Are UV lamps in nail salons safe?

Written by Krista Cosco 
After a manicure or pedicure clients shuffle over to the dryers, stick their hands/feet under and wait a few minutes. Did your clients ever ask if the dryers’ UV light was harmful? Did you ever think it could be? Well, for two women these UV lights caused cancer on their hands. Neither woman was pre-disposed to cancer or ever thought that getting a manicure could have some harmful affects.

Dr. Deborah F. McFarlane examined women with cancer on their hands and wondered if their manicured nails had anything to do with it. She came up with her conclusions and published them in the Archives of Dermatology in 2009 with Dr. Carol Alonso. The publication says, “It appears that exposure to UV nail lights is a risk factor for the development of skin cancer.” ⁽¹⁾  Like tanning beds, the UV dryers give off UVA rays that could be dangerous to skin.

Before you start getting too nervous, just remember these are only two cases. UVA light that comes from the nail/gel dryers is rarely a problem. Professional nail technician Maggie Franklin explains, “…you are being exposed to approximately 3 to 10 watts of UVA light for a few minutes once every other week when you have your nails done. This is far less UV exposure than you get from having your hands on your steering wheel while driving on a sunny day (since UV rays are not effectively filtered by glass either.)” ⁽²⁾

Now, this back and forth may be confusing for your customers but there are some tips that may help.

• While applying lotion during the manicure or pedicure, make sure that lotion has SPF in it or apply broad-spectrum sunscreen in addition. This will help protect your clients’ skin while skill giving them the luxury that they are used to.
• If your client is getting a regular manicure (not acrylic or gel-based) have them use a fan to dry their nails. It may take a bit longer, but it could be better for them.

By taking the necessary precautions you are showing the customer that you care and that the client’s safety is the most important priority of your salon.