Organic gel nail system?

[claire uppington]

We currently use calgel and I’m not overly impressed with the system having suffered allergies when in contact with my skin.
We try to use natural and organic products when possible and due to the rise in discount salons feel this is a real selling point could anyone recommend a natural/organic gel nail system??!

 

[user 25446]

It doesn't exist. All nail enhancement products use acrylates. While these do contain the carbon atom and fall under "organic chemistry", they are not organic in the natural sense that you mean.

If you have an allergy, the first step is to visit your GP and get a referral to a dermatologist. You may need to push for this, as some GP are not sympathetic to what they consider to be self inflicted injuries. The dermatologist with test you to find out which ingredients you react to - so take all your product MSDS to guide them. Once you have the ingredient list, you can look for products that don't contain these.

However, if as I suspect, the gel contains Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA), then it can be difficult to find a gel that doesn't contain this - especially a soak off gel (not many manufacturers offer these).

When you know which ingredients you react to, you can send me a message here, or visit the following Allergy group on Facebook that I am a member of:

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=nail technicians allergy support group

But the second thing to consider, is how uncured or under-cured nail product is getting on your skin so often that an allergy developed. Because unless you find the solution to this, it is highly likely that you will develop another allergy to any new product - and much faster than before.

 

[tuan]

Choose a new profession if you're allergic to the gel.

 

[thenailbusiness]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. First thing is like BobSweden says is to contact a GP and have tests done to see if you have an allergy. Second is that you shouldn’t look for organic nail systems because like BobSweden says it’s all chemistry and yes there are brands who use less strength on their chemical formulas, but it’s still made in lab.

My first nail system was so natural you can eat it I was told by my instructor (I was 14 and not som smart) so I worked with the stuff everyday and didn’t think about uncurled gel on my skin and all the solvents. Let’s just say my skin peeled in misery. I then got proper training with a traditional gel system and also liquid & powder. Did get small reactions, but was trained to use gloves and long sleeves so it was not bad. After going back and forth to the doctor I was diagnosed with over exposure. This is very common and is not allergy, it’s just bad habits and misinformation on how to work smart. So now I use nitrile gloves with all services. If I was allergic I could not work with the products or even be in the same room as some of this stuff. If you can wear enhancement or any artificial product on your nail from polish to acrylic you are usually not allergic. Ive seen techs with allergy and does not sound like you have it, but consult a doctor and wear nitrile gloves always. Wash your hands between each client even though you wear gloves and also change gloves throughout the services like gel enhancements and rebalancing. It has work like a charm for me and I get to do what I love.

Good luck and hope everything works out for you!