Pregnancy & Enhancements
What is the truth?
Have you ever been asked, “Is it safe to wear nail enhancements while pregnant?” Probably. It is a difficult question to answer because you are addressing the health of someone’s unborn child. Here is some research on the topic and following material that you can use when posed with this question.
Expert Answer:
Lewis Holmes, professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; chief of Genetics & Teratology Unit, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston
The exposure to any potentially harmful materials [when having enhancements applied] would be so small that it doesn't make sense that it would pose any danger. The only potential danger in acrylic nails would be the exposure to solvents, which people are worried about during pregnancy. The key issue is dose…you wouldn't be exposed to enough solvents from getting acrylic nails for there to be a problem. The people we worry about are the ones who are exposed to solvents all day long and are nauseated or sick from them.
Response from NSI:
A pregnant client may feel nauseated from the odors in the salon, but ANYTHING that has a “smell” can trigger this (i.e.…fish, meat, flowers, molds, smoke, perfume, etc.) It doesn’t necessarily make that “smell” harmful. A chemical’s smell has nothing to do with its safety.
Expert Answer:
Will Forest, toxicologist, Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service in the California Department of Health Services, Oakland
If you're just having acrylic nails put on, you're probably not exposed to enough of any hazardous materials to create any significant hazard to your pregnancy. Some of the chemicals involved can be absorbed through the skin, but you're not likely to be exposed to great enough amounts to pose a danger other than a possible allergic reaction and skin rash. Nor would the vapors be a problem if you were just visiting the shop as a customer. Yes, it is ok to have artificial nails during pregnancy. Just be sure to visit a salon with a well ventilated room when having them applied.
Response from NSI:
What obviously keeps coming up in the discussions is the importance of a well ventilated area; not just for your clients’ health, but also for your health. An extraction ventilation system is always best because it will extract dust, vapors, and other tiny particles and drive them outside where they can dissipate into the air. For more details on proper ventilation, consult the Nail Manufacturer’s Council.
Expert Answer:
Doug Schoon, a consultant in the nail industry with over 30 years of scientific experience and a master’s degree in organic chemistry
Clients can continue to wear nail enhancements during pregnancy. There is absolutely no reason to believe that it is harmful. Nail products polymerize and harden within the first three minutes. This eliminates the chance of any product penetrating beyond the very topmost layers of the nail plate. Exposure during a service is miniscule. Usually during pregnancy, a doctor will recommend that a mother-to-be should refrain from using alcohol and tobacco. Studies have shown that these substances may cause abnormal fetal development. There are no such ingredients in artificial nail products.
Response from NSI:
What more is there to be said? IT IS SAFE TO WEAR NAILS DURING PREGNANACY.
While you can explain these findings to your clients, it is always best to recommend that they consult their own physician.