01 January 2024 – 3 min read
What if your manicure could make your nails healthier? Sound too good to be true? Please let us introduce you to the amazing benefits of breathable nail polish.
What is breathable nail polish?
Breathable nail polish(or the more technically suitable term 'water permeable') is a type of nail polish formula thatallows water and oxygen to pass through to the nail via a staggered molecular structure that creates (really) tiny holes. It is different to traditionalnail polishformulas that havea tight molecular structure that puts a solid film over each nail so nothing gets through. This process of placing a solid film over the nail with traditional nail polish formulas is thought toweaken nails, especially for people who wear nail polish for long lengths of time or who have frequent manicures.
That's where breathable nail polish can really work its magic; by creating beautiful long-lasting manicures with shades like Catcher In The Raw above without damaging your nails.
Why is breathable nail polish better?
It’s a good question, because nails don’t actually need to ‘breathe’. They get all their nutrients from the blood flow to the nail bed underneath.
There are some amazing benefits to breathable nail polish however and it goes beyond promoting good nail health. We've compiled a list of 6 of the best benefits of breathable nail polish.
5totally-worth-it benefits of using breathable nail polish
1. Goodbye toxic chemicals
True fact: many nail polish formulations contain known toxic substances, like formaldehyde, camphor and toluene. At Kester Black we think that's mildly terrifying. Whilst no nail polish formula can ever be totallychemical free, our formulas are officially 12-Free, which means we steer clear of aforementioned substances plus similarly difficult-to-say chemicals.
2. Healthier nails
Did you know that nails are oily? Yep, your nails are actuallymoisturised by their natural oils. It’s what keeps them flexible and healthy. Traditional polish can trap these oils and weaken the nails. Breathable nail polish allows the natural movement of oil through and then off the nail. This means your nails stay beautifully moisturised but don’t become overly soft or weak.
3. Manicures for days
While we’re talking about oils; when you have a build up of oil on your nails your polish can’t ‘grip’ to it. And when you’re nail polish doesn’t grip, you get chips. Lot’s of them, frustratingly quickly. Breathable polish makes for a stronger, longer lasting manicure. Kester Black nail polishes last around 5-7 days without chipping. Incidentally, this is also why we recommend usinganail cleanser (isopropyl alcohol)before applying your polish.Who doesn’t love a durable manicure?
4. Quick dry time
It turns out that, if air can penetrate through your nail polish, the dry time is drastically reduced. Crazy, huh? Less time to wait. Less time for smudges to happen as you get bored waiting. And if you use quick dry spray, then we’ve totally got rid of an extra product AND another step in your routine. Did we mention the easy application?
5. Massive social impact
You know we’re all about social equality here at Kester Black. Well, water permeable (breathable) nail polish makes it possible for our Muslim audience to perform Wudu and maintain a set of beautifully polished nails. Wudu is a religious purification practice that Muslims perform multiple times a day in preparation for prayer. The practice involves completely cleansing the hands, including the nails, which wouldn’t be possible if the participant was wearing regular, non-breathable nail polish. With this tiny change on a tiny level, nail polish is suddenly way more equitable.
FAQs
Breathable nail polish allows the natural movement of oil through and then off the nail. This means your nails stay beautifully moisturised but don't become overly soft or weak. While we're talking about oils; when you have a build up of oil on your nails your polish can't 'grip' to it.
Why is breathable nail polish better? ›
Breathable nail polish allows the natural movement of oil through and then off the nail. This means your nails stay beautifully moisturised but don't become overly soft or weak. While we're talking about oils; when you have a build up of oil on your nails your polish can't 'grip' to it.
What are the 3 main nail polish ingredients that give cause for concern? ›
Beyond the infamous "toxic trio" of dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde, there are other substances to be wary of: Xylene: Another solvent, which can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Is there a nail polish that is actually good for your nails? ›
All Butter London's products are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free and are packed with active ingredients and hydrating oils to help strengthen and add moisture to the nails. 10-free and available in a stunning range of shades, Butter London polishes are long-lasting and help to promote stronger, healthier nails.
What does breathing nail polish do? ›
A breathing nail polish formula that protects the moisture of the nails,permeates both oxygen and water vapor and helps to healthy nail growth. A breathing nail polish formula that protects the moisture of the nails,permeates both oxygen and water vapor and helps to healthy nail growth.
What is the healthiest way to paint your nails? ›
Dip Powder: A Durable and Healthier Alternative
Dip powder nails have gained tremendous popularity due to their durability and natural finish. This technique involves applying a base coat, dipping the nails into colored powder, and sealing them with a top coat.
Are fingernails healthier without polish? ›
Nail polish, in moderation, isn't necessarily bad for your nails. Nails don't need to “breathe,” per se, because they get their nutrients from your blood. But it's still not great to wear nail polish all the time.
Is it a myth to let your nails breathe? ›
The idea that nails need to “breathe” by going polish-free is a myth. While it's essential to practice proper nail care and give your nails occasional breaks between manicures, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that nails require periods of nakedness.
Is using old nail polish bad? ›
Don't stress, as it's really not the end of the world. While things such as efficacy and potential bacteria contamination can be a real concern with other products, using old nail polish is most likely to simply result in a less-than-stellar mani.
What happens if you leave nail polish on too long? ›
"Leaving your nail polish on for too long can dry out the nails, leaving them brittle," says Dr. Curry. "Thin, brittle nails pose a health hazard because the nail is a barrier to keep out bacteria and fungus."
To give a straightforward answer, yes, nail polish is bad for your skin. When applying nail polish, you want to keep it on your nails and not get it on your skin. But, it is not only the nail polish itself that is bad for your skin. It is also the application and removal process that is harsh and damaging to your skin.
What is the best nail polish brand in the world? ›
Based on the research conducted, the top 15 best nail polish brands of 2024 are:
- Essie.
- Maybelline New York.
- Dior.
- OPI.
- Chanel.
- Sally Hansen.
- Butter London.
- Zoya.
What is the most common gel polish used in salons? OPI GelColor is common in salons.
What's the healthiest nails to get? ›
Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.
While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.
Is it okay to pray with breathable nail polish? ›
This was done after the requirements for water permeability were met successfully and after extensive evaluation by a qualified chemist. It is safe to pray and do wudhu with Tuesday in Love nail polish.
What do nail salons use to make polish stay on longer? ›
There's a reason nail salons often add a drop of acetone to a bottle of nail polish: it makes polish easier to apply and (counter-intuitively) helps manicures to last longer. That's because the thinner consistency is less likely to clump up and lift off of the nail.
Do you need a base coat with breathable nail polish? ›
BREATHABLE 1-STEP MANICURE
Our ORLY Breathable 1-Step nail polish, there's no need to use a base or topcoat. This Breathable nail polish offers treatment, colour and shine with Argan Oil, Pro Vitamin B5 & Vitamin C.
Is breathable nail polish non toxic? ›
What are the benefits of using breathable nail polish? Our breathable nail polish is free from the potentially toxic ingredients found in traditional nail polish.
