Fans of gel manicure, take note. A toxic ingredient found in top coat nail polish was just banned by the European Union.
Announced yesterday, the ingredient trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) which is used as a photoinitiator in gel nail polish – helping to set the polish and help it retain colour when under UV light – has been deemed unsafe. Salons across the EU will have to remove all existing stock and replace it with TPO-free products.
While the studies that have linked TPO to fertility issues have only been tested on animals, the ban is a precautionary measure to avoid any future impacts. TPO still remains unregulated in the US and, for now, will continue to be used there.
Beyond the potentially harmful effects of TPO from gel manicure, they can also weaken nails, cause allergic skin reactions and even exacerbate asthma symptoms. Read on to find out the best alternatives for gel nails that will still help you achieve the glossy, long-lasting manicure you’re looking for.
Longwear nail polish
An easy alternative to the gel manicure, longwear nail polish is like your traditional nail polish – but better. Whether it’s Essie, OPI, Barry M or Sally Hansen, a variety of brands have upgraded their regular nail polish offerings to be longer-lasting and with a gel-like shine once you’ve applied your top coat. No need to cure with a UV lamp and no need to soak your nails in acetone when you want to remove. Enjoy two weeks of fresh, shiny nails.
LED nail polish
As an 100% TPO-free nail polish brand, Manucurist is a great choice for achieving a gel manicure without the worry of any health issues. While gel manicures often have to be drilled to be removed, the brand’s Green Flash collection of LED gel nail polishes can be removed without soaking or drilling thanks to its acetone-free Green Flash Remover that lifts the colour so it can be simply peeled away. Interested? Dip your toe into LED nail polish with the brand’s LED Gel Polish Starter Kit. Mylee and OPI are great choices too.
BIAB
Earlier this year, we unpacked the BIAB nail trend as it began to blow up on TikTok. An alternative to gel, acrylic and shellac, BIAB creates a strong overlay that works as a protective barrier for your nail. Launched in 2015 by The Gel Bottle, BIAB was created as a professional-only alternative for nails, but if you’re a nail pro or looking to get into manicures, the BIAB Heroes Starter Kit – stocked with all the essentials you’d need to get BIAB at home.
Mylee 5 in 1 Builder Base Strengthening Gel
Dip Powder
A lesser known, but more durable known alternative to the gel manicure is dip powder nails. After applying a base coat, the nail is dipped (or sometimes brushed) with layers of pigment that are sealed with a protective top coat. With the option for added gloss – with or without a UV/LED lamp – the results speak for themselves: three-plus weeks without chipping or cracking.
Nail wraps
A step up from your standard press-on nails, nail wraps are a quick and convenient alternative that promise to last up to two weeks (and sometimes longer). Available in two different types, classic nail wraps can be applied without any additional tools, while semi-cured or gel nail wraps need and LED or UV lamp to set. To use, apply to clean hands and use a cuticle stick to fix the nail wrap in place. Smooth out any bubbles and file away the excess before curing if using gel nail wraps. With Mylee, Le Mini Macaron and MoYou offering a range of different styles and colours, what’s not to love?
MoYou-London Gel Nail Strip – I Need Space
Press-on nails
Press-on nails have come a long way from the days of flimsy French tips that would inevitably ping off seconds after being applied. Brands like Fette are leading, bringing colour and charm with fun press-ons that are hand-painted and are designed to be worn and reworn to your heart’s content. Glamnetic is a more affordable choice, available in a variety of colours and typically lasting between 2-3 weeks. To remove, simply soak your nails and use a cuticle stick to gently prise the press-on away from your natural nail.
Glamnetic Press On Nails – Berry Fizz