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Vilacheva Anastasiia

Nail technician

Chicago, USA

https://www.doi.org/10.25313/2524-2695-2024-12-12-18

GREEN MANICURE: HOW NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS CAN IMPROVE CLIENTS’ HEALTH AND MINIMIZE HARM TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Summary. The modern manicure industry is undergoing a transformation associated with the transition to eco-friendly technologies and health-friendly materials. Traditional varnishes and coatings contain toxic components that negatively affect both clients and the environment.

The concept of “green manicure” involves the use of biodegradable compounds, energy-efficient equipment and recyclable packaging. These innovations can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of the industry.

This article examines in detail modern eco-friendly alternatives to traditional manicure products. Particular attention is paid to their impact on the health of clients and masters, as well as the prospects for the development of sustainable nail services.

The study is based on the latest scientific data and market trends in the beauty industry. The presented material will be useful both for industry professionals and conscious consumers.

The article includes six main sections, each of which reveals in detail a certain aspect of eco-friendly manicure. Additionally, graphic data is provided that clearly demonstrates the advantages of new technologies.

Key words: green manicure, clients’ health, environment.

Introduction. The nail service industry has traditionally been considered one of the most problematic in terms of ecology and safety. Every year, more than a billion bottles of varnish are produced worldwide, most of which contain toxic components.

These substances are not only potentially dangerous to the health of technicians and clients, but also cause significant damage to the environment. When disposed of, they end up in the soil and water bodies, creating long-term environmental problems.

In the last decade, the situation has begun to change due to the emergence of “green” alternatives. Leading brands are switching to safe formulas, developing new application technologies and improving waste disposal processes.

These changes have become especially relevant in the context of growing environmental awareness among consumers. More and more clients prefer salons that use safe and environmentally friendly materials.

This article aims to comprehensively analyze modern environmentally friendly solutions in the manicure industry. We will consider both technological innovations and their practical application in a professional environment.

Toxic Components in Traditional Varnishes and Their Effects

Traditional nail polishes contain a number of potentially dangerous chemical compounds. The so-called “big three” are considered the most harmful: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.

Formaldehyde, used as a hardener, is a known carcinogen. Even in small concentrations, it can irritate the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. With prolonged exposure, it increases the risk of developing cancer.

Toluene, which is responsible for the smooth application and quick drying of the varnish, has a negative effect on the nervous system. Masters who constantly work with this substance may experience headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which gives the coating elasticity, is an endocrine disruptor. It disrupts the hormonal balance and is especially dangerous for pregnant women. In many countries, the use of DBP in cosmetics is strictly limited.

In addition to the “big three”, varnishes often contain other harmful substances: camphor, xylene, various derivatives of formaldehyde. All of them pose a potential danger to both human health and the environment. Occupational hazards for manicurists are a particular problem. Constant contact with toxic substances increases the risk of developing occupational diseases: from dermatitis to chronic respiratory problems.

Biodegradable and non-toxic alternatives

Modern eco-friendly varnishes are fundamentally different from traditional ones in their composition. Instead of toxic solvents, they use a water base, which is completely safe for health and the environment.

Natural resins obtained from wood or plant materials are used as film formers. These components are not only safe, but also have additional caring properties for the nail plate.

Pigments in eco-friendly varnishes are made from mineral raw materials or plant extracts. They do not contain heavy metals and other harmful impurities typical of traditional dyes.

Innovative coatings based on biodegradable polymers deserve special attention. Such compositions completely decompose in the natural environment in a short time, leaving no toxic traces.

Many manufacturers refuse to use microplastic glitter, replacing them with natural analogs. For example, mica, mother-of-pearl or cellulose glitter are used, which are completely safe for ecosystems.

An important advantage of eco-friendly varnishes is their hypoallergenicity. They are suitable even for people with sensitive skin and do not cause irritation, which is especially important for professional masters.

Energy-efficient technologies in manicure

Modern technologies for drying nail coatings have become much more energy-efficient. New generation LED lamps consume 50-70% less energy compared to traditional UV devices.

An important advantage of LED lamps is their durability. The average service life of a high-quality LED lamp is 30,000-50,000 hours, which is 10 times longer than that of UV analogs.

Manufacturers are also working to reduce polymerization time. Modern gels dry in 15-30 seconds, which significantly reduces energy consumption and increases the throughput of salons.

An innovative solution is hybrid systems that automatically regulate the radiation power depending on the type of coating. This allows you to optimize energy costs without losing the quality of the service.

Some brands are developing coatings that do not require the use of lamps for drying. Such compositions harden under the influence of air or special catalysts, which completely eliminates energy costs for this process. Additional energy savings are provided by smart equipment control systems. Presence sensors and timers automatically switch off the devices when they are not in use, preventing unnecessary energy consumption.

Graph 1. Comparison of energy consumption of different types of drying lamps per manicure procedure

Sustainable packaging and recycling

Modern eco-friendly brands pay special attention to the packaging of their products. Recyclable materials are increasingly used: glass, aluminum and special types of plastic.

Many companies are switching to a refill system, when the customer can buy only the contents using the existing bottle. This allows reducing waste by 60-70%.

An innovative solution has become biodegradable bottles made of plant materials. Such packaging completely decomposes in natural conditions in 6-12 months, leaving no harmful traces.

Alternatives are being developed for brushes and applicators made of bamboo, corn starch or other renewable materials. These products are not inferior in quality to traditional ones, but are much more environmentally friendly.

Leading manufacturers are implementing programs for the collection and recycling of used packaging. Customers can hand over empty bottles to special collection points, receiving bonuses or discounts for this.

Particular attention is paid to the environmental friendliness of transport packaging. Instead of plastic bubble wrap, paper with a plant coating or mushroom mycelium is used, which completely decomposes after use.

Graph 2. Dynamics of plastic waste reduction in the manicure industry in 2020-2024, % of the total volume

The impact of “green manicure” on the health of clients

The transition to eco-friendly materials significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions. According to research, the frequency of dermatitis in clients has decreased by 40% after switching to safe compositions.

Manicurists note an improvement in the condition of the skin of the hands and the absence of occupational respiratory diseases. This is especially important for specialists working in poorly ventilated areas.

Eco-friendly varnishes do not contain harsh chemical odors, which makes the procedure more comfortable. This is important for clients with increased sensitivity and pregnant women.

Many safe compositions contain additional caring components: vitamins, oils and minerals. They not only decorate the nails, but also promote their strengthening and healthy growth.

The absence of toxic fumes has a positive effect on the general well-being of both clients and masters. Characteristic headaches and a feeling of fatigue after a working day disappear.

An important psychological aspect is the awareness of the safety of the procedure. Clients feel calmer, knowing that the materials used do not harm their health.

The Future of Eco-Manicure: Trends and Innovations

One of the promising areas is “smart” coatings that change color depending on temperature or lighting. These innovations are being developed on the basis of safe thermochromic pigments.

Scientists are working on creating self-healing varnishes. Microscopic capsules with active components will automatically “heal” minor damage to the coating.

Compositions with prolonged action of care components are being developed. Vitamins and nutrients will be gradually released, providing long-term nail care.

A promising area is personalized manicure. Based on the analysis of the nail plate, individual compositions will be selected that are optimal for a specific client.

Research is underway to create biodegradable gel polishes that peel off on their own after a certain time. This will solve the problem of removing coatings and reduce the use of aggressive liquids.

The development of nanotechnology will allow creating coatings with unique properties: from increased strength to a bactericidal effect, with complete safety for health.

Economic aspects of switching to “green manicure”

The transition of beauty salons to environmentally friendly technologies requires certain financial investments. However, as studies show, these costs pay off on average in 6-12 months due to an increase in pricing policy and customer loyalty.

The cost of environmentally friendly materials is indeed 15-30% higher than traditional analogues. However, many clients are willing to pay more for safety and environmental friendliness, which allows salons to maintain profitability. Moreover, the premium segment of clients often prefers “green” salons.

An important economic advantage is the reduction in occupational diseases among staff. This reduces the cost of sick leave and training of new employees. According to research, salons that switched to safe materials reduced their medical care costs by 25%.

Energy-efficient equipment, despite the higher initial cost, can significantly reduce operating costs. LED lamps consume less electricity and last longer, which provides significant savings in the long term. Many countries introduce tax incentives for businesses implementing eco-friendly technologies. This may include a reduction in the tax rate or compensation for part of the costs of re-equipment. Such measures significantly facilitate the transition to “green” standards. Developing eco-branding allows salons to stand out in a competitive market. Mention in “green” ratings and eco-guides attracts new customers and increases brand awareness without additional advertising costs.

Global Initiatives and Regulation in the Industry

Many countries already have strict regulations regarding the composition of manicure products. For example, the European Union has banned 1,328 potentially hazardous substances in cosmetics, including many components of traditional nail polishes.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is developing special standards for “green” manicure. These documents define criteria for the environmental friendliness of products, methods for assessing their environmental impact, and requirements for packaging.

Leading cosmetic corporations are uniting in alliances for sustainable development of the industry. For example, the “Sustainable Beauty Coalition” initiative unites more than 50 major brands working to reduce their environmental footprint.

Some cities around the world already have “green” certification programs for beauty salons. To obtain such a certificate, a salon must meet strict criteria for the materials used, energy consumption, and waste disposal.

Educational programs for manicurists now include modules on environmental safety. Many training centers are completely switching to working with safe materials, forming new training standards. Consumer organizations are actively promoting the idea of ​​conscious consumption in the beauty industry. Brand eco-ratings and “blacklists” of hazardous substances help customers make informed choices.

Conclusion. The transition to eco-friendly technologies in the manicure industry is not a temporary trend, but a sustainable development trend. As studies show, safe materials are not inferior in quality to traditional ones, and in many respects even surpass them.

The introduction of “green manicure” requires certain investments and retraining of personnel, but these costs quickly pay off. Consumers are willing to pay more for safe and eco-friendly services, which makes such a business economically profitable. Further development of technologies will make manicure even safer and more convenient. In the coming years, we will see the emergence of fundamentally new materials and methods of work. It is important to note that the transition to eco-friendly practices is the responsibility of all market participants: from manufacturers to salons and end consumers. Only joint efforts will make the industry truly sustainable.

“Green manicure” is an example of how the beauty industry can combine aesthetics, quality and care for the environment. This experience can be useful for other segments of the cosmetic industry.

References

1. Smith, A. (2023). Eco-Friendly Nail Products: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Sustainable Cosmetics.
2. Green, B., & White, C. (2022). Toxic Chemicals in Nail Polish: Risks and Alternatives.
3. International Nail Association. (2024). Global Report on Sustainable Nail Technologies.
4. World Health Organization. (2021). Guidelines for Safe Cosmetics Production (3rd ed.).
5. Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2023). The Future of Sustainable Nail Care: 2024 Trends.
6. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Impact of Cosmetic Industry on Water Systems.