When you get pregnant, you can become worried about things you were once carefree about, like what beauty products to use. Moms-to-be worry about the chemicals that can seep into the bloodstream when they swipe on nail polish. Thankfully the beauty industry has taken great strides towards non-toxic polish. Yes, you can have your mani-pedi during pregnancy if you do it right. Here’s how.
DIY Mani-Pedis during pregnancy
First things first: find a safe polish. Look at the nail polish you have stored under your bathroom sink. Download the EWG app and the Skin Deep app, then look up the brands you have. If they have a score of 1 – 3, they’re safe to use. If they score 4 and above, toss them or give them away.
Shop for nail polish that is “5 free.” This means they’re free of the top 5 toxins such as formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor, which can cause birth defects. Some companies tout they’re 7 free and 8 free, which is even better!
Here are a few favorite non-toxic polishes for a safe manicure and pedicure at home:
Free of Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPHP and Xylene
- Made in the USA
- Vegan
- Animal Cruelty-free
- PETA certified
Free of Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate.
- Long wearing
- Chip resistant
Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, DiButyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde resin, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate, and acetone or Camphor. This is a low-odor option and a great for your older kids.
- Virtually odorless
- Water-based
- Animal cruelty-free
- Made in the USA
When you find a polish you LOVE, you’ll want to use a non-toxic nail polish remover, too. It’ll be free of acetone and emollients. Here are some to try:
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Remover
- Acetone-free
- Won’t dry out nails
- Gentle smell
Karma Organics Soybean Oil and Lavender Nail Polish Remover
- Soy-based
- Acetone-free
- Non-carcinogenic
- Free of petroleum ingredients
- Derived from Farm Crops (supporting American Farmers)
- Packaged in 100% Recyclable Glass Bottles
- They have a kid’s line
How to find a safe nail salon
If you can barely reach your toes, a DIY pedicure is out. Find yourself an eco-friendly nail salon with these features. When you find an amazing salon, you’ll be loyal for life.
Look for pipeless pedicure stations. A traditional piped-in pedicure chair has a pump and a network of pipes to create the jets. While a pipeless pedicure chair has a bowl with a propeller that moves the water in the bowl, creating the feeling of a jet, but without the water moving through pipes where bacteria can collect. They’re rare to find. Just ask when you call or read their services page.
Look for good ventilation. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the chair inhaling crazy chemicals. If you’re not sure, just call and ask.
Look for a salon that uses new nail files for each client. This prevents bacteria from being passed around which means fewer infections. If the salon has all the other features, ask if you can bring your own nail files and clippers. Chances are, they’ll be OK with it.
A mani-pedi takes the edge off of an I-hate-my-cankles kind of day. Give yourself extra TLC with a mani-pedi during your pregnancy. Your body is building a wee human. You deserve some pampering! Not only will you feel relaxed, but you’ll have some pretty nails that’ll make you feel beautiful!