A chemical used in some gel nail products could also be banned in Jersey after Great Britain announced plans to prohibit it.

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), a photoinitiator used in some UV/LED gel nail products, will begin to be phased out from 15 August, when products containing the chemical can no longer be placed on the UK market.

From 14 February 2027, the sale of any products containing TPO will be prohibited.

It comes after TPO was reclassified as a category 1B reproductive toxicant under chemical hazard regulations. It is also banned in the EU.

Following queries from Express, Jersey Trading Standards said that changes to UK and EU legislation are “continually” reviewed.

A statement said: “We continually review changes in UK & EU legislation. If Islanders have any concerns, they can email us at tradingstandards@gov.je.”

Every day, our clients trust us with their health and wellbeing, so it’s our duty to use safe, compliant products and to keep our knowledge up to date as the industry evolves

Ana Gomes, Splendida Hair & Beauty Salon

Ana Gomes, owner of Splendida Hair & Beauty Salon and the official Hit Nails distributor for Jersey and Guernsey, welcomed the changes, saying she did not expect them to have a significant impact on her business.

“As a salon owner and nail professional, I genuinely believe that any legislation introduced to improve the safety of both clients and professionals is a positive step,” she told Express.

“For me, this isn’t just about one ingredient. It’s about professionalism and responsibility.

“Every day, our clients trust us with their health and wellbeing, so it’s our duty to use safe, compliant products and to keep our knowledge up to date as the industry evolves.”

Ms Gomes said the salon uses professional brands that closely follow regulations and update their formulations where necessary.

She added that the Hit Nails products used by the business already comply with the latest rules.

The salon owner also said the changes should encourage consumers to think more carefully about where they receive nail treatments.

“I think this is also a good opportunity to educate the public,” said Ms Gomes.

“Many clients don’t realise that not all nail products are the same, and not everyone offering nail services has the same level of training or uses products from reputable professional suppliers.”

She added: “Personally, I welcome this change. I believe regulations should never be seen as a problem but as an opportunity to raise standards across our industry.

“Science evolves, products improve, and as professionals, we should evolve too. At the end of the day, our priority should always be the safety of our clients.”