As we know, veganism isn't just something to consider when it comes to food, it is present in other industries too, especially beauty. Sadly, animals are exploited and tested on for many products before they go into mass production. Some of the top brands' successes are at the unfortunate fate of cruelty to animals, whether they carry this out directly themselves or fund companies that work in production.
Nail varnishes can be the most challenging product as they are known to use toxic ingredients and hazardous chemicals. Many of these not only cause harm to animals when tested on but have a negative effect on the environment too. When looking for a new polish, there are some ingredients to avoid, including Guanine, which is fish scales that are used to give nails a shimmery finish, Keratin, an animal protein made up from feathers, hooves etc to harden and strengthen nails and Shellac, found in most nail salons which the procedure uses a resin created from a lac bug. These ingredients do have plant-based alternatives.
As the message is getting spread further, brands and salons are taking responsibility to change their methods and become more ethical by removing the harm of animals from their supply chain. Some have introduced vegan variants of their products which is a positive step. Bu the front runners are the few companies who began with this in mind from the beginning. Having a harm-free approach to their beauty products and services of both animal and environmental impact, which we love to see.
Most brands who are vegan and non-toxic are easy to find and it is likely to be mentioned on their packaging and websites. Things to look out for include 'vegan' and the word ‘free’ which has a number in front of it reflecting non-toxic ingredients used, with 12-free being rid of all 12 main toxic chemicals found in nail varnish.
Here are 5 amazing vegan and non-toxic nail bars in London (that you can visit after lockdown) offering up eco-friendly treatments for your fingers and toes.
Where? 28 Queens Parade, Friern Barnet Road, London N11 3DA
NUBR provides Green beauty services to their clients, choosing only vegan, organic and natural brands to work with at the salon. Their values are in all the right places and their treatments are exceptional, leaving you with that ultimate ‘Feel Good’ factor.
Where? 450 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London, E84AE
Non-toxic and vegan nail studio, STILL London is committed to providing clean mani and pedicures using naturally sourced ingredients that are as equally effective. It is known as the city’s leading salon in eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic treatments and specialises in being completely harm-free, so your self-care is at no expense to the planet.
Where? 340 Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8QH
The free-from nail salon in Brixton uses handpicked brands by leading expert manicurist and owner, Ama, whose own lifestyle follows a similar approach of using natural alternatives. The salon offers premium clean treatments to accentuate the natural nails.
Where? 45 Newman St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1QE
The natural beauty bar for the health-conscious to get their beauty fix. This trendy salon offers toxic-free manicures to beauty lovers and uses only organic, vegan and sustainable products and are passionate about honest and clean products.
