Natasha needs to know: My principal banned black nail polish because he said it ruins your nails. So my question is does black nail polish really ruin your nails?
Sarah Bellum responds: 
Natasha, I’m sorry to hear about your problem at school. The Beauty Brains would never question the authority of your principal, but what about the science behind his decision? That’s another story!
Yellow nails
It’s true that wearing dark shades of nail polish can stain your nails yellow. (Been there, done that!) That’s because there’s a reaction between the colorant and your nails. (The Left and Right Brains blogged about this before – go read their post on yellow nails.) But even if you do stain your nails, they’ll return to their normal color when they grow out. Other than the staining issue, I’m not aware of any other problems caused by black nail polish. Also, I believe that other dark colors can cause staining, so it’s not just about black.
Fashion sense or science?
Here’s what I don’t get: if the Principal is so concerned about nail health, why not ban all dark nail colors? Heck, why not ban acrylic nails? They can create problems too! Or, tell students they can’t get pedicures because they can cause infections. Why stop at black nails if health is really the issue here? Could it be that there’s another reason for the his decision? Could this be more related to school dress code than science? Hmmmmm. This makes me wonder how your Principal would look wearing OPI Black Onyx. But seriously, write back and tell us if you learn anything else from your Principal. We’ll present his side of the story too.
Has anyone ever got in trouble at school or work for using a certain kind of beauty product? Leave a comment about your larcenous behavior!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Luckily, I’m well out of school (LOL), but red polish can stain your nails just as well. I used to wear red polish ALL the time & knew my nails would yellow, so I’d just give them a break with a lighter shade now & then. I think the principal has other agendas going on.
Let’s just say my SONS are almost done with college! However, bsck in the day when I was in high school(late 60′s early 70′s) I made my school authorities nuts, I’m sure. That was back when Biba had those eyeshadow paint boxes that were perfect for painting daisies on your face! Anyway I’m sure nail health has nothing whatsoever to do with the polish ban. When I wear dark polish I put I coat of clear polish on first-it seems to keep yellowing to a minimum(works well with glittery polish too-its much easier to get off.
Oh that’s a good tip Mary–putting a clear coat on before putting glitter polishes on. I always have trouble taking glitter polishes off and am not much for base coats, because normally I am doing it last minute so I avoid layers. Thanks!
When I was in grade school . . . oh some 20 +/- years ago . . . I had a very pretty natural “pink” to my cheeks. The principal made me go wash my face to get the make-up off my face. It was irritating at the time, hilarious now.
GREAT picture, Sarah! You never disappoint!…LOL
(i currently have both black fingernails AND toenails! scandalous…)
i was suspended for a week and given two weeks in school suspension for purple highlights.
Man..i thought my highschool was bad. haha
I have a suggestion for the pushy principles who don’t like colored hair or dark nail polish seeing as nether are health hazardous or cause long lasting health problems first go talk to him or her in person they really like it when the “odd” students present things they see as issues wether or not they actually listen its up to them but if they don’t listen take it above there heads if its not clearly stated in the dress code or if you think it needs to be changed got to the school board and if the only reason somethings not allowed because of health issues show them that there are no major health issues and well if worst comes to worst have your parent who has no issues with it what so ever have them talk to your principle or the school board cuz well if your parents are ok with it why shouldn’t your school
Wow. This is hardcore…I thought schools like this only existed way back in the 80′s! :O
I just graduated last year…and I am so happy my school was NOTHING like anything described above. We were allowed to wear any nail polish color…and hair color and highlights. Mind you, I saw purple, blue, pink and green everywhere! I think this is only of the reasons my school thrived…tsk tsk. You really should bring the issue up with your school again. Banning nail polish has nothing to do with the curriculum OR health. Or even to control general disruption. I mean, there is NO beneficial effects to that whatsoever…-___-
Jeez what does it half to do with them.. who cares what color your nails are or what color your hair is. Thankfully though my principal doesn’t care.. haha she has black nail polish and highlights!!
There is something very wrong about permitting your principal dictate to you what color nailpolish is “bad” for you. His education was in administration & teaching; not in chemistry and the creation of nailpolish. Sounds like a prejudice to me. Lawsuit in the making.