Is your hybrid manicure safe? The potential health risks of UV nail lamps

Globally, hybrid manicures are in vogue. Scientists have examined whether using a UV lamp for polish hardening is as safe as manufacturers claim. Unfortunately, there are some concerns.

Researchers from the University of San Diego and the University of Pittsburgh have sought to answer the question: Is a hybrid manicure safe? Many producers claim that this nail-painting technique isn't just practical, but more importantly, it doesn't compromise our health.

The research analysed three cell types: human skin keratinocytes (part of the skin layer known as the epidermis), human fibroblasts (cells found in connective tissue), and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These cells were exposed to a UV lamp in three separate 20-minute bursts, each separated by an hour-long interval. Two days after the exposure, samples were analysed, and the results were concerning.

As per the California-based scientists, each exposure session contributed to the death of some cells exposed to the UV lamp. After three 20-minute sessions, as much as 70% of them had died. These findings were published in the January edition of scientific journal "Nature Communications".

After coming across an article about an American beauty pageant contestant diagnosed with a rare type of skin cancer, the researchers were moved to study the effects of UV lamps used in hybrid manicures. Their findings are disconcerting.

Based on the results of our study and previous evidence, it suggests that the radiation from UV lamps, similar to those found in sunbeds, may increase skin cancer risks.

However, the scientists emphasise in their write-up that many years of research are required to conclusively confirm this. But it's noteworthy that the typical hybrid manicure doesn't expose your hands to a UV lamp for 20 minutes. At most, it takes approximately 30 seconds, so there's no need for undue alarm just yet.