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LED/UV Safety Notice
what to consider before your appointment

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At Hive + Co, your health and safety are our top priorities. Our gel and Luminary nail services involve the use of LED curing lights only to cure products. Nonetheless, we want advise you of the presently known risks, benefits, and how we recommended mitigating any perception of risk while you are a guest at Hive. 

 

While earlier studies suggested minimal risk, recent research has brought attention to the safety of UV nail lamps. A 2023 study published in Nature Communications ("DNA Damage and Somatic Mutations in Mammalian Cells after Irradiation with a Nail Polish Dryer") indicated that prolonged exposure to UV-nail polish dryers may cause DNA damage and mutations that could increase the risk of early-onset skin cancers, particularly of the hand.

 

However, it's important to note that this study used exposure times (up to 20 minutes) that are much longer than what typically occurs during standard nail services. In contrast, a 2023 study published in Scientific Reports ("Influence of UV Nail Lamps Radiation on Human Keratinocytes Viability" by SÅ‚abicka-Jakubczyk et al.) found that a 4-minute exposure — consistent with real-world service conditions — did not significantly reduce skin cell viability. This study also demonstrated that applying a sunscreen with SPF 50 prior to exposure significantly improved cell protection compared to no sunscreen use.

 

Given these findings, Hive + Co takes a balanced approach:

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  • we use LED curing lamps

  • we support applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to your hands at least 20 minutes before your appointment

  • we support your use of UV-protective gloves with open fingertips during services if you would like added protection

  • upon request, your Provider will provide our spa's professional product of choice, Glymed

 

Exposure during an appointment using a UV curing lamp remains brief (typically under 10 minutes total) and aligns with real-world conditions shown to carry low risk in current studies.

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Future large-scale studies are still needed to fully assess any long-term risks. In the meantime, these two preventive steps can minimize any potential exposure concerns while allowing you to enjoy your services with confidence.

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If you would like to investigate further, we are including our products and equipment so that you may rest assured you are informed. 

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Hive's lacquer, gel polish, base coat, and top coat preferred vendor is Daisy Nail Design (DND)

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​​Our preferred vendor for Luminary is Luminary

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Our cuticle treatments of choice are Navy and Cuccio

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Our sole medical-grade pedicure product line is Gehwol

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Our manicure and pedicure curing lights are DND and Luminary (all LED)

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1. Zhivagui, Maria, et al. "DNA Damage and Somatic Mutations in Mammalian Cells after Irradiation with a Nail Polish Dryer." Nature Communications, vol. 14, no. 276, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-35876-8.​PubMed+4ResearchGate+4Nature+4

2. SÅ‚abicka-Jakubczyk, Anna, et al. "Influence of UV Nail Lamps Radiation on Human Keratinocytes Viability." Scientific Reports, vol. 13, 2023, p. 22530, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49814-7.​

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