Most nail paints and enamels contain harsh chemicals that aren't exactly "green". But that doesn't mean you can't have fun with your finger- and toenails. There are a few different non-toxic ways you can decorate your nails; here are some that I have discovered.
Chemical-free nail wraps
I recently ordered nail wraps from Jamberry Nails (jamberrynails.net) and tried them out. For the most part, they're great: easy to apply (once you get the hang of it), easy to remove, and best of all...they are green. They are basically stickers with a non-toxic adhesive that is heat-activated. Once you apply the wrap, you can trim it down to the length and shape of your nail.
They are somewhat expensive at $15 per sheet, but you can get 2 manicures, 2 pedicures, and a few accent nails out of each sheet. They can last up to two weeks on fingers and much longer on toes. They come in tons of different designs (see picture for an example). They can be removed with heat, or with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, all of which are non-toxic.
The only real problem I had with the wraps was upon removing them: They left my nails pretty dry and cracked (which is probably largely due to the dry winter air) so I had to cut them short and give them time to breathe for a few weeks.
Non-toxic nail polish
I'll have to be honest: I've never tried a "green" nail polish or lacquer, but here's what I found out with a little research.
There are various brands of non-toxic nail polish: Piggy Paint, Acquarella, Honeybee Gardens, and several others. They are free of toxic chemicals, such as toluene and formaldehyde. They don't tend to last long, but on the plus side, they are easy to remove with non-toxic removal methods.
Non-toxic nail lacquers
When researching, I came across the Scotch Naturals website (scotchnaturals.com), where you can learn more about their non-toxic nail lacquers. They are similar to nail polish, but seem to be more durable. This particular brand carries products that are vegan, fragrance free, paraben free, biodegradable, and free of the previously-mentioned chemicals.
What are your thoughts? Have you tried any non-toxic nail art methods? Please share your experience below.
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Disclosure: This post may contain some affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.
Your challenge: This week, consider swapping out your regular nail polish for a new non-toxic nail art method.
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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during
which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to
lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**
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