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One of the things needed for a New Years’ glow-up is a fresh set of nails. With the holiday season coming up, many people have their manicures tailored for Christmas or the movies that are in theaters. Gel, dip powder, and acrylic nails provide aesthetic perfection, simplifying busy schedules and offering long-lasting results. Unfortunately, trends are commonly known to be harmful in the long run due to the fast fashion industry.

The various nail aesthetics flowing in and out of style may have serious and even permanent effects on the health and wellness of many teens and young adults. Entering a new year shouldn’t come with the hassle of dealing with long-term nail damage.

The primary concerns surrounding conventional manicures fall into three categories: exposure to harsh chemicals, damage from application/removal processes, and the effects of UV light exposure. The strong, distinct odor often present in nail salons are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that become toxic gases when exposed to the atmosphere. These chemicals, when inhaled, can lead to respiratory, organ, and nervous system damage, along with an increased risk of cancer.

Many popular nail products contain the infamous "Toxic Trio" of chemicals, alongside other potent allergens, each posing distinct health risks. The first is formaldehyde, a chemical used as a preservative for manufacturing building materials. In nail products, it is a hardening agent added to prevent chipping and improve durability. Unfortunately, this hardening often makes the natural nail plate rigid and prone to severe brittleness and peeling after the product is removed.

Formaldehyde is also a common trigger for allergic contact dermatitis. The second is toluene, a clear solvent used in glues, paint thinners, and gasoline. In polishes, it ensures a smooth application. When inhaled, toluene vapor can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, and chronic exposure has been linked to central nervous system effects. Lastly, there is dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a plasticizer used to make nail polish film more flexible. This chemical is concerning because it is an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body's natural hormonal system.

Beyond the Toxic Trio, a powerful ingredient called HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) is a major cause of rising nail allergies. A small, highly reactive molecule, HEMA is essential for curing gel and acrylic products. Its size allows easy skin penetration around the nail, leading to painful allergic reactions (redness, blistering, itching) on fingertips, face, or neck. Once an allergy develops, the sensitivity is typically permanent.

To achieve longevity, artificial systems compromise the natural nail's structure. Almost every manicure type involves abrasive filing. To ensure acrylics, dip powders, or gels adhere, the natural nail plate must be aggressively filed, removing healthy, protective keratin layers. Frequent filing thins the nail, leaving it flimsy and unable to protect the sensitive nail bed beneath. The result is a fragile nail plate that can take months to regain original strength. There is also increased exposure to UV light. Gel manicures require concentrated doses of UVA radiation from specialized curing lamps. While sessions are short, frequent use stacks exposure over time.

UVA radiation penetrates skin deeply and is responsible for premature aging, sunspots, and wrinkles. For unprotected clients, this repetitive exposure is a compounding risk to the skin barrier, increasing skin cancer risk. The removal process is often the final blow. Amanda, a high school student in Illinois, has stated that “during removal processes, my natural nails have been ripped off completely, giving me a huge infection that took more than 6 months to heal.”

Removing manicures often requires acetone soaking and scraping. Acetone, a powerful solvent, is typically used to dissolve gel or acrylics. While effective, acetone severely dehydrates nails and surrounding skin, stripping natural oils and leaving skin dry and irritated. Even worse is the temptation to peel the product off. Peeling physically rips off layers of the natural nail plate, resulting in significant thinning, white spots, and painful weakness that dramatically extends recovery time.

By understanding the real-world impact of repeated exposure to harsh and aggressive chemicals, teens are equipped with the knowledge to bypass the damage cycle entirely. Making informed swaps—like choosing HEMA-free gels or quick, quality press-ons—means that young adults can still keep up with the latest trends while making sure that the impacts of fast fashion do not become a sacrifice to their long-term well-being.