They look so harmless. Just little glass bottles filled with brightly colored liquid. But nail polish may contain dangerous additives, such as formaldehyde, or conceal bacteria, viruses and fungi. Buyer beware!
The dangers of nail polish, though, are just half the story. The other half is your nail salon. How clean is it, really? How well does it protect you from infection?
Many nail salons are not what they appear to be. Despite slick interiors and smiling technicians, many places do not follow proper hygiene techniques.
BTG Cosmetics Inc., manufacturer of the Toma brand of nail polish known for its formaldehyde-free formula, has created a new concept in nail care: a never-opened, never-used personal-size bottle of polish that clients get to take home with them after their service is complete. BTG Cosmetics suggests that you ask these questions before you sit down for your next manicure or pedicure:
* Is everything up to speed? Be sure that your salon is operating under current licenses and that the technicians are properly certified. Such documents should be displayed.
* How are the tools sanitized? Clippers, scissors, files and other...