Where Can I Nail Down a Less-Toxic and More-Sustainable Manicure?

Hey Ms. Green,

Are at-home DIY manicures any better for the environment than having your nails done professionally at a nail salon? 

—Marie in Portland, Oregon

Just because a product claims to be free of some toxic ingredients doesn’t mean it has none. According to one study, 10 out of 12 nail products labeled free of the “toxic three” ingredients that people breathe in—formaldehyde (cancer-causing), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and toluene—actually had DBP and toluene. 

NailsInc.com’s kale-infused, vegan Plant Power polish collection appears to be safer than others. Though they didn’t reply to my emails asking if they disclose all ingredients, they claim to be free of 21 toxic ingredients (“21-free”), have 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood caps, don't test on animals, and are halal-friendly (breathable for your nails). 

It might be greener to paint your own nails because you can ventilate your home, use less-toxic products and reusable pads or cotton balls like I do from nutritional supplement bottles, and avoid single-use gloves required in salons. On the other hand, many salon workers earn below minimum wage or can’t afford food or rent because salons have been closed during the pandemic. You might ask if you can bring your own nail polish or invite salons to get certified.

Also, nail polish and remover are highly flammable, therefore not recyclable. They must be safely disposed of through your city’s hazardous waste program. You also might want to avoid dipping your hands in paraffin wax because it’s made from polluting fossil fuels. 

Ask me where to recycle skincare products (many of which can’t be recycled by your city, such as ones with pumps) and get makeup that’s plastic- and palm-oil-free, vegan, organic, and not tested on animals. But dah-ling, I think you’re gorgeous without makeup!