New manicure trend could pose MRI safety risks, TikTok user warns

A TikTok post cautioning users to pay closer attention to their manicures prior to undergoing an MRI has garnered the attention of millions on the social media app. 

In January, Kristina Provenzano sustained a back injury that landed her in the emergency room, where her doctors ordered an MRI. Provenzano said her care team asked her a series of questions regarding the presence of metal on or in her body before having her remove any jewelry. However, the staff’s questions did not reference her nails. 

"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 said in an interview with People Magazine. 

Provenzano had recently gotten a trending “cat eye” manicure, which involves a special type of gel nail polish with magnetic particles in it that create a shimmering, reflective effect. Once the staff was made aware of the polish, they advised Provenzano that it would need to be removed prior to her MRI, as it could be hazardous due to the metals in it. 

That’s when she called on her manicurist and friend to help. Equipped with an electric file, her friend removed the top layer of polish as a safety precaution. Provenzano recorded the entire incident and posted it to TikTok. Since Jan. 31, it has garnered nearly 9 million views and over 2,000 comments, with many expressing shock that nail polish could pose any sort of safety hazard. 

Although Provenzano was caught off guard by how many people had viewed her clip, she made several comments on the post expressing gratitude that her warning could spare someone from having to a similar similar situation. 

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