Is nail glue toxic? This is a question that has been on the minds of many people who love to adorn their nails with beautiful and trendy designs.
While nail glue is a popular choice for attaching artificial nails, many are still wondering about the safety of using it. Are there any health risks associated with its use?
What Are The Different Types Of Nail Glue?
Nail glue is an essential part of manicures and pedicures, allowing people to attach fake nails with ease. There are different types of nail glue, each suited to a specific application. One such type is press-on nails glue, which comes with ready-made glue on nails that can be attached in mere seconds, working literally, as press on nails.
This is great for those who want an instant manicure without having to wait for the glue to dry. Pre-glued false nails also exist which come with adhesive already on them, so all you have to do is press them onto your natural nail beds and let the adhesive do its job.
Another option is nail glue adhesive tabs, which provide users with a strong bond between their natural nails and press on extensions.
For those looking for a more, longer-lasting solution, there’s always the traditional bottle of nail glue for applying tips or full cover sets directly onto your existing finger or toe nails.
There is also nail art glue, which can be used when you want to secure gems or decorations, as this formaldehyde based product offers maximum hold but needs ample time to dry before any activity should take place.
Difference Between Nail Glue, Acrylic Nail Glue And Eyelash Glue
Nail glue, acrylic nail glue and eyelash glue are three different types of glues used for different purposes. Nail glue is a strong adhesive designed primarily to help attach faux nails or fake nails to the natural fingernails with an extra layer of protection.
It is also sometimes used instead of traditional nail polish as it will not chip like nail polish can if applied correctly and offers the same look with less damage to the natural nails.
Acrylic nail glue is a specific type of glue used specially for applying acrylic nails and usually comes in a two-part formula where one part contains cyanoacrylate and filler powders such as ethyl acetate, calcium carbonate, or dibutyl phthalate while the other part consists of an accelerator solution.
Finally, eyelash glue is specifically designed for adhering false lashes onto your eyelids without leaving behind any residue or damaging the actual lash strip.
While all three types of glues have similar properties in that they all create adhesion between two surfaces, there are certain features that differentiate them.
Making them ideal for their respective uses: nail glue provides long lasting durability, acrylic nail glue creates a secure bond ideal for attaching acrylics to fingernails, and eyelash glue does not leave behind any visible residue upon removal from eyelids.
Is Nail Glue Toxic?
Nail glue, or fingernail glue, is a type of adhesive used to attach false nails and often with artificial tips. It is readily available at beauty supply stores and online retailers.
However, exposure to nail glue can have serious health implications due to the toxic chemicals present in the adhesive. According to The National Institutes of Health (NIH), some glues contain polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), which has been linked to skin irritation and even allergy when it comes into contact with skin tissue.
The fumes produced by nail glue can be highly irritating if inhaled too deeply. This poses a potential risk for those who use these products on an ongoing basis, such as manicurists or people who regularly apply false nails.
There are also reports of adverse medical effects from long-term exposure to nail glue including headaches, nausea, dizziness and respiratory issues due to the toxic fumes emitted from the adhesive during application.
For these reasons, it is important for anyone using nail glue regularly or frequently to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area.
Which Chemicals Are Found In Nail Glue?
Nail glue is typically composed of ingredients such as methacrylate, toluene, and formaldehyde. Methacrylate is a type of plastic that helps the nail glue stick better, while toluene and formaldehyde are solvents.
When using any type of glue in a closed or poorly ventilated area, you may experience glue exposure, which can be irritating to skin tissue.
Nails should always be glued in a well-ventilated area so as not to endure any potential long-term health risks from inhaling volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
After use, you may notice that there is some glue residue on both your nails and fingers. If this happens, it’s important to clean the residue away immediately so that it does not become absorbed into the skin – either by washing with warm water and soap or by using nail polish remover.
Long-term exposure to nail glue can cause respiratory problems due to inhalation of VOCs released upon application, so it’s essential you get nail glue from a trustworthy supplier if you intend on using them frequently.
Is Nail Glue Harmful To Your Natural Nails?
Nail glue is commonly used in nail products. It contains chemicals and should be used with good ventilation.
The fumes of the glue can be dangerous to inhale. Nail polish and nail hardener also contain chemicals, so they should be used with caution as well.
All-in-all, nail glue can be safe to use when you are careful and make sure to properly ventilate the area you’re working in. It’s important to always read the instructions on any product related to nails before using them.
If you prefer a safer alternative, there is safer nail glue available that does not contain the same harsh chemicals found in other brands, to allow you to get your nails done, without worrying about doing your nails in a well-ventilated area, with chemicals that can affect your health. There are some non-toxic nail glues, free of toluene, latex or other common ingredients which can cause irritation.
This type of adhesive is still strong enough for your press-ons, but without the risks associated with chemicals like regular glue. Overall, it’s best to use caution when applying any kind of nail product and do your research before purchasing items for home use.
Signs and Symptoms of Nail Glue Irritation or Allergy
Nail glue irritation or allergy can occur if press on nails are not applied properly. Symptoms include redness and itching in the skin around the nail, pain, burning sensations, and flaking of the skin. Blisters may form, as well as oozing of clear fluid.
The area around the nail can feel tender to the touch and become increasingly sensitive to even minor movements. In severe cases, a rash may appear on other parts of your body that had contact with the glue used to stick on press-on nails.
If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, while avoiding any further exposure to nail adhesives or fumes, so not to risk human health by painting your nails or sticking to your nails.
Signs to look out for when using press-on nails include prolonged contact between skin and adhesive, not allowing sufficient time for the area to be free from residue before application. Always be careful with accidental contact with any spillage of the glue and with your skin.
Inhaling fumes from products used on nails, such as cuticle removers or acetone based removers, which can cause allergic reactions similar to those from popping bubble wrap and cleaning chemicals like bleach.
Ingredients to Look for In Non-Toxic Nail Glue
When choosing non-toxic glue, look for several ingredients to make sure you are getting the safest product for your nails.
Look for an adhesive that is free of toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, parabens and ethyl acetate.
A good option is one containing natural materials such as citric acid and/or tea tree oil, which can not only increase safety but also provide a pleasant scent.
Check the list of chemicals on the packaging. It’s also important to pay attention to other materials added to the product such as cyanoacrylate, acrylates copolymer or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). These dissolve over time, allowing the nails to breathe naturally and keep them healthy.
How to Remove Nail Glue without Damage to The Natural Nail?
Removing nail glue can be a tricky task. To do it without damaging your natural nails, you need to first tap the edge of the glue-applied nails with a thin wooden paddle or cuticle pusher, pushing them away from your fingers gently and carefully.
After that, use pure acetone or an acetone-based product by soaking a cotton ball in it and placing it over the glued area of the nail for about 10 minutes.
Gently scrape off any remaining residue using an orange stick or cuticle remover after removing the cotton ball.
Finally, if there is any residue left on your nails, scrub it off with a toothbrush moistened with warm water and liquid soap. Then rinse off with water and apply nail oil or cream onto the affected area to nourish your natural nails.
Summary
Although nail glue can be an effective way to secure false nails, it is important to practice caution when using this product. Nail glue contains toxic chemicals, and proper safety measures such as working in a well-ventilated area and wearing gloves should always be taken.
There are also non-toxic alternatives that use natural ingredients for those who prefer a safer option. If you experience any type of adverse reaction after coming into contact with nail glue or its fumes, immediate medical attention should be sought.