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Recentreports inThe New York Timesmay have you rethinking your weekly manicure.
(c) RuslanDashinsky
“When you are exposed to these kind of chemicals, they never leave your body.
Once you absorb something like formaldehyde, it goes into your cells and it doesn’t come out.”
But what can you do?
Turns out, a lot.
“We’ve definitely attracted a mentality of people caring about the chemicals they put into their bodies.
But there’s still a huge educational curve.”
What was once a wellness junkie-buy is gaining the attention it deserves.
So making the switch is easyin fact, you may already have made it.
But the danger in salons doesn’t end with non-toxic polish.
The main compromises: reusing tools and breaking sanitation protocols.
Natural salons provide their customers with their own tools and sanitize with care.
“I buy my disinfectant products from a dental distributor,” says Perillo.
“My cousin is a dentist and I consulted with him on the right practices.”
Buffers, which cannot be sterilized, are only used once.
Not the case in your local salon?
“you’re gonna wanna bring your own tools.”
And if your nearby salon doesn’t offer 5-free polish, bring that as well.
Both Perillo and Duranski don’t offer gel manis or acrylics to prevent debris and fumes in the air.
Dr. Stern recommends all of her patients avoid salons with acrylics on the menu, especially.
Acetone, which is mandatory to remove gel, will also release fumes.
Bottom line: women shouldn’t be afraid to go to salons.
“That’s the last thing anybody wants,” says Duranski.
Look to the overall appearance of the salon.
Does it look clean?
Is the salon well ventilated?
Do the nail technicians wash their hands after every client?
While we’re all looking to change, it may take some time to get there.
“Right now it’s extremely expensive to be green,” says Duranski.
But that might not be the case for much longer.
Spread the word for change with the hashtag she launched,#handlewithcare.
“It’s not about a pay increase for the sake of it.
It’s about raising the bar.”
