Semipermanent and gel nails in pregnancy: can they be applied?

It is critically important for a professional nail technician to be able to advise their expectant clients on the safest options to choose for taking care of their nails. Knowing what are the pros and cons of applying semipermanent and gel nails during pregnancy and what precautions to take to take care of the well-being of the mother-to-be, are essential elements in providing a caring and attentive service.

At this delicate stage of one’s client’s life, it is essential to know how to work professionally and shrewdly. Let’s find out what products to use and avoid, tricks to take and items to pay special attention to in order to provide quality nail care for expectant mothers.

Nail Polish

Applying semipermanent nail polish is an extremely popular choice among women who want to have long-groomed nails. Contrary to what you might think, these treatments can also be performed on expectant mothers, provided certain precautions are taken.

The first item to pay attention to is the ingredients in the products: many semi-permanent nail polishes, in fact, contain potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene and phthalates.

Suggest that your pregnant clients opt for semi-permanent nail polishes labeled “3-free” or “5-free” to minimize the risk of exposure and inhalation of harmful substances. These glazes, in fact, certify the absence of:

• camphor, a waxy, strong-smelling substance, is not expressly banned in cosmetics but is limited to making up no more than 11 percent of a product;
• toluene, an odorless volatile liquid used as a solvent;
• dibutylphthalate, a phthalate that, when absorbed in large amounts in the body, is linked to increased risks of miscarriage and preterm birth;
• formaldehyde and formaldehyderesin, chemicals with a pungent odor that can adversely affect organ development in the embryo-fetal stage.

In addition to using natural glazes free of toxic substances, it is important to ensure proper ventilation of the room during application to reduce accidental inhalation of harmful volatiles. Always inform your pregnant clients of these precautions and offer them safe manicure alternatives.

Finally, take care to remind clients that it is preferable to avoid having nail polish when close to delivery, as the product may interfere with the operation of the saturation meter and pulse oximeter, devices used to monitor the health status of the mother-to-be and the baby.

Gel nails

Another popular option for a well-groomed and long-lasting manicure is the use of gel nails. Reconstruction with gel allows not only to have the hands in order, but also to remedy small traumas that have involved this delicate part of the body.

Gel nail design has no particular contraindications in pregnant women. However, it is advisable to remove the gel during the last period of gestation because:

• nails, like the lips, serve as indicators of the health status of the mother-to-be;
• layers of gel that are too thick could interfere with the operation of medical devices for monitoring the progress of gestation and delivery.

The main contraindication to applying gel to a pregnant client’s nails is the strong odor emanating from the products used. Many pregnant women, in fact, suffer from a marked hypersensitivity to odors that could result in a feeling of nausea and discomfort when applying nail gel during pregnancy.

To prevent this discomfort, be sure to perform the manicure in a ventilated place so that the smell of the chemicals used disperses as much as possible. Also, if necessary, offer your client the option of using a surgical mask to shield even more of the odor and take care to protect her as much as possible from UV exposure from the lamps.

Finally, be sure to use products that are safe and free of harmful substances such as LACTUBE™, a professional nail care system 10 free, such as Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde, Camphor, Xylene, MEK , TPP, Heavy Metals, Ethyl Tosylamide, acids.

For the client, LACTUBE™ gel polish is a guarantee of hygiene: unlike traditional nail polishes, the handy dispenser prevents contact with nail impurities and their transfer into the product. The gradual release of the product directly from the interchangeable bristles prevents the spread of contamination, zeroing the risk of infections that are particularly risky for pregnant clients.

In addition, the tube shape of LACTUBE™ allows the professional to proceed withquick and precise application of gel nails during pregnancy and, if required, to indulge in nail art. If the client would like to touch up the nail polish independently in the regrowth phase, at the end of the treatment suggest UNIKO™, an “ALL-IN-ONE” device that allows the client to keep the nails always in order thanks to the presence of gel polish, file and UV lamp in a compact device. Available soon.

Professional nail technicians have a responsibility to provide accurate information and recommend safe treatments for their pregnant clients in order to preserve the health and beauty of the nails without compromising the well-being of the mother-to-be and her baby. In this regard, knowing how to safely apply nail polish and gel nails during pregnancy is crucial.