Ban kicks in: goodbye to gel and semi-permanent manicures (1 / 2)

Ban kicks in: goodbye to gel and semi-permanent manicures (1 / 2)

 Nail art is now  a huge trend among young girls, adult women, and the elderly, affecting entire generations who, rather than traditional nail polish, prefer to use gel and semi-permanent products under a lamp because they last longer.

The reasons? To follow the trends so often promoted by influencers and nail experts, or because nails “don’t chip,” “they’re always in good shape,” or to avoid becoming even more prone to nail biting, etc. But perhaps not everyone knows that this beauty practice, like everything else, also presents risks.

With the start of summer, we’re increasingly curious to discover the new trends, colors, and techniques, but it’s essential to know what we’re about to tell you.

We can already tell you that this news won’t make you jump for joy, but health, life, and safety come first, even when it comes to nail art. This seemingly harmless world is a place where we can relax, perhaps even enjoying a few moments of conversation, allowing us to escape the stresses of everyday life.

The ban has come into effect  , and  goodbye to gel and semi-permanent manicures.   But what’s going on? What are the new rules? All that’s left to do is explore them together on the next page of our article, answering the countless questions from women passionate about nail art.

 There’s a date very close to home, the day an important new development for the world of nail art will come into force: the European Union’s ban on the use of substances that are now very often found in  gels and semi-permanent polishes.

We are talking about  Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO) and Dimethyltolylamine (DMTA),  two chemical compounds present in numerous professional and over-the-counter products, based on the update of the CLP Annex, the European regulation that establishes the classification, labeling and packaging of dangerous substances.

Client protection comes first, but so does that of nail technicians, due to the chemical risks posed by prolonged exposure. Let’s delve more specifically into these two chemical compounds. TPO is a photoinitiator that allows gel polish to cure rapidly under UV or LED lamps, while DMTA is a conditioner that improves the product’s adhesion to nails.

The European Commission believes that removing these compounds from the market is a necessary preventative measure to reduce risks for both those working in the sector and those who use nail polish and gels at home. Therefore, gels containing these two compounds can no longer be sold or used, and any stocks already purchased must be disposed of in accordance with current regulations.

Consumers are advised to carefully read packaging labels and always choose products certified “TPO and DMTA free.” This way, they avoid exposure to potentially harmful chemicals without sacrificing quality manicures. The ban extends to products sold in stores and online, seeking safe and certified alternatives, such as new photoinitiators and low-risk conditioners.