To find nail techs near you, you can use search engines like Google or Yelp to search for nail salons in your area. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health hazards associated with nail salon products and practices. Here is some information on the positive and negative aspects of nail salon products:
Positive:
- Nail products sold in the United States must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label, or in the usual or customary way.
- There are nail products labeled as “3-free” which would mean they were free of toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate.
Negative:
- Nail salon workers can be exposed to chemicals in nail salon products that can affect their health.
- Chemicals inside of the glues, removers, polishes, and salon products can be hazardous individually and when combined, they could potentially cause even greater harm.
- Many nail products contain potentially harmful ingredients, but are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed.
- Artificial nails are composed primarily of acrylic polymers, and when the reaction is completed, traces of the monomer are likely to remain in the polymer.
- Nail primers that contain methacrylic acid are most commonly distributed through wholesale suppliers to nail salons.
- Nail salon employees or manicurists are potentially exposed to dozens of chemicals including acrylates, solvents, and biocides as dusts or vapors.
Ingredients or materials:
- Some common nail product ingredients include acetates, phthalates, and methacrylates.
- Nail products may contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.
It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. If you are a nail technician, it is important to take measures to reduce your exposure to chemicals, such as keeping dispensers closed and wearing long sleeves and gloves to protect skin from potential irritants and sensitizers.
