1. Contact dermatitis can happen after coming in contact with a product on your skin multiple times. Yes, some people do have immediate reactions, but a very small percentage. When applied properly, no product that is meant for use on the nail surface should ever come in contact with the clients skin. If this is happening, then stop seeing your nail tech and find someone new. And if you have a reaction, see a doctor and try to find the culprit.

2. So, if two or three companies has BHA in their gel polish then all gel polishes are unsafe? Interesting analogy. There are many gel polishes on the market. I can think of at least 10-15 off the top of my head. Find out what your nail tech is using and do some research.

3. Yes, LED UV lights are considered safer because the light is more focused on curing the product, not your skin. But did you know that UV lamps only emit UVA light? Not UVA and UVB rays like a tanning bed. And the amount of UV light emitted is such a small fraction, it is similar to being outside for an extra 2 minutes every day for two weeks. I’m not saying it is 100% safe, nothing is, but again, scare tactics. Washing your hands midway through a manicure is not possible because of the application process, it would actually ruin the entire service.

“We don’t think that this type of light will cause skin cancer.” Why would you make all of these claims and then tell people to use a LED lamp and then make this statement? You don’t think is causes cancer? Why take the chance using it then? Why copy this information but allow the claim “it could be ok” to follow?

Also, if you are going to tell people to wear sunscreen during the process, you should also tell them to wear sunscreen on their hands all day, every day. Skin cancer is found mostly on the hands and face. Think of how much sun exposure your hands are getting throughout the day? When you are driving, walking, running, shopping. Do you protect them then?

4. Acetone. Every company has their own protocol on how to remove gel polish. Soaking your nails and fingers in a bowl of acetone is not one of them. This can be very drying to the skin and nails. Assuming your nail tech is following proper protocol for the product, most companies use the wrap method which concentrates the acetone on the product, not your skin. Many companies have even created special removers that do contain acetone but also contain oils to help keep nails and skin moisturized during the removal process. It’s not usually the acetone that ruins a clients nails, its the tools and pressure of how a nail tech removes the product. Scraping the nail after it has been “soaked” in acetone, even after soaking in water, causes the nail to become weaker and more flexible and when scraped harshly will cause nail damage.

5. Since I use Shellac I know that their protocol clearly states that the nail is not roughed up before application. And there a few companies that also do not require this. Yes some do, and I agree it can weaken the nail. If it is a concern for the client, again, they should educate themselves about what products are being used on their nails.

There are many nail techs out there fighting to make and keep our industry healthy. For years so much went overlooked and it is so great to see some nail companies doing everything they can to make products safer and healthier for clients AND for nail techs.

Copying an article from Huffington Post that rolls all gel polishes into one terrifying ball is disturbing. I think it would be smarter to show people how to research about nail products, and what questions they should be asking nail techs, and what they should be looking out for in salons. I have clients that have been using gel polish for almost two years now and they have beautiful, healthy, strong nails. No damage, no skin rashes because I care about my health and my clients and will only do what is best for all concerned.

Do more research. Knowledge is power. Ask questions!