I rarely get my nails done. Scratch that, I NEVER get my nails done. This could be due to my general lethargy for beauty maintenance, but if I’m honest, it probably stems from a specific experience I’ve buried deep down inside. It was a traumatic acrylic nail disaster in my early 20’s that still stings my pride to think about. In the winter of 1998, while attending the University of Alabama, I was asked on a date by a very handsome 5^th year student. Naturally, I assumed this “man” with 5 years of college experience was incredibly mature and thus required a more glamorous woman on his arm. At only 19, I was still feeling quite girlish, so I decided to take a few steps to successfully play the part. I bought a grown-up, way too fancy for Tuscaloosa outfit and then headed to the best nail salon in town – which was not in any way impressive. Since I had no experience in this arena, I coyly asked the nail technician for a “sexy” manicure.

I left 2 hours later with an ¾” long, acrylic French manicure (which I’d love to believe was fashionable at the time). I instantly knew the nails were too dramatic for polite society, but I also knew that they were very “sexy.” After a few days of getting used to my new Pamela Anderson meets Edward Scissorhands digits, I began incessantly parading them around proudly for my roommates to catch a glimpse. I felt it a public service to educate them on how a mature woman does things. When the big night finally came, my date took me to the most/only romantic spot in town called Kozy’s (with a k). Thirty minutes in and I felt like I had this grown woman thing down pat. I was seamlessly pulling it off until…I grabbed an impossibly hard roll from the breadbasket and attempted to twist off a piece. The torque of my wrists yanked at my fingers and instantly, a French manicured, index fingernail fired off my hand like shrapnel. We both watched in slow motion as it rocketed across the table and landed atop my date’s tiny portion of mashed potatoes. Dinner was very awkward after that moment.

To my surprise, he asked me out again the next day. So, I promptly fixed the missing nail and kept them up for several months. We never discussed the mashed potato incident again, but the relationship didn’t last very long. After all that effort and embarrassment, it turned out, neither the nails nor the guy felt all that grown up.

Today, if I were to consider getting another nail treatment, I’d like to think it would be a better experience than it was 25 years ago. Because in addition to the embarrassment of the glue malfunction of the acrylics, they took a serious toll on my natural nails. We now know more about the harmful chemicals in traditional beauty products and can make better choices. According to a recent Healthline article, Mary Lennon, co-founder of non-toxic brand Côte said, “People need to understand that the nail plate is porous, not hard. That means anything you paint onto your nails will soak into your bloodstream and can affect you.” I wish I had known that back in 1998. But there’s still hope for my nails. Several brands on the market cater specifically to those concerned about the disruptive chemicals found in many mainstream brands. Here are a few to look for at local salons and stores in town.

Ten Over Ten

(Available at Saks)

According to their website: The only “eight-free” (no dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, or triphenyl phosphate) and cruelty free and vegan polish.

Our Favorites: Carmine, Mulberry

Dazzle Dry

(Available at Earthsavers & Prim Posh )

According to their website: A lacquer system that dries in 5 minutes, lasts 7+ days, is environmentally sound, and promotes healthy nails and is free from harmful chemicals and skin-sensitizing ingredients such as toluene, formaldehyde, TPHP, nitrocellulose, camphor, formaldehyde resin, ethyl tosylamide, phthalates, xylene and MEK.

Salon Favorites: Sequoia, Ember

London Town

(Available at Le Visage)

According to their website: 21+ free formula—which never contains formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates (including DBP), formaldehyde resin, camphor, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, TPHP, bisphenol A, and more. Vegan, breathable, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

Salon Recommends: Cheerio, Vendetta

Sally Hansen: Good. Kind. Pure.

(Available at Walgreens)

According to their website: *16-Free. Formulated without: 1. Formaldehyde, 2. Formaldehyde Resin, 3. Toluene, 4. Xylene, 5. Acetone, 6. Phthalates (including DBP), 7. Camphor, 8. Parabens, 9. Ethyl Tosylamide, 10. Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), 11. Animal-derived ingredients, 12. Styrene, 13. Bisphenol A, 14. Glycol Ether of Series E (Glycol ethers derived from ethylene oxide), 15. Nonylphenol ethoxylate, 16. Sulfate-free.

Our Pick: Pomegranate Punch

*Local Find of the Week: Ceramic Plates by Pearce Williams, Sunday Shop