Allergies in the manicure industry! How to fight it?
In the nail industry, there are pros and cons. In recent years in the nail industry, such an unpleasant phenomenon as an allergy to gel nail polish and other chemicals is becoming more and more common. Gel - nail polish for many girls is the ideal solution in search of a beautiful and durable coating, and in addition is famous for its reasonable price. But not everyone is ready to part with the classic varnish. The reason for this is an allergy that manifests itself on the gel polish, and to other products. And no one is immune from it, it can occur at both the master and the client. To guard against it, you must pay attention to some important factors. In our article, we will help you understand this. For starters, can you really blame the problem on the allergic reaction or is it something else? Let's look at the causes of manicure allergies and what really causes a negative reaction, and what is actually harmless.
Lack of good ventilation
It's a well-known fact that the technician is forced to breathe in the fumes of gel polish every day, 4-5 hours a day, or even longer. The result, of course, is respiratory problems of allergic origin. If the room is not well ventilated or if there is no ventilation at all, or if the windows are seldom opened to air the allergy risk becomes even greater. Remember: Ventilation and airing of the room should be monitored frequently. This will help to prevent allergic reactions.
Gel polish chips, nail filings, dust - all these allergens are deposited in the room and are inhaled by both the client and the technician. The technician spends a long time in the office. That is why it is recommended to have no curtains, trimmings and other textiles in the room. Only smooth surfaces that can be cleaned quickly and easily. As a side note: It is desirable to have a minimum amount of textiles in the office and to always ensure cleanliness.
Incorrect use of gloves
Allergies mostly occur with latex gloves. But there are alternatives: vinyl and nitrile. The most common glove wearing mistakes by craftsmen: - Wrong size selection. - Wearing one pair of gloves for an entire day (gloves must be changed every 3-4 hours and/or after each client). - cleaning the workplace, sterilising instruments and performing other manipulations without gloves. - work with torn gloves. Note: Always try to use vinyl or nitrile gloves, WITHOUT talcum powder!
Use of poor-quality preservatives
There are two types of antiseptics on the market: - Medical (produced by pharmaceutical corporations) - manufactured to strict standards and therefore maximise skin disinfection and almost never cause adverse reactions. - antiseptics from cosmetic companies or gel polish manufacturers - do not protect the skin very well, but this varies from person to person. On a side note: It is advisable to use medical antiseptics. But it is not excluded that good antiseptics can also be purchased from well-known quality brands. For example, in our online shop Global Fashion!
Acetone-based gel polish remover
Acetone is an aggressive liquid. It damages the nails of clients and causes allergies in the technicians. It is especially important when working without gloves. Note: Avoid using acetone-containing nail polish removers.
Individual intolerance to any product
Everyone has different bodies, so allergies can arise from virtually any product. Because in the composition of gel-lacquers, removal fluids, bases, tops and other manicure means are dozens of components that may cause a negative reaction. Please note: If you notice that you are allergic to any product, simply do not use it and replace it with another. A variety of products are available from manufacturers that are used in the nail industry. You can check here.
How to avoid allergic reactions and protect the client?
Of course an allergic reaction, it's so individual. It depends on the organism of each person. But allergies can also be «slowed down» by observing some basic measures.
1. Only buy gel polish from trustworthy suppliers, being wary of fakes, and choose known high-quality hypoallergenic brands from reputable manufacturers. 2. Before using gel polish, check not only its composition but also the expiry date of the product. 3. 3. Apply an antiseptic to your hands before applying manicure. 4. If any micro wound is formed, it should be treated with hydrogen peroxide (the peroxide will quickly dry and incise the wound) in case of incision manicure. If wounds always occur on manicures, e.g. because of the proximity of blood vessels, it may be advisable to learn an appliance manicure or to cover the manicure one day after the hygienic manicure. 5. DO NOT get gel nail polish on the cuticle or the skin around the nail! If this does happen, remove the product with a special degreaser (preferably an expensive quality one) or alcohol. 6. After completing the manicure procedure, be sure to apply cuticle oil and hand cream with massaging motions! This will help to easily peel off small and inconspicuous particles of gel polish from thin skin, if any. 7. It is best to have your manicure done by a professional who is certified to work with such products.
How does a technician protect himself?
1. Protect the skin on the hands - use gloves when working. 2. Protect your respiratory system by installing an extractor hood in the office and a separate table-top extractor hood. Do you need a quality hood? Then this is the place to go. 3. Keep all products used at work: nail polish, nail extensions, liquids in a special drawer or on a shelf. Do not keep them near yourself. 4. Use a mask and glasses at work, and even better a complete set of professional clothes: a cap for hair, apron, mask, glasses and special suits (forms). Disposable mask must be changed or cleaned after each client and goggles will protect not only respiratory tract but also eyes from fine dust. Reusable uniforms must be washed separately from other items (the more often the better) and with a disinfectant solution according to the instructions of the product. In work clothes, it is important that they cover the chest area and armpits. These are ideal environments for the possible development of pathogenic bacteria. Instead of reusable uniforms, disposable suits or armbands can be used and disposed of after each client. 5. Use only quality materials. 6. Airing of the room and wet cleaning of all work surfaces and tools. Cleaning should be done twice a day: in the morning and in the evening, and after each client.
We hope that our article will help you in the following. Always be healthy and beautiful!
