Unfortunately, while a polish offers less damage than a nail affixed to another nail, the process uses many of the same chemicals. One of the larger concerns is acrylates, which bind to form the plastic protection of the nail covering. Some customers have reported severe reactions to the chemical on their skin, with reported burning, itching, contact dermatitis, blistering, scaling, eczema and hives caused by the use of acrylates. There is little training in the use of these volatile chemicals, posing a safety hazard to both customer and attendant.

Beyond that, concerns have been raised about gel polishes. The gel process uses pre-mixed acrylic gel applied to the natural nails. The nails are then “cured” under ultra-violet light. The process can be repeated several times to achieve a solid foundation, which increases the exposure to UV light, a human carcinogen that causes skin cancer. Repeated exposure only increases the risk.

While the exposure at nail salons is relatively low, some experts claim it is equivalent to that achieved by commercial tanning facilities, which have a high risk of skin cancer. But adding to the concerns over nail salons is that they mix the UV rays with the chemicals in nail polish, in effect creating a potentially toxic baking process. There have been no long-term studies about the effects of UV rays on these chemicals, raising some concerns about the entire process.

Finally, there are questions about how the nail salons treat people’s real nails. Manicures can produce skin punctures and irritations, and repeated nail treatments can leave nails vulnerable to chipping, cracking and skin peeling around the skin. That offers opportunities for bacterial infections. Removing any existing gel polish also requires immersing the hands in the acetone for 15 minutes or more. Acetone is a known carcinogen and can penetrate the skin.

Keep in mind that fingernails are repositories of germs, bacteria, dirt and debris. Everywhere you touch in the course of a week – toilet handles, doorknobs, keyboards – can transfer bacteria that lodges under the nail. Keeping that area clean is important, but it’s also wise to have the debris removed carefully, so as not to penetrate the skin and provide an avenue for an opportunistic infection to enter the body.