Vegan Manicures: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

Wearing nail polish without being exposed to strong odors or substances that are harmful to your health is possible with a vegan manicure. We'll tell you more about its advantages here.

Reviewed and approved by the nurse Leidy Mora Molina.

Written by Luz Marina Carpio Hernández

Last update: 03 September, 2024

Vegan manicures are perfectly adapted to people who are passionate about hand grooming, but who wish to get rid of chemicals. This method of beautification is similar to conventional techniques; the difference lies in the origin of the substances and implements.

It’s possible to carry out the trend both at home and in salons allied to organic cosmetics. The products of the style are sold over the counter and do not require special knowledge to handle them, other than reading the instructions carefully.

In addition, veganism in the beauty industry has many advantages; the particular case of nail care and grooming is the one we will delve into here. Continue reading to learn more!

What are vegan manicures?

Vegan manicures are those that use completely natural products. These are nail polishes, creams, oils, and other ingredients that are free of dyes, chemical preservatives, and components of animal origin or tested on animals.

Except for most colorants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasizes that ingredients and cosmetic nail products do not require its approval before being sold.

However, they must guarantee safety in their use, specifying instructions or warnings on their labels. Vegan nail polishes and nail polish removers do not contain harmful elements.

Strictly speaking, organic nail formulas are free of esters and substances that, although they extend the duration of the manicure, increase the risk of intoxication and nail disorders. Some of the ingredients that veganism avoids for nails are the following:

• Alcohol
• Toluene
• Acrylates
• Parabens
• Propanone
• Dimethylbenzene
• Formaldehyde resin

How to give yourself a vegan manicure

The fact that they are vegan cosmetics does not mean that the application is any different; the process is executed just like the traditional manicure. Of course, you need a vegan kit that includes cleansing lotions, nail polish, and cotton pads… all 100% vegan and organic. Let’s take a look at how the procedure works.

1. Cleansing: This is the disinfection of the nails and hands, for which water and a natural-based antibacterial, such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, or tangerine.
2. Exfoliate: This massage is relevant to working the cuticles and getting rid of dead cells. Coconut, cactus, or cinnamon are some exfoliating options.
3. Nail Polish: There’s a wide variety of high-quality vegan shades. This is the phase that shows the skill of the manicurist, to achieve elegant or eye-catching designs.
4. Shine: If you want extra shine on your nails, there’s no need for a conventional transparent polish; for a vegan manicure, the shine is achieved with mica, an element that favors fast drying and is equivalent to a semi-permanent finish.
5. Moisturize: For enameled nails, all that remains is to moisturize them, just like your hands. Coconut cream, calendula cream, and shea butter are recommended.

The benefits of vegan manicures

The main advantages of going vegan have to do with overall health care. The organic manicure is no exception and preferring it brings benefits such as the ones we will mention below.

You act green

Cosmetics and Toiletries magazine noted in a text that the increase in demand for vegan cosmetics is a sign that consumers develop more awareness about sustainable raw materials not tested on animals.

Thus, by applying a manicure of this style you contribute to the well-being of the environment because you reduce the impact of toxins and the amount of waste.

You do not inhale chemicals

The odor emanated by conventional substances can cause respiratory problems, infections, and rhinoconjunctivitis. Veganism in manicuring exempts this threat.

According to a publication by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, beauty salons concentrate on complexly formulated perfumes that expose people to hazardous chemicals, either through direct skin contact, splashing, or inhalation of aerosols.

The following items fall into this category:

• Base coat
• Nail polish
• Solvents
• Nail polish remover
• Hardeners

You avoid allergic reactions

Some nail diseases and systemic conditions are caused by the prolonged use of commercial nail polishes and acetones. For example, it’s possible to get contact dermatitis from acrylates for semi-permanent nails.

The Red Cross Hospital in Cordoba points out that this substance is quite irritating and increases sensitization to the component. Consequently, it can lead to eczema or allergic dermatitis. On the other hand, vegan recipes do not compromise nail or skin health.

Zero acetone

To remove vegan paint, you can apply a nail polish remover with the same characteristics. This works as a moisturizer, rather than attacking the nails as acetone would.

The New Jersey Department of Health warns that acetone is not only affected by inhalation but can also be absorbed into the skin. In their Hazardous Substances Fact Sheet, they discuss the irritating effects on the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

They also detail that prolonged exposure to this flammable liquid causes other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and even fainting.

It adapts to the trends

Nowadays you can find multiple techniques for the embellishment of nails. As long as the chosen inputs correspond to the vegan qualities, it’s possible to adapt the trends to this type of manicure.

What to do to make vegan manicures last longer?

There are normal, permanent, or semi-permanent vegan manicure nails. In any of the cases, as with the traditional manicure, certain precautions should be taken to extend the polish.

Never remove the cuticle completely, ask for long-lasting pigments, and make sure to wear gloves for household chores, as detergents accelerate the discoloration and nail dehydration. So, would you like to try veganism on your hands?