Why is My Nail Polish Turning Black? Causes & Solutions

Question
Hi Victoria-

   I recently went to a professional nail salon to have a french manicure and
pedicure. I loved the results!...at first.... The next day, I noticed my nails started
changing colors- to a darker shade. The tips were BLACK. But I noticed my toes
were still fine. I went back to the salon, and showed them my nails. They
informed me it was from suntan lotion. I didn't completely believe them, since I
only used SPF moisturizer on my fingertips of my left hand. They did not offer to
redo my nails. Help! Can you tell me what I did to cause the yellowing of my nail
polish? Or how I can prevent it?

Answer
Hi!
Some suntan lotions, sunscreens, self tanning products and tanning beds have been known to cause discoloration to nail enhancements.
I would advise you to use a 'spray' sunscreen and avoid tanning beds and if you should ever use a self-tanner lotion, make sure not to get it on your nails (yes, easier said than done. I'm sorry). NOTE: Actual sunlight will not cause discoloration of QUALITY nail enhancements.  ALso, if you should get sunscreen on your hands, wash them immediately after with soap.  Making sure to rinse all the residue COMPLETELY away.
Acrylic nails are 'porous' and will absorb liquids (such as tanning products)

I'm sorry that you had such an unfortunate experience, but as it is the summer and sunscreen season, your nail technician SHOULD have advised you of this possibility.

Another way to avoid this is to switch the type of nail enhancement to UV Gel. BUT be careful, there are many discount and NSS salons that 'claim' to use UV Gel but it is NOT!  Any product that requires powder is NOT UV Gel. UV Gel is exactly that.. a 'gel' with a viscosity like hair gel.

For more information on how to protect yourself from shoddy technicians, how to choose the right enhancements for you and how to avoid toxic nail enhancements, please see this page on my site and share this information with your friends.
http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html

I hope that I've been of help.
Please feel free to contact me for further info or assistance if need be.