The Healthy Nails Collaborative (HNC)
"The knowledge YOU NEED to know about nails"
The Healthy Nails Collaborative accreditation has finished it's foundation stage. During that time, the program structure was built, the curriculum was refined, and valuable feedback helped clarify the direction of the accreditation. Moving forward with several important updates.
Now, the HNC accreditation will operate with scheduled intake periods throughout the year rather than open enrollment twice yearly. New payment options will also be available, including pay-in-full and extended payment plans to make the program more accessible to professionals who want to participate.
One of the most important things learned during the foundation stage is that the accreditation itself will now focus only on licensed nail professionals, while a separate much shorter program is being developed with some of our founding applicants, specifically for DIY users and non-licensed individuals who want to better understand nail products and safety.
Full details about the updated structure, enrollment process, and accreditation requirements can be found on the Healthy Nails Collaborative accreditation page.
The HNC Nail Tech Accreditation
Foundation Stage Is Now Complete
The Healthy Nails Collaborative has announced the development of two new educational pathways designed to support different groups within the nail community: a Nail Educator Accreditation and a Nail Enthusiast Course.
The Nail Educator Accreditation will be created for professionals who teach nail technology and want to demonstrate alignment with modern nail chemistry, safety practices, and responsible product education. This accreditation follows completion of the HNC Nail Tech Accreditation and is intended to recognize educators who are committed to teaching accurate, science-based information to the next generation of nail technicians whether online or in person.
Alongside this initiative, the Healthy Nails Collaborative will introduce a Nail Enthusiast Course for individuals who have a strong interest in nails but are not working as licensed professionals. The course will provide focused education on nail products, chemistry, and safe handling practices so enthusiasts can better understand the materials they are using.
Together, these programs will expand the Healthy Nails Collaborative’s educational offerings, supporting professional educators while also providing a structured learning path for members of the wider nail community.
Further details about both programs will be released as development continues.
The public consultation period for the HNC Brand Verification framework has provided valuable feedback from across the industry. Based on that input, the Healthy Nails Collaborative will begin accepting brand verification applications in May of this year.
The consultation process will remain an important part of shaping the final standards, and the framework may continue to evolve as additional feedback and industry input are reviewed.
Brands interested in participating in the HNC Verification program will be able to submit their applications beginning in May. Additional details about the application process and verification review will be published as the launch approaches.

The Nail Allergy Navigator (NAN)
Visitor Map
What the Federal Safety Research Cuts Mean for Nail Professionals
In April 2025, the U.S. government slashed funding and staffing for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the agency responsible for researching workplace health risks. Reports say up to 92% of NIOSH staff were let go in one day, ending or suspending countless research programs. For the nail industry, this news is more than a political headline, it’s personal. Read More
Truth About TPO Ban
The European Union’s recent decision to ban trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) in cosmetics has caused confusion across the nail industry. Some are calling it a sudden safety crackdown. Others assume it came out of nowhere. The reality is simpler and much less dramatic when you look at the law. Read more..
🇺🇸 Our U.S. shipping and packing hub is officially open! Orders are now shipping directly from the States, and our Canadian site is now open too. We’re proud to be the sole supporter of the Healthy Nails Collaborative, bringing education and access together under one roof. ARCH RIVAL NAILS




