Best Gloves for Nail Technicians

The nail industry is on the rise, but so is the number of chemicals that manicurists are exposed to on a daily basis. As reported by studies, exposure to harmful chemicals in cosmetics and detergents, wet work, and the failure to wear protective gloves have led to an increase in skin problems among nail salon technicians, especially dermatitis and infections.

In this blog, we have collaborated with product experts to present you with a comprehensive guide on the Best Gloves for Nail Technicians and other PPE that should be considered by anybody frequently exposed to the harmful chemicals that make most manicure products. Whether you're a seasoned technician working with numerous clients, or a novice manicurist doing at-home manicures, this guide can help you to stay safe.

What's Covered In this Guide?

Looking for something in particular? Here are the areas that we are going to cover:

• Overall Best Gloves for Nail Technicians
• Most Durable Gloves for Nail Technicians
• Best Nitrile Gloves for Manicurists
• Best Long Gloves for Nail Technicians
• Other PPE You Should Consider as a Nail Technician 

Overall Best Gloves for Nail Technicians

Winner: Aurelia Blush Medical Grade Nitrile Gloves 78885-9

Why We Love Them...

✔ Offers both protection and comfort needed whilst carrying out different tasks
✔ Features enhanced sensitivity and tactility to ensure a good grip
✔ Includes anti-ageing and moisturising properties to keep your hands hydrated
✔ Supplied in a box of 200 for cost efficiency

Perfect For...

✔ Keeping the hands protected and moisturised during long shifts
✔ The easy handling of small nail brushes and other tools
✔ Users who suffer from sensitive skin or a latex allergy

Technical Specs

✔ Conforms to the following: EN 455-1, 2, 3 & 4 and EN 374-1, 2 & 3

Editor's Verdict: Performing manicures often means putting your hands through hard work for hours, which can leave your skin painfully cracked and dry. Besides featuring a robust and durable 2.8mil powder-free nitrile construction, the Aurelia Blush Medical Grade Nitrile Gloves 78885-9 include textured fingers for a secure grip, especially needed throughout tasks including clipping, buffing, filing and nail shaping. With these gloves, you won't have to worry about damaged skin, as their moisturising properties will keep your hands hydrated all day. These Aurelia nitrile gloves are most trusted by industry professionals, with Aurelia confirming that they are amongst the most common gloves bought by workers from the nail and beauty industries.

Most Durable Gloves For Nail Technicians

Winner: Black Mamba Disposable Nitrile Gloves BX-BMG

Why We Love Them...

✔ Features two-ply fusion strength for anti-tear resistance and durability
✔ Grip-rite finish ensures an outstanding grip even in slippery conditions
✔ Full nitrile coating offers three times the protection of latex and vinyl
✔ Disposable to guarantee maximum hygiene

Perfect For...

✔ Long-lasting protection against chemicals
✔ Handling small tools including brushes and nail tools
✔ Users seeking dark-coloured protective gloves

Technical Specs

✔ Conforms to microorganism hazards EN 374-2
✔ Conforms to the following: EN 374-3

Editor's Verdict:  If you're performing manicures all day, you'll want a durable glove that will give you full dexterity. The Black Mamba Disposable Nitrile Gloves BX-BMT are an excellent choice for professional nail technicians, with a discreet and stylish black design and a tough construction that prevents rips and tears. The nitrile material protects your hands from common chemicals that you may encounter when doing nail work, helping to prevent your hands from being damaged.

Customer Verdict: "I'm a nail technician which involves a lot of harsh chemicals and slippery tools. These gloves are very strong, don't tear when filing or let any chemicals seep through, and have excellent grip. Definitely worth buying. I wished I'd discovered them sooner." Kay ★★★★★

Best Nitrile Gloves for Manicurists

Winner: Finite Green Nitrile Disposable Powder-Free Examination Gloves (50 Pairs)

Why We Love Them...

✔ Made from a soft material to guarantee a comfortable wear
✔ Features textured fingertips for an improved grip on small tools
✔ Synthetic rubber is highly resistant to chemicals and abrasions
✔ Supplied in a box of 100 gloves

Perfect For...

✔ Providing perfect protection against chemicals and abrasions
✔ Working with nail utensils including cuticle pushers and nippers
✔ Users who suffer from a latex allergy

Technical Specs

✔ Tested against acetone, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and methacrylate compounds
✔ Conforms to the following: EN 374-1:2016 and EN 374-5:2016

Editor's Verdict: Designed to provide you with outstanding chemical protection, the Finite Green Nitrile Disposable Powder-Free Examination Gloves (50 Pairs) is a durable option able to resist the penetration of acetone, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, methacrylate compounds and other common toxic substances often found in nail products. Besides providing a superb grip on small tools, these gloves feature a soft and super flexible elastic, latex-free material that allows for comfortable wear even throughout long periods. Additionally, the powder-free design aims to decrease the risk of infection and improves overall hygiene in the workplace.

Best Long Gloves for Nail Technicians

Winner: Polyco Finite FHD50 HD Bodyguards Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Why We Love Them...

✔ Powder-free design helps minimise contact contamination
✔ Features extended 30cm cuff to protect wrists and forearms
✔ Nitrile construction offers good tensile strength for increased durability
✔ Includes textured fingertips for an enhanced grip of wet and oily materials

Perfect For...

✔ Protecting the hands, wrists and forearms against chemicals and abrasions
✔ Easily manipulating small tools even in slippery conditions
✔ Users with sensitive skin or latex allergies

Technical Specs

✔ Tested against acetone, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and methacrylate compounds
✔ Conforms to the following: EN 374-1:2016 and EN 374-5:2016

Editor's Verdict: Sometimes extended protection is required, as the last thing we want is harmful chemicals dripping down or seeping through our sleeves. The Polyco Finite FHD50 HD Bodyguards Nitrile Disposable Gloves offer long cuffs that provide coverage of the hands, wrists and forearms to ensure you stay shielded against hazards. These gloves come with textured fingertips for full dexterity, even during wet and oily conditions. Whether you're dealing with cuticle oil or nail polish remover, these gloves will still allow for a firm grip on tools, ensuring maximum productivity at work. 

Other PPE You Should Consider as a Nail Technician

Besides hand and wrist protection, it is also incredibly important for manicurists to consider respiratory protective equipment. After all, it has been reported that nail salon technicians inhale 10 times more chemicals than electronic-waste workers, often leading to coughing, asthma-like attacks and other more serious conditions.

If you want to protect yourself against inhaling toxic chemicals, you should seek a face mask with a filter that can prevent you from breathing in the toxic fumes that emanate from cosmetic products. Below you can find our best option to respiratory protection, as recommended by product experts.

Best Face Mask for Nail Technicians

Winner: Portwest P351 FFP3 Valved Dolomite Disposable Face Mask (Pack of 20)

Why We Love It...

✔ Prevents the inhalation of fumes, mists and other hazards
✔ Protects against viruses and bacteria
✔ Dolomite clogging test provides fluid breathing
✔ Comes in a pack of 20 to guarantee a hygienic use

Perfect For...

✔ Use in warm and closed conditions including nail salons
✔ Preventing the inhalation of toxic chemicals found in nail cosmetics
✔ Users looking for a comfortable mask for all-day wear

Technical Specs

✔ Tested against acetone, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate and methacrylate compounds
✔ Conforms to the following: EN 149

Editor's View: When working at a nail salon, not only are you vulnerable to headaches and respiratory issues caused by toxic chemicals, but you're also exposed to viruses and bacteria brought by others around you. Luckily, the Portwest P351 Valved Dolomite Disposable Face Mask (Pack of 20) provides two-in-one protection against chemical fumes emitted by cosmetic products, as well as airborne viruses and bacteria. Besides its powerful filter, this mask comes in a pack of 20 for maximum hygiene and features comfortable straps that are ideal for all day use.

Prevent Diseases with the Right PPE

As established, working as a nail technician poses a fair amount of risks. Although, you can enjoy practising the craft worry-free by simply wearing the appropriate PPE. This blog has introduced you to some of our best gloves and other protective equipment suitable for manicurists handling common cosmetic chemicals. With these suggestions, you can confidently select a product you know will keep you safe no matter the setting or amount of time spent on the job.

If none of the recommendations on this page suit you, feel free to browse our full range:

• Nail Salon Gloves
• Pedicure Gloves
• Beauty Gloves

Do you have a pair of gardening gloves that you love more than all the rest? Let us know in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter!