Pregnancy comes with a long list of do's and don'ts, and it's easy to wonder where beauty treatments fit in. One of the most common questions we hear is: "Can I still get a manicure when I'm pregnant?"
The short answer is: Absolutely! With a few key precautions, getting a manicure can be a perfectly safe and wonderful way to relax and pamper yourself during pregnancy. The key is to be an informed client and to work with a nail tech who prioritizes high-quality, safer products.
"Getting your nails done during pregnancy is generally safe! Most nail products are usually fine to use, but if you’d like extra peace of mind, it’s best to stick with HEMA-free and/or TPO-free products."
— Sarah Thompson, Founder of Stellar Gel
The Main Concerns: Fumes & Formulas
When it comes to manicures during pregnancy, the primary concerns are chemical exposure and the risk of infection.
1. Chemical Exposure: Traditional nail products (Think 1950s-1990s) can contain chemicals that are best avoided, especially during pregnancy. The main ones to look out for are often called the "toxic trio":
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Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen used as a hardener.
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Toluene: Helps create a smooth finish but has been linked to developmental issues in high concentrations.
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Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): Adds flexibility but is a suspected endocrine disruptor.
2. Infection Risk: Any time the skin is broken, there's a risk of infection. It's crucial to ensure your salon follows strict sterilization protocols. Does your manicurist use a brand new file and buffer on each client?
How to Choose a Pregnancy-Safe Manicure
Now for the good news! The nail industry has made huge strides in creating safer, high-performance products. Here’s what to look for:
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Choose Clean Formulas: Look for polishes and gels that are free of the “toxic trio” (all of Stellar Gel polishes are). You can look up a company’s SDS sheets to check ingredients (we publish our SDS sheets on our website. They are easily found in the footer of each page). This is the best way to avoid problematic ingredients.
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Ventilation is Key: Always choose a salon that is well-ventilated to minimize the fumes you're inhaling.
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Sterilization is Non-Negotiable: Make sure your nail technician uses tools sterilized in an autoclave or opens a new, single-use pack for your service.
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Be Gentle with Cuticles: Ask your tech to be very careful when trimming your cuticles to minimize any risk of nicks or cuts.
A Note on Comfort and Body Chemistry
Sarah also offers a couple of pro-tips for clients and techs to keep in mind:
"Comfort first - Pregnancy can make you more sensitive to smells or sitting for long periods, so take breaks if needed. and you can absolutely enjoy your mani time. Also, pregnancy hormones can sometimes affect how products wear or bond, so retention may be a little different than usual and that’s completely normal."
The Stellar Gel Solution
At Stellar Gel, we believe you should never have to compromise on safety for beauty. We are proud to be a nail tech-owned brand that puts health at the forefront.
Many of our core products, like our incredible 3-Free Hard Structure Fiber Gel in Rose Petal or White (more are on the way), are formulated without the most common allergens and irritants. Being HEMA-Free, TPO-Free, and HPMA-Free, they represent the new standard in nail care—perfect for all clients, including those who are pregnant or have sensitivities.
By choosing Stellar Gel, you're choosing a brand that is invested in the long-term health of both nail technicians and their clients.
So go ahead and book that appointment! A beautiful manicure is a small luxury you can and should enjoy.
✨ Explore our collection of 3-Free and HEMA-Free Gels today!