- A woman went viral on TikTok after sharing a video of her nail tech removing her “cat eye” manicure at the hospital before undergoing an emergency MRI scan
- The video, which received close to 1 million “likes,” has sparked a conversation around the potential risks of the magnetic nail trend
- PEOPLE spoke to a certified radiologist and two celebrity nail artists about the risks associated with the popular manicure, as well as alternatives
Have you ever heard of nail tech making an emergency pit stop at the hospital for a client?
Well, this was the case of one woman, who found herself in a predicament when, after being rushed to the hospital for an unexpected back injury, found herself speed-dialing her manicurist for an urgent gel removal just before her unscheduled MRI scan.
That woman was influencer Kristina Provenzano, who went viral on TikTok for warning viewers of the potential risks of the Internet-popular “cat eye” manicure — a nail style that requires the use of gel polish containing magnetic particles, such as iron oxide and nickel — after she had to remove hers unexpectedly before undergoing the medical procedure.
In the clip, which has garnered 8.6 million views since its posting on Jan. 31, Provenzano showed herself lying in a hospital bed while her nail artist (and close friend) removed the top layer of her polish using an electric file. “In case of a medical emergency, you cannot get a MRI scan due to the magnetic particles in the polish,” she warned in her caption.
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“The doctors didn’t spot my manicure. They asked me a list of questions regarding any metal or magnetic things that could be in or on my body. They started to remove my permanent jewelry, earrings, necklace and belly button ring and that’s when I looked down at my nails and mentioned it to them,” she tells PEOPLE.
Provenzano did not expect her video to gain as much attention as it did, and she got a mixed bag of reactions ranging from shock to disbelief. She reveals some people in her comments expressed “not believing it was true.”
However, her situation has sparked a serious conversation around the potential risks associated with the fad, which prompted us to look to medical and nail experts for answers.
Dr. Jenny Wu, director of MRI Safety at the Cleveland Clinic, tells PEOPLE that “any accessories, clothing or cosmetics containing metallic particles or fibers are assessed for MRI safety because of the potential risk of heating from radio frequency waves and dislodgment or movement in a strong magnetic field.”
Celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec adds: “Metallic particles can absorb radio frequency energy during an MRI, possibly leading to some heat that can cause discomfort [on the nail beds]. Meanwhile, metallic components in nail polish may cause distortions in MRI images, especially if the scanned area of the body (like the thigh bone or wrist) is near or resting near the hands.”
Generally, the risk of injury is minimal, but Wu advises to always check in with a trained radiologist or technician. “Depending on the type of MRI exam and the area of the body being imaged, they will assess the safety risks and decide if you should keep or remove the manicure. They want to make sure you will get the best exam to make the correct diagnosis in the safest way possible.”
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If you’re wondering if there’s any way around maintaining the manicure during the procedure, Wu says that covering the hands and feet “will not avoid potential risks,” meaning it’s always best to remove the polish. But, the silver lining is that there is a way of achieving the look of “cat eye” nails that can be helpful for those with a scheduled MRI or surgery.
Kandalec, whose clients include Emily Blunt, Camila Cabello and Jessica Chastain, recommends applying a clear builder gel polish with a non-wipe top coat, such as Gelish’s soak-off polish, followed by a regular lacquer that is magnetic. “That way, the client can remove the metallic polish themselves the day before surgery with acetone” without ruining the base.
All in all, the talk around the potential risks associated with the “cat eye” trend comes at a time when the demand for the style has increased around 20%, says Krystal Oh, celeb nail artist and founder of Krystal Oh Nails studio.
Apart from the potential damage it can cause in more serious situations, Oh also warns of the possible side effects “cat eye” polish can have on a client, even if worn for everyday. “It’s important to be cautious about contact dermatitis, gel allergies, and exposure to chemicals during removal,” she says.
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