If this is a site for professional nail technicians then I'd like to stay. I'm pleased to see so much focus in here is spent on the health and safety of clients.
You have said a number of things in this thread that are very troubling. I will address them all in this one post because I think your comments and my concerns are rooted in the question of what it means to be a nail professional. I offer this with the best of intentions and hope that you will accept it in the same spirit.
I think it is important for you to recognize the purpose of this forum – this is a forum for professional nail technicians – those who are trained and qualified in the field. Our purpose is to support each other, but also to uphold the values of the profession, to build relationships with manufacturers and vendors, and to protect the safety and well-being of our clients and each other. We rely on facts and research, we respect those that do that work and all work supporting our profession. We take it seriously.
“Some of the most skilled nail technicians in the world aren't qualified.”
“Try not to get too caught up in product regulations etc, put that energy into your nails and leave the rest.” These comments are
very troubling. You cannot be a skilled nail technician and not be qualified. We are professionals- We LIVE by product regulations. It’s how we keep ourselves, our staff, and our clients safe. That is one of the most important skills a nail professional brings to the table. You cannot be considered skilled if you aren’t doing that. Talented, artistic, creative, maybe, but not skilled.
The problem with Bluesky – Bluesky got its start as a counterfeit brand, that is, a brand that masquerades as another product (CND Shellac in this case). It was sued, its products confiscated at beauty shows, etc. until it was brought into compliance. But Bluesky is still available online to anyone, it does not provide associated products, and it does not manufacture or even recommend an appropriate lamp. These are huge red flags to any nail professional.
“I've never had an issue yet with mixing products, I do what works for me. We're all different." Mixing brands is a big no-no in this field – it is contrary to manufacturer’s instructions and will invalidate your insurance. It also jeopardizes the health and safety of your client because you simply don’t know the impact of mixing products not designed to be mixed. We are not all different – we are all human beings sharing the same biology. We use a lot of different chemicals, many of which can be hazardous if not used correctly.
I am also very concerned that you seem unfamiliar with the basic science of gel polish and why using the proper lamp is so important. Cosmetics allergies are off the charts and much of it is due to the improper use of nail products (by DIYers and professionals). This is very serious because such an allergy is for life. This is about more than not being able to get your nails done. Many medical and dental products use the same types of products (In fact, some nail companies got their start as dental companies – witness Odontorium Products Inc.!)
So I know I’ve thrown a lot at you, but I hope I have presented it in a way that you will take it all seriously. This is a great forum for nail techs who want to do their best work and do the best for their clients. I have learned so much from the (mostly) ladies here. The variety of people – beginning techs, seasoned techs, techs in retirement, researchers, entrepreneurs, chemists – they’re all here and are willing to be of assistance to you.
