From Fish Waste to Fashion: Development of Eco-Friendly Nail Extensions from Fish Scales for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquatic Food Systems

The increasing accumulation of fish processing waste and growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic cosmetic products have created a need for sustainable and innovative alternatives in the beauty industry. This study explored the feasibility of utilizing fish scales from Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as raw materials for developing eco-friendly nail extension prototypes. Three hundred fish scales were collected from the Gikomba fish processing market in Nairobi, Kenya, and processed using simple, locally accessible techniques. This includes washing, saline treatment, deodorization with hydrogen peroxide, air-drying, trimming, shaping, and bonding with cyanoacrylate adhesive for attachment. Two prototype designs were developed: press-on nail extensions and layered nail tips, which were aesthetically enhanced with gel nail polish and evaluated for mechanical strength, flexibility, adhesion performance, durability, comfort, appearance, and basic safety. The cleaning and disinfection methods effectively removed odor and impurities, making the scales suitable for cosmetic applications. Nile perch scales demonstrated better workability and durability than tilapia scales because of their larger size and stronger structure. The developed prototypes maintained adhesion for approximately 5 to 7 days under normal use conditions and showed moderate flexibility without immediate cracking or breakage. Although fish scale-based nail extensions exhibited lower rigidity and longer UV-curing times than commercial acrylic nails, the developed prototypes achieved acceptable adhesion, flexibility, and aesthetic quality for small-scale cosmetic use. This study demonstrates the potential of fish scales as a sustainable biomaterial for nail extension production, promoting waste valorization and circular economy practices. This project provides a proof-of-concept for integrating fishery waste management with eco-friendly cosmetic innovation using potential and accessible processing methods. In addition, the attractive appearance and biodegradable nature of prototypes suggest potential consumer acceptance and future commercialization in sustainable beauty market. Further research is recommended to improve material strength, safety testing, and large-scale production feasibility.