Your health and safety is always my top priority as a beautician, and keeping up to date with safe practices is an essential part of my professional development. As with any industry, there’s a safe way to do things, and a riskier way – which some beauticians choose, for a variety of reasons, but still with risky outcomes for your health and safety. Here’s a rundown of some of those dangerous manicure practices, what their dangers are, and what I do instead to minimise those risks for you.
Manicures with Electric Files: A Risky Shortcut
Electric files are often used to speed up the process of shaping and smoothing nails, but they come with risks that many people may not be aware of. These tools, when not used correctly, can cause serious damage to your natural nails. The high speed of the electric file can easily thin the nail plate, making your nails weak, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over time, repeated use of electric files can lead to chronic nail issues, including thinning and peeling.
If the person using the electric file is not properly trained, the chances of injury are even higher. A minor slip can result in painful cuts to the skin around your nails. These cuts not only hurt but can also lead to infections if not treated correctly.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to go to a trained professional who knows how to use these tools safely, or better yet, opt for manual filing – which is what I always use. While it may take a little longer, it’s is far gentler on your nails and fingers, and reduces the risk of damage.
UV Lamps: A Cause for Concern
UV lamps are a common feature in salons, especially for gel manicures, as they are used to cure the polish quickly. But UV rays are a known cause of skin aging, and can also increase your risk of skin cancer. While the exposure during a manicure is brief, it builds up: meaning that the more often you get a gel manicure, the more UV exposure your hands receive over time.
There are some salons who may encourage you to use sunscreen on your hands can protect them, but not all sunscreens block the type of UV rays emitted by these lamps. It’s also easy to forget to apply it, or not do it thoroughly enough, leaving your hands vulnerable.
I use an LED lamp, which cures gel polish faster and emits less UV radiation. If you’re concerned about UV exposure, we can also skip the gel manicure altogether in favour of regular polish, which doesn’t require curing under a lamp.
Cuticle Snipping: Handle with Care
Cuticles are often considered unsightly, and many people request to have them trimmed during a manicure. However, your cuticles serve a critical function—they act as a barrier protecting the nail bed from bacteria and other harmful organisms. When cuticles are snipped away, this protective barrier is no longer there, which leaves you open to the risk of infections. This practice is also known as a Russian Manicure.
Infections can lead to painful and swollen fingers, and in severe cases, they may require medical treatment. There’s also the risk of the cuticle area becoming dry and irritated, which can lead to peeling skin and discomfort.
Instead of cutting the cuticles, I recommend gently pushing them back with a cuticle pusher and keeping them moisturised with cuticle oil. This method maintains the health of your cuticles while giving your nails a clean, neat appearance. I will never snip your cuticles, or push them too far back to be able to protect you.
A Safer Approach to Manicures
The good news is that with a few precautions, you can still enjoy beautiful, healthy nails without exposing yourself to the unnecessary risks of those dangerous manicure practices. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a professional who has the proper training and experience with tools like electric files.
- Opt for manual nail care whenever possible. It might take a bit longer, but it’s gentler and safer.
- Limit your exposure to UV light by choosing LED lamps or avoiding gel manicures altogether.
- Care for your cuticles by keeping them moisturised (and avoiding aggressive cutting). This is my favourite cuticle oil – I’ve always got some in my nail kit – and remember you can get a free sample-size bottle of any oil when you order a full size, with my special client code BNBR: Luv My Oil Cuticle Oil
As a beautician, my priority is your health and safety and I hope this information helps you make informed decisions about your nail care. Remember, beautiful nails are healthy nails, and by taking a few extra precautions, you can enjoy stunning manicures without putting your health at risk. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask during my next visit—I’m here to help you keep your nails in top condition!
