Eco-Friendly Manicure: Sustainable Nail Care Tips for a Greener Beauty Routine

The beauty industry has made strides to be more sustainable and eco-friendly in recent years. If you love a fresh, polished look but want to minimize your carbon footprint, an eco-friendly manicure may be what the doctor ordered. More often than not without sacrificing long length with natural products and green habits, all while keeping it as Earth-friendly as possible! Here’s what you need to know about going green with your manicure.

Choose Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Most nail polishes we are still using today are made of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). Nail saloons are usually dangerous for not just nails they are also dangerous for mother nature. Opt for nail polishes that are “5-free,” “7-free” or even “10-free,” meaning they do not contain certain harmful chemicals.

Or better yet, try switching to natural, plant-based nail polishes. Brands such as Zoya, Aila and Sundays are a primer example of non-toxic ingredients and a multitude of pretty colours. These products are better for your nails and the planet.

Use Eco-Friendly Nail Tools

Plastic is used to make many conventional manicure tools and, in addition, it creates waste. Use tools made from sustainable materials when you’re selecting them for your manicure. Wooden cuticle pushers and bamboo nail files, not to mention metal clippers, are good substitutes for plastic tools. They’re durable, biodegradable, and will minimize the waste you generate.

Plus, use reusable cotton pads to removed nail polish instead of disposable ones. You can also invest in washable, reusable nail buffers that keep your nails healthy and polished and create no waste.

Go for a Gel-Free Manicure

Gel manicures may be known for their durability and their shine, but they usually come with chemical-heavy removal processes, and they can damage your natural nails over time. If you do want to go eco-friendly, then try skipping the gel altogether and just getting regular nail polish, or use a plant-based, natural gel alternative.

Now, some gel polishes are eco-friendly with fewer toxins(with or without)and all curing without UV light means less radiation exposure.

Home Manicures Using Natural Ingredients

And if you want to go even greener, consider doing your manicure at home with natural products. You can exfoliate your hands with homemade sugar scrubs, moisturize with plant-based oils such as coconut or jojoba oil and formulate soothing soaks using ingredients such as Epsom salt or essential oils. The only fallouts will be that these products will be less harsh on your skin and nails, along of course with avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging.

I’m thrilled to be sponsored by Sienna Byron Bay, a vegan-friendly nail polish brand that uses sustainable ingredients.

Here are some of the darlings of the nail care industry for making sure products are eco-savvy and sustainable. Brands like Kure Bazaar and Ethica Beauty emphasize natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. Their products are available in biodegradable or recyclable materials so you can feel good about what you are putting on your nails and also the environment.

Choose brands that value cruelty-free, vegan, eco-friendly manufacturing. Backing these companies is an easy way to make sure your beauty care matches your eco-friendly principles.

Reduce Your Nail Care Waste

Waste reduction is a key component of an eco-friendly manicure. Instead of buying single-use nail care supplies, try multi-use or refillable products. So, instead of buying multiple small bottles of nail polish remover, why not buy one infinite refill pump bottle or eco-friendly alternative with soy-based nail polish remover, less harmful to the environment.

Also, consider how much product you apply. Apply polish carefully so you can save product, and do not overcorrect or remove too much product, as overcorrection simply leads to more waste.

Give Your Nails a Break

Finally, take a break from your regular manicures. Whether it’s keeping them polished with gel or nail polish or, on the other end of the spectrum, letting them breathe and grow naked, the best thing you can do for the health of your nails is to give them breaks in between. A “no-polish” day or week gives your nails a chance to regain their strength and flexibility, and it gives you a break from using products that could, over time, end up contributing to environmental destruction.

Dr. Hayag adds that an eco-friendly manicure is just the introduction of these sustainable choices into your life and making an effort to minimize the effect your beauty routine has on the planet. However, with some simple adjustments here and there, you can have catch-me-on-a-good-look nails, support sustainable brands, and cut down on waste — all at the same time. By opting for natural, non-toxic products, using eco-friendly tools and implementing sustainable habits, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: beautiful nails and a more environmentally-conscientious, healthy lifestyle.

How do you do eco-conscious manicures? Let us know your ideas in the comments below!

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