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Gel manicure loyalists will likely have to spend more on their beauty habit after Europe banned a key ingredient used in the polish.
As of September 1, the European Union prohibited the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide or TPO in all cosmetic products, after studies linked the chemical to long-term fertility issues.
At present, the ban does not affect the UK but industry insiders expect a similar ban to come into play towards the end of 2026.
The health and safety crackdown has sent many into a spin, but the ban does not mean you can’t have salon-worthy nails at home.
Even if the new regulation does not affect your regular treatments, DIY manicures can save hundreds of pounds a year as salon prices continue to rise – with or without the precautionary ban on TPO.
Gel manicures are achievable at home and will leave you with professional-looking talons; however, many require using a UV lamp in a process that can be complicated to master.
Instead, dip powders are a simple and UV-free method that does not include harsh any chemicals and the resulting nails are easy to remove when you need a change.
Those who don’t know where to start when it comes to at-home manicures can even try press-on nails that can be applied in minutes and removed after a few days.
A ban on a key ingredient used in gel nail polish has sent many into a spin – but the crackdown does not mean you can’t have salon-worthy nails at home (stock image)
Another convenient alternative is using nail wraps. These work as a thin adhesive sticker with real gel polish that can be sculpted to fit your natural nail, and then there’s always the classic nail varnish we grew up with.
PRESS ON NAILS
For nail novices, press-ons are a quick, easy and fuss-free solution.
Application is a breeze, you don’t have to sit and wait for the glue to dry, and removing them is as easy as applying. Additionally, these don’t do any long-term damage to your nails.
Whatever shape, colour or style you’re after, you will be able to find a set of press-on nails that suit your style.
They do come with the risk of falling off, but many varieties are sturdy enough to endure the rigours of day-to-day life.
Make sure to throw the nail glue in your handbag, so if one does slip away while you’re out and about, you can reapply on the go.
While they can last for up to two weeks, press-ons are perfect for those who want professional-looking nails for a weekend or evening event.
Budget-conscious beauty lovers can try Boots’ false nails from just £5.
The set of 24 nails comes with glue and lasts up to seven days; however, some users have reported they stay in place for two weeks.
If you can splash out a little more cash, are after a more robust set, or prefer environmentally friendly options, go for the Loste Reusable Press On Gift Set for £17.95.
GEL NAIL WRAPS
Nail wraps aren’t quite as straightforward to apply as press-ons, but they aren’t hard to master and can be easily mistaken for a professional gel manicure.
They are thin sheets of real gel polish that adhere to your nail much like a sticker and come in any colour or design you desire.
Some wraps require a UV lamp to set in place; however, others just need to be stuck on and filed down to fit your natural nail shape.
If applied, maintained and removed properly, they do not damage your nails and can last for weeks.
Acetone is not needed for the removal of nail wraps; instead, carefully lift the edge of the sticker and apply an oil, like cuticle, coconut or baby oil, or nail polish remover to dissolve the adhesive.
Sassy Saints offer bundles of nail wrap sets in 40 colours and 11 different sizes along with a mini file and cuticle stick from £29.95.
If you have a UV lamp, MoYou London’s gel strips can be cured and ready to go in just 60 seconds and last up to three weeks.
AT-HOME GEL KITS
If you really can’t let go of your gel manicure, there are great starter kits for you to master the art at home.
It is a more involved process that can be quite time-consuming, but the more you do it, the more proficient and speedy you’ll become.
Gel manicures are typically a three-step process with a thin base layer, gel polish colour and protective top coat.
Sets typically come with coloured gel polishes, a base and a top coat, as well as grooming tools like a file or a buffer.
Most kits have a UV light to cure each layer, but you can find plenty without one if you’re patient enough to wait for your nails to dry and can deal with the increased risk of chipping.
Manicurist Paris offers simple starter kits in the form of its Green Flash LED Gel Polish set from £75 with a UV lamp, base and top coat, a choice of one or five gel colours, and nail polish remover.
Get the whole kit and caboodle with Nails Inc London’s Gelled Manicure Starter Kit for just £50.
It comes with 10 pieces, including a primer, LED lamp, nail cleanser, pink chiffon gel colour and a remover tool.
DIP POWDER
Dip Powder nails are ultra-long-lasting and chip-resistant, and don’t require setting under UV lamps.
It can be applied to natural nails or extensions and isn’t as difficult to apply as gel manicures.
The process involves applying an adhesive base coat, dipping your nail into a pigmented powder as many times it takes to achieve your desired colour or thickness.
Solid colours are easier to achieve at home with dip powder; however, a French manicure isn’t too difficult to accomplish by partially dipping your nail tips in the pigment.
It is then sealed with a protective coating after the excess powder is dusted away.
While the powder, base and seal generally do not contain any harsh or harmful chemicals, removal does involve soaking your tips in acetone.
Amazon has a budget option in the way of Lofuanna’s Dip Powder Nail Kit Starter, which has a base coat, activator, top coat, powder, brush, brush saver, and file all for just £9.98.
CLASSIC NAIL POLISH
If you want to give your nails a break from thick gels, glues and wraps, harking back to traditional nail polish might be the way to go.
Formulas have come a long way since the days when many women would experiment with DIY manicures using whatever they found in their mum or older sister’s beauty bag or polish they bought with their pocket money from cheap retailers.
There are now many options that can give the salon look without chipping in a matter of days or having to wait what feels like hours for the varnish to dry without smudging.
Sally Hansen has been a go-to for nail lovers for decades, and the brand’s Insta-Dri Nail Polish is perfect for those on the go as it only needs one coat for rich pigmentation and dries in 60 seconds.
Try the luxurious Cinna Snap shade, an opulent burgundy hue ideal for autumn dressing, for £4.99 from Lookfantastic.
If you’re forgoing expensive salon treatments, why not treat yourself to a luxury polish that gives you dozens of manicures in one bottle?
Chanel’s £30 Le Vernis Long Wear Nail Colour has earned hundreds of rave reviews for its durability and rich colour.
It comes in 20 stylish colours, including the 137 Sorciere dusty pink or the 131 Cavalier Suel, which is a stunning muted green.
DON’T FORGET THE ACCESSORIES
You can get the most out of your manicure – no matter what method you opt for – if you maintain and care for your claws.
Top and base coats can strengthen and nourish your nails, which is especially important if you’re using acetone regularly and can even be used to make the cheapest of polishes last longer.
Nail buffers are your best friend when it comes to prep. They smooth ridges and imperfections on the nail surface while adding a natural shine.
Cuticle oil moisturises the skin around your nail bed and reduces dryness, cracking and even painful hangnails.
A manicure set comes with an array of tools to keep your nails at their desired length and shape.
Opt for a quality nail polish remover to gently strip away varnish without causing damage to the nail or surrounding skin.
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