Are women expected to give up everything for pregnancy? Are we expected to no longer want to escape the house to the salon and get our nails done?
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Is It Safe to Have Gel Nails During Pregnancy?
There a number of chemicals which are used when getting gel nails. You hear the word chemicals and you automatically assume you're poisoning yourself and the baby. I mean, this is a great indication of what a great mother you're going to be to your unborn. However, that is not the case. Your baby is not being poisoned by the products used.
It is important, pregnant or not, to make sure you know which products are being used on you during the application of gel nails. When getting gel nails the chemicals known as methacrylate monomers and many of these are perfectly safe to use. So to know which chemicals are being used on you is very important.
It is found to be perfectly safe to have gel nails as long as you take precautions and make sure you choose the safest method and route for you and your baby.
Is It Safe to Have Gel Nails Removed During Pregnancy?
Gel Nails have to be soaked off or filed off. Acetone is used to soak your nails off and this has to be soaked for at least 20 minutes. In order to ensure you and your baby are safe during this process, there are a few steps you can take.
- Make sure the room you're in is well ventilated.
- Do this process sparingly during pregnancy.
- Reduce your contact with the acetone as much as you can.
- Ask if you can reduce the amount of time your nails need to be soaked for.
- Wash your hands afterward to remove as much of the chemicals as possible.
Is It Safe to Wear Nail Varnish/Polish When Pregnant?
When you're pregnant, you can enjoy a brightly polished nail. You can enjoy pampering yourself. You can enjoy matching your nails to your outfit. You can enjoy it all, with precautions in place. You must be sure your nail polishes are 3-free. This means they are free from 3 dangerous chemicals that can be found in many nail polishes. The following chemicals should be avoided during pregnancy:
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP),
- Toluene and
- Formaldehyde.
All three chemicals have very dangerous side effects to the baby. There are a number of brands which are chemical-free and safe to use during pregnancy:
- OPI,
- Essie,
- Olive & June,
- Butter London,
- Sundays,
- Deborah Lippmann,
- Jamberry,
- Smith & Cult
Is It Safe to Work in a Nail Salon When Pregnant?
Working in a salon can be perfectly safe so no, you're not sacked, been made redundant or need to be looking for a new job. You will have to take the necessary precautions for the health of you and your baby but you will still remain in work. It's very common for your employer to do a risk assessment for you, whether it's a salon you work in or an office, this is a required procedure. If you do work in a salon and are required to apply and/or remove gel nails you should make sure the following steps are taken.
- Ensure the room is well ventilated.
- Take regular breaks and get fresh air.
- Try to wear a mask.
- Limit your use of acetone.
- Try to wear gloves when handling the products containing chemicals.
- Drink plenty of water.
Should I Have Gel Nails During Pregnancy?
We would advise steering clear of gel nails whilst you're pregnant. Allow your nails to breath. Once you're pregnant, your nails can often become stronger and because of the strength, this allows them to grow longer. It is advised to go "au naturel" and steer clear of the salon for the pregnancy. Treat yourself to new nail polishes and do it yourself from the comfort of your own home.
So although it's deemed as safe, you're advised to minimise your risk more by avoiding getting gel nails.