally requires two types of resin: film-forming and adhesive. The film-forming resin gives the dried polish a shiny texture, while the adhesive polymer adds flexibility, so the lacquer is less brittle.
- Solvent: The solvent makes the polish easy to apply and dry relatively quickly. It helps the lacquer spread easily over the nail, and as the polish dries, it evaporates to leave behind dry lacquer.
- Pigment: This is what gives the polish its color.
- Plasticizers: Added to keep the resin flexible once it’s dry, plasticizers are what help the polish bend and move with your nails.
- UV stabilizers: These prevent polish from changing color or fading when exposed to sunlight.
It is also important to note that nail products used in salons may contain chemicals that can affect worker health. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the main substance in artificial fingernails and can be problematic for both nail technicians and customers, causing allergies, asthma, and dermatitis. To avoid risks, artificial fingernails should be applied at a ventilated worktable, and workers removing artificial nails should wear safety glasses to protect their eyes as well as long sleeves and gloves to protect their skin from acrylic dust.
