Even through the Great Recession, many customers continued to visit their local salons, citing it as the one luxury they could not live without. The average price of a manicure is $18.79, according to IBISWorld, making it a relatively affordable treatment for those willing to put in the time and effort to make a good hand impression.
But big business and low prices, as with any industry, sometimes comes at a cost. In the case of nails, questions are being raised about the acrylics and gels being used as adhesives or heavy-duty polish. The powerful chemicals used have generated reports of allergic reactions and damage to skin and the real nails underneath.
Where you get your nails done also matters. The chemical methyl methacrylate (MMA), considered poisonous by the United States government regulators, is still used in the United Kingdom. But the chemicals used in some salons in America are no better.
Think Twice Before Gelling Out
The Cancer Prevention Institute of California and the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative have both studied the dangers posed by common chemicals at nail salons. The biggest concern is gel polish, one of the most popular treatments. This polish is popular because it allegedly offers longer wear like acrylic nails but without underlying damage. The coating is thinner and has a more natural look. It dries faster, stays shiny and resists chipping for up to two weeks.