Chances are, you’ve probably never considered how your nail care habits could be putting you at risk. But a recent survey conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that many popular nail polishes contain toxic chemicals such as triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), which can disrupt normal hormone functioning.

Women who regularly paint their nails might want to think twice before picking up their next bottle of polish.

That’s because many popular nail polishes may contain toxic chemicals that can disrupt normal hormone functioning in your body, according to a recent survey of more than 3,000 polishes conducted by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

The study — which looked at the ingredients lists on those little bottles of lacquer and shiny top coats in salons across the country — found that nearly 1 in 4 contained triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). The chemical is used in some nail polishes as a plasticizer or fire retardant.

It’s also a suspected endocrine-disrupting chemical, which means it can interfere with normal hormone functioning in your body.

Did you know that manufacturers don’t have to disclose the ingredients in nail polish? There are many toxic chemicals that can be found in your favorite bottle of nail polish.

Here are some tips to help you rethink your nail care routine.

Before you pick up that bottle of nail polish, ask yourself: Is this product safe?

When you go to a salon and get your nails done, be sure to ask the manicurist what they are using on you and your nails. Do they use “3-Free” products? Have they heard of “5-Free” or even “7-Free” products? If not, consider going to a salon that does offer these safer products.

If you want to do it at home, there are a number of brands out there that do make safer products. Some brands include Scotch Naturals, Honeybee Gardens, Piggy Paint and SUNcoat.

The environmental impact of nail polish is often overlooked because a bottle of nail polish is so tiny. But it’s time to rethink your nail care routine. Nail polish has been found to contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to allergies, asthma, cancer, reproductive harm and endocrine disruption.

This list of toxic chemicals in nail polish is long in length, but some of the most common offenders include:

* Formaldehyde

* Toluene

* Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

* Camphor

* Acetone

Formaldehyde was listed as a known human carcinogen by the U.S. National Toxicology Program in 2011 and the IARC Monographs Program in 2012. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans for a new health assessment for formaldehyde to determine whether formaldehyde causes leukemia and nose and throat cancer. In addition, some studies have shown that formaldehyde can cause occupational asthma in people who work with the chemical on a regular basis.

I made my first manicure appointment at age 15. Before that, I had never thought much about my nails other than the fact that they were always painted and I did not like when my mother cut them in front of me. At the age of 15, however, I felt that it was time to start taking care of them as a “grown up” would.

So off I went to my first manicure where I spent more than $20 for someone else to do what my mother was already doing for free. It was a huge waste of money, but I loved it and have been getting regular manicures ever since.

Now that I am “older” (whatever that means), however, I am rethinking my nail care routine. Not only are manicures expensive if you get them done regularly – and if you are like me you need one every two weeks – but they are also quite damaging to your nails.

Perhaps the biggest problem with having your nails professionally done is that they use an electric drill or file to shape your nails. This can lead to weakening and splitting of the nails over time because it removes layers from the nail itself. The chemicals found in gel polish are also drying and can leave your nails brittle and weak after just

More than just a cosmetic accessory, manicured nails can say a lot about a person. They’re an easy way to add some color and style to your wardrobe, but it can be difficult to know where to begin when you’re considering how to care for them properly.

At The Nail Spa, we’re passionate about helping people take better care of their nails, whether you’re looking for a regular manicure or want advice on how to maintain your nails between visits. To help you get started, here are some tips that will help keep your nails looking great:

1) Use the right products.

It’s important to use the right products in order to keep your nails healthy and strong. Products that contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and acetone can cause damage and dryness if used regularly. These ingredients will also make it more difficult for your nails to grow back once they’ve been removed so it’s best not to use them at all if possible.

Instead, opt for natural alternatives like coconut oil or shea butter which have nourishing properties without causing any harm when applied topically. If these don’t work well enough then try using almond oil mixed with lavender essential oils as an

Nail care is a very important part of personal hygiene. Not only are clean hands and nails visually appealing, good nail care can also help prevent the transmission of bacteria and disease. Here are some tips on taking care of your nails:

1. Clean Under Your Nails

To get rid of any old polish or dirt, use a cotton swab or an old soft toothbrush to clean under the nails.

2. Trim Your Nails

Trimming your nails helps you avoid hangnails, which can be painful and itchy. To prevent splitting, trim them straight across and file in one direction only. Shorter nails are less likely to break than long ones.

3. Moisturize

Dry cuticles can lead to cracking and peeling, which can be painful. To keep cuticles moisturized rub in cuticle oil or lotion daily. If you do this before bed, your nails will be extra moisturized by morning!

1. If you’re used to a weekly manicure, start looking at your nails and noticing what’s actually happening. “If you are having your nails professionally shaped and polished once a week or more, you will likely become accustomed to having this done,” says Deborah Lippmann, celebrity manicurist and founder of Deborah Lippmann Nail Care. But if you take a closer look at your nails, you may find that they’re not always in need of professional maintenance.

“The key is to examine your nails on a regular basis so that you can see how much — or how little — your nails need for maintenance,” says Lippmann. “If your nails grow slowly and have minimal wear, then there is no reason to have them done every week.”

2. Opt for a more natural shape. “When our nails are shaped too short, they are more prone to damage,” says Lippmann. “I recommend having the nail shaped just past the fingertip so that it gives the nail more strength.” The most popular nail shape right now is squared-off tips with slightly rounded corners (a.k.a., the French manicure). But it’s also not uncommon to see squarer, almond-shaped nails (think: Rihanna