A visit to the nail salon is a relaxing treat, but beneath the surface of those pristine chairs and polish bottles, there may be health risks that many clients don’t consider. While most nail salons prioritize hygiene, there are, unfortunately, disreputable establishments out there that could expose you to infections and hazards. This article dives into five hidden health risks of going to the nail salon and how you can protect yourself.
1. Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
Every nail salon uses an array of products, many of which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone. These might sound scary, but small amounts shouldn’t be a concern. That said, prolonged exposure to these fumes in poorly ventilated spaces can lead to respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health issues.
How To Protect Yourself: Choose a nail salon with good ventilation or ask if they use low-VOC, nontoxic nail polishes and removers. Masks can also limit the fumes you inhale during your visit.
2. Risk of Fungal and Bacterial Infections
Footbaths, nail tools, towels, and other reused salon supplies can be breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi if the salon doesn’t properly sanitize them. Tools that aren’t disinfected between clients can lead to toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, or bacterial skin infections.
How To Protect Yourself: Look for a nail salon that sterilizes their tools using an autoclave (a pressurized device for sterilization). Additionally, always check for sanitation features in pedicure chairs, such as footbaths that are compatible with disposal liners.
3. Allergic Reactions to Products
While nail polishes, adhesives, and gels help your nails look stunning, they can cause allergic reactions for some people. These reactions may present as redness, swelling, or itchiness around the nails and skin. Acrylates, methacrylates, and fragrance compounds are all common triggers.
How To Protect Yourself: Before trying a new product at a nail salon, check its ingredients or ask for recommendations that are hypoallergenic. Always communicate any allergies or sensitivities to your nail technician. Patch testing is also a wise precaution for first-time applications.
4. Spread of Bloodborne Pathogens
Accidents, like cuts and nicks from nail clippers or cuticle scissors, open doors for bloodborne diseases if tools are contaminated. This is an unlikely but serious risk for salons with lax cleaning measures.
How To Protect Yourself: Ensure the salon sterilizes reusable tools thoroughly between clients or uses single-use tools like emery boards and buffers. Also, avoid cuticle cutting, as this increases the chance of nicks and infections.
5. Skin Damage from UV Lamps
UV lamps are used to cure gel polish and make it last longer, but repeated exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
How To Protect Yourself: Apply sunscreen to your hands before your appointment. Some salons also offer fingerless gloves to shield your skin.
Stay Safe While Pampering Yourself
When going to the nail salon, be aware of these hidden health risks. Walk away from establishments that don’t seem to have stringent sanitation policies. Treat yourself but treat your health as a priority too. Being informed and proactive will ensure your nail treatments remain the relaxing experiences they’re meant to be.
This article was written for WHN by Casey Cartwright, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries, from highly technical to consumer and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything else. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
https://www.osha.gov/nail-salons/chemical-hazards
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9643221
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/nail-cosmetics-allergy
https://bloodbornecertification.com/bloodborne-pathogen-risks-in-nail-salons-cosmetology-clinics
