At Seena Owell we specialize in nail treatment products and only sell the highest quality products intended for professionals.
With this article we'd like to clear up many of the doubts that have arisen about these products in recent months, due to studies from consumer organizations, dermatologists, TV programs, etc. that have warned about the health risks that products for artificial nails and semi-permanent nail polish can cause, both for nail technicians and for the end client.
Product quality
First, we must consider that in many cases the problem is that poor-quality products are used that also don't comply with health authority requirements. Spanish and European legislation requires many controls and requirements in this business, and if the products were dangerous to health they would be strictly prohibited.
However, we cannot ignore that some of these products on the market contain components such as formaldehyde, toluene, xylenes, camphor… which are toxic and can therefore cause sensitivity issues, allergic dermatitis, eczema and other damage to the nails and hands.
We must also include on this list the well-known acrylates, a petroleum derivative used in the manufacture of paints, plastics, textiles, medical prosthetics, etc. However, we can't generalize about this substance, since acrylates are present in many everyday products, such as baby diapers, without causing problems.
Our recommendation is to opt for products that are free of these toxic components. Nail polishes are usually differentiated with 5, 7 or 9 Free labels, which indicate that, to a greater or lesser extent, the polishes are free of harmful chemicals.
Our nail polishes are 12 free. This means they do not contain DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor, TPP, MEHQ, Formaldehyde resin, Parabens, Gluten, Xylene, Methyl ethyl ketone, and they are NOT tested on animals.
Improper use of products
Second, another reason behind these sensitivity issues is the improper use of nail products in general.
Not only because each manufacturer's instructions for use aren't followed, but also because there isn't proper, specific training for beauty professionals in the use of acrylic nail products and semi-permanent polish.
For example, returning to the topic of acrylates mentioned earlier, the Spanish Academy of Dermatology states that acrylates are harmless once cured. The problem is that sometimes proper, good-quality curing lamps aren't used, so these products don't cure correctly. Proper curing of the acrylic base and the polish afterward is essential to prevent chemical compounds from penetrating the porous part of the nail.
Another common problem is using harsh products or high-concentration acetone to remove the polish, which can damage the nails more than the polish application process itself.
Protective measures
Third, the use of protective measures for professionals in this industry is key.
We recently read in the press that the cosmetovigilance department of the AEMPS (Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products) has stated that all products marketed in Spain are safe, but it's necessary to follow the instructions provided, since many cases of allergies, eczema, etc. involve professionals who have been exposed to these products without the necessary protective equipment. Masks and gloves are essential, as is good ventilation in the premises where these services are performed.
Conclusions
It's a reality that not all professionals use quality products, often to cut costs, and that not all salons have properly trained and qualified professionals who know how to use products correctly, which unfortunately is harming our industry.
That's why at Seena Owell we recommend working with the highest quality products and always choosing, for your clients, brands that back you up, that you can trust, and that can properly inform you about instructions for use, ingredients, etc., and even advise you.
Also, don't skimp on training your staff, as this is key not only to providing excellent service but also to avoiding many problems.
We hope you found the content of this post interesting; if you think it could be helpful, don't hesitate to comment and share.
