NSInail systems international

Clients with sensitivity issues can be a concern for nail technicians.

Everybody’s chemical make-up is different and people react differently to all types of exposure (i.e. one person can roll around in the grass and be fine, while another could do the same and break out in hives). There are people who find they cannot wear nail enhancements due to a reaction they are having from exposure to the products; however in many cases, what the client is experiencing is overexposure – and this can be avoided.

OVEREXPOSURE PRINCIPLE

Every chemical has safe and unsafe levels of exposure.  Overexposure is caused from prolonged, repeated exposure beyond levels specified as safe.  Overexposure can occur at any time and with any chemical, if you exceed the safe working level.  Each product has its own safe working level.

Chemicals used in the nail salon have been around for 30 – 40 years and are perfectly safe when you know the “levels”.

The most common sign of overexposure with a client is skin irritation.  Skin irritation is a warning that if overexposure continues, the person may become permanently sensitized or allergic.  The irritation may appear as red or broken irritated skin surrounding the nail or an itchy nail bed.  If you stop exposure, the problem will usually dissipate in a day or two as the body acclimates against the irritation.  It could take 6 months to several years for someone to become “allergic” to an acrylic or gel enhancement product.  If this happens, do the following:

• Remove acrylic product by safely soaking in Acetone.  An excellent way to soak off acrylic is to saturate a cotton ball with Acetone and place it on the nail, wrapping the finger in aluminum foil to allow body heat to activate the removal.
• If your client is wearing gel enhancements, gently file down the gel (it is best to do this by hand, since eclectic files create the most dust and that could only further irritate the surrounding skin).
• Recommend the client seek the advice of a pharmacist or dermatologist.

As we mentioned earlier, there are some important steps to help avoid overexposure with your clients:

• Avoid touching the skin with any part of the nail brush.
• Work within the manufacturers recommended mix-ratio when using acrylic.
• Do not use acrylic monomer (liquid) without polymer (powder).
• Change the UV bulbs in your lamp every 4-6 months.

In the nail industry, enhancement services have a pecking order with the highest number of adverse reactions to the lowest.  Here is the list from Highest to Lowest:

      1.  Odorless Light-Cured Liquid and Powder: This is because you are limited to what chemicals you can use to
           keep it odorless.

      2.  UV-Cured or Light-Cured Gels: Most gels need a UV-light to cure.  The bulbs in these lights will still turn on,
           giving the impression that they are effective, when is actuality the product doesn’t fully cure, leaving non-reacted
           chemicals trapped in the enhancement.

      3.  Odorless Products: These products need to be used with a dry mix-ratio to avoid non-reacted monomers from
           penetrating into nail plate.

      4.  Liquid and Powder- Acrylic System: Universal Nail Liquid is basic chemistry without the UV protective
           additives, which has been shown to be suitable for more sensitive clients.
 
      5.  No Light Gels or Wraps: The downside is that these are not typically strong.

 
A nail technician can also experience overexposure, although this too is preventable by following some simple guidelines:

• Wash hands between each client with soap and water.
• Change table towels during acrylic or gel services; after application and before finishing.
• Don’t touch the nail brush hairs with your fingertips.
• Avoid resting your wrist or palm in a soiled towel.
• Use dappen dishes that are smaller and shallow to avoid getting monomer on the handle of your brush.
• If necessary, use barrier cream or nitrile gloves.