WHY DO ALLERGIC REACTIONS HAPPEN?
An allergic reaction happens when your immune system mistakes something harmless for a threat. Allergies aren’t just unique to the nail industry, allergic reactions can occur in response to a wide range of triggers, from foods and pollen to specific medications.
The important thing to remember is that an allergy doesn’t mean the substance is “bad” for everyone, it just means that your immune system has decided it’s a threat.
In the nail industry, one of the most common triggers for reactions is exposure to chemicals such as acrylates. For most people, these cause no problems at all, but for someone who’s become sensitised, the smallest exposure can trigger a reaction.
In the nail industry, allergic reactions usually happen when certain chemicals touch the skin, especially when they’re wet or uncured. Once you develop an allergy, it’s permanent. If a client says they’ve had a reaction to nail products before, always do a patch test. Since every product and brand can have different ingredients, it’s best to be cautious.
Most nail-related allergies are caused by acrylates the building blocks of gel, acrylic, and some adhesives. These include:
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HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)
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HPMA (Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate)
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IBOMA (Isobornyl Methacrylate)
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Di-HEMA Trimethylhexyl Dicarbamate
WHY DO ALLERGIC REACTIONS HAPPEN?
Here are the most common causes we see in the nail industry:
- General health problems
- Product touching the skin during application (flooded cuticles/sidewalls)
- Over filing the natural nail, creating a thin nail plate for product to enter
- Improper curing wrong lamp, incorrect time, or an old/weak lamp
- Daily overexposure for techs without PPE
- Breathing in dust from filing uncured product
Allergies aren’t about “bad products” they’re about bad habits, overexposure, and lack of knowledge. With the right systems in place, you can protect yourself, your clients, and your career.
WAYS TO HELP PREVENT AN ALLERGIC REACTION
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Avoid skin contact with products
Minimise the risk of irritation by keeping gels, acrylics, and other nail products away from the skin, particularly around the cuticle area. Even small, repeated contact can lead to sensitisation over time -
Use appropriate protective equipment
Nitrile gloves offer a strong barrier against allergens and are preferable to latex, which can cause its own allergic reactions. -
Work in a well-ventilated space
Proper ventilation reduces exposure to dust and vapours from nail products. Local extraction units or table vents can make a significant difference. -
Ensure correct curing
Always use the lamp and curing time recommended by the product’s manufacturer. If the product isn’t fully cured, it will increase the risk of irritation.
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Carry out patch testing when needed
If a client has a history of reactions to nail products, a patch test can help assess their tolerance before a full application. -
Maintain strict hygiene
Thoroughly clean and disinfect tools and surfaces between clients, and wash hands regularly to reduce the risk of product transfer.
By following these practices, both nail professionals and clients can help reduce the risk of developing allergies while maintaining safe, beautiful results.
WHAT TO DO IF A CLIENT DEVELOPS AN ALLERGIC REACTION
1. Stop the service immediately
Cease using the product and avoid applying anything else that could cause further irritation.
2. Remove the product safely
If possible, remove the nail enhancement or polish gently, following manufacturer guidelines. Avoid harsh removal methods that could worsen the skin’s condition.
3.Asses the symptoms
Nail allergies often cause redness, itching, swelling, dryness, or small blisters around the nails, and can lead to the nail lifting from the bed, becoming thin or brittle, developing discoloration, or growing in a distorted shape.
4. Recommend medical advice
Advise the client to see a doctor or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not attempt to prescribe or suggest medication.
5. Document the reaction
Record the products used, application process, and the client’s symptoms. This information can help identify the trigger and prevent future issues.
6. Avoid re-exposure
If the allergen is identified, avoid using that product or any containing similar ingredients on the client in the future.