Beauty

[juperier]

This is the first thread I've actually started. Even tho many articles like this are mostly fearmongering, this one isn't. As I've mentioned before, I've been fortunate enough to exchange emails with an internationally known nail expert (about an entirelly different topic, but it piqued my interest to learn more about nails and the nail industry), Doug Schoon. Honestly, my first reaction to reading this article was "I wondered when this would hit the press."

http://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/IndustryNewsDetails/home-use-gel-nail-kits-lead-to-increase-in-...M

These products can definitely be used safely. But even many professionals are way too casual in their usage. Many nail techs (and those educating them) aren't aware of and/or simply aren't interested in the fact that there's a lot of complex chemistry behind them that needs to be respected.

I too would think this is blown out of proportion. Except that I've read some of the comments here and in other groups I belong to. Yes, there are nail techs who have been forced to change their career due to development of an allergy. And clients who have developed an allergy or had other nail issues most likely related to improper application/curing/removal.

My bottom line is that we as consumers need to realize that these polishes that require curing  are NOT the same as the regular nail polish we've used in the past, respect that difference and use them wisely.

[Shanus]

@juperier  Congrats on your first thread. I've never used gel nail polishes because I thought the idea was too close to acrylic nails which are damaging to the nails. 

I have read that besides allergies, having your nails and hands under the light used can cause the same damage as the sun. That's enough to keep me away.

Thanks for posting this important info.

[Nomorebirthdays]

Years ago I got Mally kit. I was very hard to get off doing it per instructions. It did last but I get bored with the same color. Getting it off was hard on my nails. Now I just use any nail Polish, not led/us and put gel top coat on top and cure with light. It lasts at least a week, and is easier to remove.

I wrote earlier this week that I got KUR cuticle oil in a beauty box. This is doing wonderful things for my nails. By Londonberry. You can buy at Walmart or hsn.

[juperier]

@Shanus Actually, much, if not most, of the damage "caused" by acrylic nails is also related improper application and/or removal. Here are links to a couple of videos that Doug Schoon has made with a Canadian nail tech:

Buffing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYGkyZvzOuQ

Removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OskCuUML_2I

And one of Doug's specific fields of expertise is the whole UV (particularly as it relates to nails) topic. Here's a quick link to an article regarding safety: http://personalcaretruth.com/2013/07/three-scientific-studies-agree-uv-nail-lamps-are-safe/

[juperier]

@Nomorebirthdays Honestly, removal shouldn't be hard on your nails. The listed time for soaking is typically the minimum. If it doesn't slide off easily, then you need to continue soaking a few more minutes until it does. If you need to "pry" it off, then yes, you will most likely have nail damage. The longer the gel has been on your nails, the longer you will need to soak. 

edited to add that the youtube link regarding removal that I was posting to respond to Shanus while you were posting covers this...