If you are like me for sure you get excited when it is time for a new manicure.
This is probably because nothing makes you feel more put together than that perfect, smooth, glossy finish which makes me want to take on the world one manicure at a time.
But, guess what?
This is the thing: as we all love those sweet colors and shiny polish, there’s the risk of missing the bigger picture, that is the environmental impact of the nails.
The concept of sustainable beauty is now popular and it is quite understandable that it should be so.
Everyone knows that the beauty industry has its problems including but not limited to excessive packaging and wrong components.
Fortunately, such trends are fading now and nail care is one of the areas that is gradually improving.
There is good news for environmentally conscious women – green nail brands are not staying idle – the world can look at beautiful nails without detriment to the environment.
Welcome to the sustainable nails platform; now, let’s start by unveiling how you can achieve that professional manicure without having to sacrifice style.
What Does “Sustainable” Mean in Nail Care?
Now let’s first shed some light on what we exactly mean by ‘sustainable’ when considering nail products.
The social responsibility of a nail brand that is supposed to be sustainable implies that one tries as much as possible to minimize its effects on the environment.
This can take a few different forms:
- Non-Toxic Formulas: There are many health deteriorating chemicals in the common nail polishes such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). It’s important for sustainable brands to avoid these nasties and provide the ‘3-free,’ ‘5-free,’ ‘8-free,’ or even ‘10-free’ formulas.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: When it comes to packaging, it isn’t enough to consider what is being put in the bottle but also, what the bottle itself is made from. Some of the sustainable brands choose environment friendly packing, which reduces plastics, use recycled or biodegradable material or packing that can be reused.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Cruelty-free nail brands ensure that no animals are harmed during product development, and many go a step further by being 100% vegan—no animal-derived ingredients here!
- Sustainable Sourcing: There are some brands that are very careful in selecting their ingredients to make sure that the material is organic or sustainably harvested.
Why Should We Care About Sustainable Nail Care?
Opting for more earth-conscious beauty alternatives for a lush manicure can sometimes be such a chore.
It happens with almost all of us, we are torn between having a glamorous, bright colored manicure and being an eco-conscious citizen.
But here’s the good news: as this list shows, going green with your nail routine does not have to equal low style or reduced quality.
Today, nail products especially the sustainable ones are as effective and fashionable as the conventional ones and at times can be better.
You do not have to sacrifice beauty and glamor.
Also, the good thing about sustainable brands is that they are sometimes more wholesome and innocuous to you as well.
Many commercial nail polishes contain toxic materials which range from causing skin rash to more severe diseases, therefore getting rid of them is environmentally friendly as well as beneficial to your nails.
Nail Polish That’s Free of Nasties
Let’s talk about formulas!
Some of you may have noticed the usage of terms such as “3-free” or “5-free” especially regarding nail polish.
Now, what does that mean?
In other words, it is a ranking system that helps you understand which potential toxicants have been left out of the formula.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- 3-Free: This means that the nail polish does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate). These are some of the most poisonous chemicals that were usually used in preparing nail polish in the past.
- 5-Free: Apart from the three mentioned above, such polishes do not contain formaldehyde resin and camphor as well.
- 7-Free, 9-Free, and 10-Free: These formulas take this a step further and eliminate other chemicals that may be damaging such as xylene, parabens, and ethyl tosylamide.
Well, now I know, before you get it wrong in your mind that avoiding such ingredients might affect the durability or the glossy look, let me cut you short.
I have used many different polishes, and I can tell you these types work as good if not better than any other type.
The finish is silky, the colors pop, they also last for days and do not fade or chip.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Small Changes, Big Impact
Unfortunately, many of the nail polish bottles used today are not recyclable.
Yes, those adorable slim glass bottles which we are so keen on, become a big nightmare for the recycling stations as the bottles contain metal caps, plastic brushes, and leftover products.
However, do not despair – some companies already find the ways to make the stamps recyclable or biodegradable.
Imagine this: your favorite polish in a stylish, recyclable glass container that comes with an ecofriendly cap.
Some brands go further by indicating refill options, meaning that once a certain color has been used to the last drop, one can refill it instead of buying a new brand of the polish altogether.
Not only is it a much more environmentally friendly choice, but it’s also a quite fashionable and glamorous accent to your vanity, isn’t it?
Cruelty-Free and Vegan for the Win
It surely cannot be argued that choosing cruelty-free and vegan nail brands is one of the easiest ways of making a better choice.
This basically means that a product has not been tested on animals at any point of time, and the other one means that it does not contain any animal products at all (yes, even some nail varnishes contain fish scales for that sparkle – yuck!).
It really isn’t difficult to start avoiding products that are tested on animals – the options out there are endless and it makes such tragic sense.
Also, thanks to recent advances in the field of vegan cosmetics, the vegan formulas can be just as long-lasting and shiny as the non-vegan ones – there is no sacrifice to be made.
How to Build a Sustainable Nail Care Routine
Are you ready to switch!
Below are tips on how you can start a low impact, environmentally friendly nail care routine, in case you can’t resist a chic mani-pedi.
1. Choose Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free Polish
The first and the most evident one is to choose the polishes that have no toxic substances and are not tested on animals.
Search for those nail polish brands that are 3-free or more, and even better if they don’t contain animal components.
2. Opt for Eco-Friendly Tools
Crazy thing is its not just about the ‘polish’.
You also adapt different tools that are used in nail art that are more flexible for the environment as well.
For instance, do not use plastic nail files that are cheaply made and only last for a short time before they are disposed of but go for glass nail files that will serve their purpose many times.
Crushed cork or bamboo or recycled material nail buffers are equally good choices.
3. Recycle or Reuse Your Bottles
Although not all nail varnish containers are recyclable, some companies have recycling options whereby one can take the empty bottles back to the company for recycling.
You could also come up with artsy ways of putting your old bottles to use; use it to store small arts and craft items, or as little vases for flowers.
Cute and eco-friendly!
4. Choose a Sustainable Top Coat and Base Coat
More importantly, don’t forget the base coat and the top coat.
It is also responsible for the longevity of your manicure which is why it is important to look for green products that are as efficient as the traditional ones.
5. DIY Nail Art
Mani is a good way to add some variation in your nail art without having to purchase more accessories.!
It is also possible to fashion these designs using items that are easily found at home including toothpicks or even old make-up brushes.
In addition, nail art done by yourself entails low chances of wastage and few new items to purchase.
Final Thoughts
Changing your nail brands to more environmentally friendly ones might not sound like a large step, but it is one that can go a long way.
From natural nail polishes to sustainable nail polish containers and from non-leather shoes to animal-friend vegan manicure services – you can get your manicure and look fabulous while following the trend to the green lifestyle!
And let’s be honest, it is astonishingly satisfying to be in control of such fabulous nails which are so innocent in harming our planet.
It makes them look even better in my point of view.
Therefore, next time when you are going to choose a new polish or going for a manicure, consider which brand you are supporting.
It is good to make more conscious decisions because it also seems attractive!
Your nails will still be fabulous and you will make a conscious effort to help the beauty industry become a little better for the earth.
Well now that has got to be a no-lose situation, way to go if you ask me.
