Your clients come to you because they want amazing-looking nails. However, what if they knew their beloved manicure was hurting their nails and their health? HEMA is a chemical in nail polish that can do just that. So what is HEMA and why do we at Inveray believe in safer, HEMA-free manicures?
What is HEMA?
Many nail polishes contain toxic chemicals like toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde. These are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors. Along with other chemicals in nail polishes, they cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. There’s also evidence that they can cause problems with the reproductive system.
Many nail brands are now selling products free from nasties, specifically HEMA. The British Association of Dermatologists called HEMA the ‘number one allergen in nail products and cosmetics.’ A pretty damning verdict. HEMA is commonly known as a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate. These are monomers which give gel polish its hard and shiny finish. However, they also irritate the skin.
HEMA-Free Gel Polish is the Future
Clients are becoming more discerning about what they put in and on their bodies. That’s why many nail brands are creating safer HEMA-free formulas. They give clients the same amazing results, but with less risk of causing skin irritation.
At Inveray, we believe that healthy nails are gorgeous nails. All our gel colours, BIAB, and hard gels are HEMA-free.
How to Choose a Safer Nail Polish
As well as opting for HEMA-free polishes, there are other ways to give your clients a safer manicure. Here’s a quick ‘in a nutshell’ guide to free-from nail polishes.
Savvy nail brands know that minimising the use of chemicals is a big hit with customers. Here’s what ‘free from’ really means when it comes to nail polishes.
What Does 3 Free mean?
No Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, or Formaldehyde;
What Does 5 Free mean?
No Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, or camphor
What Does 7 Free mean?
No Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, Xylene, or either Ethyl Tosylamide or Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP) (note that this depends on the brand.)
What Does 8 Free mean?
No Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide, or Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP)
What Does 10 Free mean?
No Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, Ethyl tosylamide, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), Xylene, parabens, or either fragrance, animal by-products, or acetone.
We always recommend giving your clients the best manicure that you possibly can . For more interesting articles on all things manicures, nail health, and the latest genius products, find out more about Inveray.
