It is ‘mani-pedi’ season, and men and women alike will spare no expense to have that well groomed appearance for the summer. Whether it’s long, short, squared, round, artsy, the new trendy colour, natural or artificial, there are nail salons aplenty in Shanghai ready to give the look you desire. However, even though a manicure and pedicure may look beautiful, some techniques and chemicals involved in the process of getting one, especially the application of artificial nails, can affect the health of your nails, the surrounding skin and other parts of the body. Should we be thinking about health risks before we go to our favourite nail salons? Definitely!

Being sure your nail salon is both clean and that they disinfect their instruments between clients is essential. Remember, everyone that came in before you had their nails and cuticles soaked, filed, trimmed, cut, smoothed and painted with all the same instruments and equipment. Fungus and other micro-organisms can be transmitted through these channels. When in doubt ask your salon to provide products and demonstrate how they disinfect their tools and equipment to ensure the removal of ‘germs’. 

Technicians who are inexperienced or untrained can cause damage to the nail, nail bed and skin around and under the nails using poor techniques. Any damage caused to the skin around and under the nails can open up small wounds. If tissue around the nail or cuticle is injured during the manicure it could result in infection, and/or losing the nail. Make sure they use gentle technique and stop them if they are too aggressive. 

Artificial nails will likely cause permanent damage to your nail bed over time. Harsh chemicals from acrylics corrode and excessive filing weakens the natural nail causing long term damage that is irreparable. Although some gels are less harsh, they don’t remove easily and require excessive filing, potentially filing away natural nail and leaving thin, unhealthy and sensitive nail beds. Additionally, all artificial nails trap dirt and bacteria where soap and water simply cannot reach. These bacteria can be passed along to anything the artificial nail then touches.

Harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals are found even in basic nail products such as base coat, top coat, hardener, nail polish, cuticle creams, polish remover and solvents. These chemicals are notorious for causing watery eyes, headaches, contact allergies and irritation of the nail, both around and underneath it, sometimes causing the nail to separate from the nail bed and causing deformities. If a product is causing irritation, discontinue use immediately.

For the best nail health, simply soak them in warm soapy water and gently push the cuticles back. Reduce how often you remove and reapply nail polish. Moisturise cuticles with oil daily to prevent the need for cuticle cutting, and avoid anything artificial on your nails.

Send Nurse Mary your health questions and concerns at [email protected]