What's Causing Nail Allergies & Why You Should Care

[@Cheyennerae]

Amazing video Liz! Love to see the transparency from a big brand!

[@macmclernon9603]

Sadly, despite using gel products from reputable companies (and using their nail lamps) I developed severe allergic reactions, and I can't even use Light Elegance (I've always had a tendency to allergies but thought I'd outgrown them with age.) Thank you for alerting people to the medical risks - I was on a trolley in theatre waiting for knee replacement surgery while the anaesthetist and surgeon checked the bone cement ingredients against my allergen list!!

[@TheNailHub]

Yes it’s a very sad situation. Usually the allergy starts way before you start to physically see it. I’m sad you developed such a profound one. 😔

[@poolahpot]

i had a special allergy test before they used safe fillings in my teeth (when i had the toxic mercury fillings removed) I also developed SEVERE allergy to ALL hair dyes! (bleeding scalp)

[@poolahpot]

can you use uv gel nail stickers?

[@kathykov1]

@poolahpot I'm curious, what are gel nail stickers?

[@nailsofinterest]

Oh how horrible!!!😢 be careful!! Some are sensitive to lamps because of medication or medical conditions too. I have a friend who is like that.

[@simple_naildesigns]

As someone with sensitive skin including eczema and atopic dermatitis, this is very informative!

[@thatssopinky]

I wish I knew this before I developed an allergy. This video is SO helpful and I'll be sharing this with others that I know that suffer from this too. This should be taught to all. So many people DIY'd during the pandemic and developed an allergy. It's so sad to see some of the nail techs develop this too plus their clients (me). It sucks! And it gets worse the more you try to find something else. I made that mistake and now im allergic to it ALL. This I just recently found a way to do press on's with my extremely sensitive nail allergy. Background: After 10 years of getting acrylics, I became allergic (I found out in 2017). My allergy has progressively got bad. I cannot get acrylics of any kind (no polygel or dip powder), gel polish, press on nails (allergic to the nail glue), and most recently found out that I can't get lash extensions- and I found out the hard way by ending up in the ER. I also can't even get a pedicure b/c I can't even be in the same salon where people are getting acrylics or using gel polish because I developed an allergy to the particles in the air and inhaling them (and I went in with a mask during COVID). I was SO hopeless because I can't do anything "girly". I actually found and tested a method that uses nail guards to cover and protect the nail, to which I had NO reaction to and found a way to do press on's and make them last (2-3 weeks!). Key here is to not allow it to touch your skin or nail without the barrier PLUS take your time doing it. I recommend the nail guards for anyone who is also not allergic and just gets their nails done regularly, to prevent an allergy from forming and to protect their natural nails. Things needed: - Nail File - Acetone/nail dehydrator - Cotton Balls/Cotton Pads - Orly Bonder (Rubberized Coat) or any bonder of your choice (some bonders have acrylates in them so check ingredients to ensure they don't. Orly does not contain any acrylates of any kind) - Dashing Diva Nail Guard Kit (this is optional, please see more in Things to know section below- bought at Sally's or Online on their website. I believe Amazon also has them as well) - Nail adhesive tabs (I like the Kiss Tab To Go Super Adhesive Tabs) - Nail Glue of your choice (I like Kiss brand but I also saw that Dashing Diva also has the Fast Bond nail glue that I heard was good too) - Press on nails of your choice Steps: 1) Slightly buff nails with nail file. Also, slighty buff the inside of the press on nails too (the area that matches up to where it will go on over the nail) 2) Dehydrate nails with acetone and cotton pad/cotton ball. Do the same with the press on nails where it will go over your natural nail. 3) Use 2 coats of Orly Bonder over each of your nails. Ensure that it dries fully. 1 coat for me did not cut it or create that rubbery base coat that I needed. 4) Apply a strip of Dashing Diva Nail Guards to your nail. One side will stick to your nail, the other side will NOT be sticky. File down as needed to fit your nail. 5) This is where the adhesive tabs come in- apply the adhesive tab to your nail. I try to focus it on the middle, as they usually do not cover the entire nail for me. 6) On top of the Adhesive tab, apply a tiny dot (not even a full drop) of nail glue in the middle of the adhesive tab/nail, ensuring that it does not touch your skin, the cuticle, or would spill over your nail onto your skin. Let the drop sit for a second and slightly get tacky so it doesn't move a lot when you press the nail down. 7) Apply the nail on top of the adhesive tab with the tiny drop of glue. Press and hold the nail for about 30 seconds. THINGS TO KNOW: • I RECOMMEND DOING A PATCH TEST BY DOING 1 to 2 NAILS AND WAITING ABOUT 24 HOURS TO SEE IF YOU GET A REACTION. YOU WILL NEED TO APPLY THIS VERY CAREFULLY AND AVOID GETTING PRODUCT ON YOUR SKIN, AS YOU SHOULD WITH ALL NAIL PRODUCTS. • Optional: After applying your Orly rubber based coat, you can apply one tiny micro drop of nail glue on your nail and then the adhesive tab over it to secure the tab to the nail. Ensure that if you use the nail glue, it goes in the middle of your nail and is a TINY drop (I mean like micro) so that it does not come in contact with your skin or cuticles. However, I would recommend patch testing with this method. • The Dashing Diva Nail Guard contains acrylates copolymer. Most people are allergic to the monomers as opposed to the copolymer- if I am not mistaken and based on what I read, the copolymer is the finished version of it as opposed to the monomer which is the unfinished version of it (I am in no way a chemist nor scientist so please read up and don't quote me, lol). There are a lot of products that we use that contain acrylates copolymer (lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, skin care products, sun screen and even some popular face washes- I searched the ingredients of my face washes and most of them had them in there!). EWG (Environmental Working Group) has information on acrylate copolymer and will rate and list all products that contain it here: www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700123-ACRYLATES_COPOLYMER/ • I tend to do my press on nails at night, after I clean and shower to ensure that they have plenty of time to set over night without getting wet, having to wash your hands and do too much moving. They last WAY longer that way. • I like to prep my hands by exfoliating them about an hour or 2 before and moisturizing my hands with a good cream or lotion (like CeraVe) and giving it time to set into my skin to create a good barrier. I have even heard of some people soaking their hands in olive oil and then washing them to balance out the moisture. Prepping your hands is a must. • If you don't want to do all of the steps above, you can just do the prep, apply the bonder, adhesive tab, and drop of nail glue on the adhesive tab and then the press on nail. That method worked good and the nail lasted me over 2 weeks as well, I wash dishes everyday and of course, shower, and bathe my kids. The nail didn't come loose at all. The dashing diva strips really protect the nail though. I hope this helps those of you who are in desperate need to be girly again and be able to get your nails done! Also, I hope this helps a nail tech who has a client that comes across the same issues I did. I am considering making a video covering this and going over all of the steps.

[@storyteller3927]

Thank you for sharing all this. I'm sorry you were so badly affected.

[@edithandlez]

You all want to be heroes so bad

[@BelkisNailsVlog]

Hello, I wish I found your channel before I got allergies, the information you provide is extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

[@staceymorrison1974]

I'm both a chemistry teacher and nail enthuiast. I really appreciate the level of detail on the chemistry and how accessible you made it. I will be forwarding the link to some of the young ladies in my class that are aspiring nail techs - they'll learn something and maybe they'll start to believe me when I say that chemistry is actually useful/interesting 😂

[@TheNailHub]

Thanks so much Stacey!

[@TeriSquari]

Shared this video to my nail group

[@TheNailHub]

Thanks for sharing Teri!

[@TheNailPolisher]

Girl, yes!!!!!!!! This was so briefly touched in in beauty school for me too (over 10yrs ago) I developed an allergy soon into my career. I have to avoid hema at all costs now. It NEEDS to be more spoke upon in nail school. I absolutely love Liz's videos. They are so educational.

[@dellajones9727]

Is it safe to say that a majority of this part of the cosmetology course is “basics” and the rest is research and practicing on your own? I know each state/region is different as far as requirements to pass course. Just wondering what your experience was like.

[@TheNailPolisher]

@@dellajones9727 Unfortunately where I live, yes. It was basically to teach you how to perform the services and be able to acknowledge nail disorders. Chemicals was not touched on a lot at all. Safety was a brief lesson. I took the AMNT course to further my knowledge and then Liz had broadened my knowledge about the chemistry aspects of it. After developing an allergy I started getting big into learning about whats inside my products. I didnt know that was such a big deal. It is! I think the AMNT should be required for school though. Maybe that's just my 2 cents because I work with so many elderly or people who need extra delicate care.

[@slscheiber]

Yes. Adding this video to my lesson. Which amnt did you take

[@karishma13kj]

I started doing my nails couple years ago, and now since I started using gel , I develop allergy on my fingers. Also my neck is itching. This is extremely serious: I was doing my base coat and suddenly my left ear started itching, but the big problem was that I forgot I have the product not cured and I introduced rapidly my finger to scratch the ear! I end up for almost a week unable to hear. My ear got swollen and I was not able to hear. Now, I am but got really scared of become deff. So, I started making investigation of what is causing me this allergy. If you have product on the nails avoid the contact 100% away your skin. I bought UV gloves to “protect” I am wondering if the UV gloves really protect ???? I feel so much passion for this new career I am in about to start professionally. I want to be responsable. And protect the nail industry . Stop buying and start investigating. Thank you for this great and very important video!❤

[@Stephiems]

I learnt I had hema allergies thanks to your videos with Jim from Light elegance... My nail technician knew nothing about it and I had to learn and find a solution on my own... Thanks to you and light elegance I have started doing my own nails and no longer suffer from nasty allergies...

[@TheNailHub]

👏👏👏 I’m so sorry that happened but props for doing the work to get educated about it and be able to take matters back under your control.

[@Mir_Nohti]

Another fabulous and informative video by Liz! Thank you so much for bringing the details and educating us... again! 😘🥰

[@kathydoran6176]

Light Elegance is the only gel product I can use. I'm allergic to everything and this was recommended by the local beauty supply company, I was amazed when I tried it, I used to do nails in a salon I was a licensed Cosmetologist, and have let my license go, so I can't buy this online. Thank you for your videos they help me so much, I tried another product and have murdered my nails and I'm going through the slow grow-out process. This video was good, (just needs more content) people need to see what can happen to them when they have an allergic reaction. It's really ugly and painful.

[@TheNailHub]

That’s awesome! Best place to see pictures of nail allergies is to google it. There are thousands. Unfortunately due to copyright law I can’t just share pics without permission and they are ever changing.

[@nailsofinterest]

If you take her advaced DIY course you can buy some LE products. Like p+ and lamps 😊

[@Petrarock1]

Thank you for discussing this topic!!❤

[@buuzbee]

My sister has had a lot of nail allergies... i sent her the link... very informative. Thank you!

[@cjinpa5713]

Thank you Liz for continually sharing important information. I got the mini with my kit and the full size dot after passing the coarse along with some p+ gel polish. It felt so good to invest in myself and my serious hobby with education and quality lamps and products. I take care of others with such care and it felt great to do the same for myself.

[@TheNailHub]

So awesome CJ! So glad to hear you’re doing great with everything. You’re part of the solution!

[@BiancaKaylani]

Thank you for this video❤!! I did not know all of this information. Not even in school. 🙏🏻Thank you ❤

[@lorena617]

Im a currently a cosmetology student and love making nails thanks for all this info, we cover so much we dont really go in to detail about all of this. thanks

[@TheNailHub]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annana9297]

Thank you, this is the kind of thing that newbies need to know. Thank you xx

[@carolbeckett7276]

Thank you for the knowledge and help to protect us

[@NadiraJamal]

I’d love to see a follow up on how to evaluate HEMA-free claims. How to tell if they may be lying, how to tell if the ingredients they are substituting are much better, what questions to ask about their formulation/testing process etc.

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Jess, there are some labs that are taking this on to test products and verify SDS. More to come on this as things evolve. The best way to really know is to buy from companies you can trust and communicate with. Can you pick up the phone and talk to the owner? Can you talk to the lab? Do they answer all your questions without hesitation? Are they open to having their products tested? etc.

[@kelsey1635]

Agreed. There’s one specific company that comes to mind that claims to be hema free and yet they won’t give out their sds sheet. I’ve even personally reached out to them and received no response

[@NadiraJamal]

@@kelsey1635 I had a similar experience: a brand's web site said "SDS available upon request" but then they never responded to my request...

[@msyuliayusuf]

The info shared here is soooo so valuable!! I’m learning so much and will share the knowledge to my clients and other techs. THANK YOU!!

[@nautsrenata]

Great video, very informative. There are not many videos regarding this and I am so glad you are bringing attention to it. There does need to be regulation. I didn't think about the medical field and the overlap in ingredients and that is very scary. I hope to never need a crown and what not because I can't imagine trying to explain that I have an allergy to acrylates and if they would even have an alternative. Keep up the good work, this video is very important and the information here is filling a huge gap with useful and detailed explanation of nail allergies. Thank you.

[@kelsey1635]

Thank you for your nail course to allow us DIY-ers access to better products! 🥰

[@ElizabethCSuburbanFarmgirl]

This is a great video, thank you. I completed your gel class but obviously couldn’t share those videos. I’m sharing this with all my friends. ❤

[@qt_stacy]

I think the thing that frustrates me the most about, as a DIYers who has made serious investments in the products that im using on myself, is simply how difficult it is to buy products that are safer because they’re made by respectable companies. without a nail tech license, i can’t buy from brands that i would definitely buy from otherwise. i’ve even looked into getting my nail tech certification simply so i can buy safe products to do it on myself. it’s not worth it in my state. all that is taught is how to run a business from within the nail industry. there isn’t even any anatomy based education about nails & nail products. thankfully there are some websites which i will not disclose here that i’ve found selling professional grade products without requiring a nail tech license. those few retailers are the only reason i’m able to purchase light elegance & akzentz products as a regular consumer. i don’t feel comfortable calling nail companies that are professional only as a DIYer with questions about their products either. at the very least this is very valuable information but i don’t expect the average diyer to have professional level products just because of how difficult they are to obtain.

[@sushles]

Make a fake one. People aren't checking. Shit, I entered my license in incorrectly on a site and it accepted it anyways. I was like huh, so it's all bullshit.

[@TheNailHub]

Totally understand your frustration. Our industry has become very reliant on limiting product access instead of truly teaching professionals how to provide an amazing service that is supported by product. Instead the industry has created a weird "pro-only" product process that makes nail techs feel that the only reason they are in business is because no one else can purchase their products, however, 1. this is false as the products can be obtained if you try hard enough and 2. people don't go to pros because of product. They go for the service. If we could get back to focusing on the service element it would fix a lot of issues. But a lot of companies have built their entire brand on this "pro-only" campaign.

[@sushles]

@@TheNailHub > reliant on limiting product access instead of truly teaching professionals how to provide an amazing service that is supported by product YES. THIS 1000000000%. My nail school instructor was an alcoholic who was totally blitzed during class that I just did the practical and got my "lessons" for the practical off of budding KZbin. I literally paid money for my license and got no assistance from the school at all. When I brought my own efile to class, she was like oh, efiles are the devil. WASTE OF TIME >:O And I still knew nothing about HEMA, HPMA, MMA (except don't use it!) or any of that. My lessons on allergies were just don't touch the skin but not WHY I should not touch the skin. When Sweet Squared got upset with LE for not being pro-only ... I'm not going to lie, I took advantage of that sale. Spent almost 1300 GBP on stuff and shipped it to the US cause it was well cheap.

[@DeliasNailStudio]

Thank you for this video… Knowledge is power and a key part of our nail industry. I’m always talking about different topics on my TIKTOK account. I’m always recommending beginner nail techs, seasoned nail techs, & DIYers to your channel, especially your Gel Nail Fundamental series.

[@TheNailHub]

That’s cause you’re the bomb.com! We great minds need to stick together! I much appreciate your support. I love your TikTok!

[@DeliasNailStudio]

@@TheNailHub Thank you 😍😍😍

[@conniehouston4029]

Holy crappy oly yo! Never would have thought about the allergy interfering with a medical procedure😳 the implications are freaking huge!!!

[@iNanieke]

This is SOOO clarifying! Thank you so much for organizing the information into bite size slides for us.. ❤️

[@AlexisaurusRawrr]

I’m a DIYer & when I first got into gel/gel x nails I had heard that you can develop an allergy if you don’t fully cure which is why you need full size lamp. I wish I would’ve known what you shared in this video then. I thought I was fine because I had a “big” lamp and always cured for at least 60s but I was WRONG. I did my nails last week & started getting itchy bumps around the cuticles & then it got red, swollen, & painful. I took my nails off and in some ways it’s getting better but it’s also gotten a bit worse. I’m so scared I won’t ever be able to have my nails done again😭 I switched from traditional polish to gel because I could never get traditional polish to dry but gel was like a godsend because you cure & it’s dry. I’m REALLY hoping I can try again once I’m all healed up with good products. It sucks. I really wish I would have known more before now😢

[@thatssopinky]

Try a rubberized base coat (Orly) and try the Dashing Diva Nail Guard. It's basically an entire cover for your nail before you put anything on (acrylics, gel nails, and press on's). Def do a patch test of course. And avoid it touching your skin at all. Prep your hands too. I heard someone soaked their hands in olive oil and then washed them to balance it and give the skin a good barrier. Maybe some hand cream too. Hope your nails heal soon! My fingers blistered, finger tips went numb, breathing was hard, and I got a rash on my chest and eyelids. I'm allergic to nail glue, gel polish, and any form of acrylic nails. I can't even go get a pedicure at the nail salon because others were getting acrylics and the small particles from the e filing got in the air and I inhaled them 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@dawna1214]

Same happened to me. Now I've learned to get a good nail lamp and get primers, base and top coats hema-free as well as gel polishes. Good luck to us DYIers❤ Ps. Stick to 1 good product line.

[@AK-kl7pg]

​@@thatssopinky wow...I'm so sorry that happened!

[@lindsayh.8503]

Can you do a video on how to heal nails from a gel nail allergy? I removed the gel nails and after a few weeks they are no longer itchy. But the tips are still peely and little cracks and wounds underneath some of the nails.

[@thypham1490]

Your channel changed everything for my nail journey! I’ve invested in kokoist lamp, and sticking to only their gels from now on after getting a mad burnt from my cheap lamp 72w!

[@TheNailHub]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@QwayQway1]

Thank you so much for this! I know someone who has an allergy and can’t get her tooth filled because her allergy is so severe.

[@lesliegonzalez200]

Thank you Liz! Your content is always so informative, educational, and beneficial. I hope you continue to make great content like this!

[@island_girl6899]

Love this! Thank you, I had no idea! I just started using gels a few months ago.

[@TheNailHub]

Wonderful!

[@karencarlos3942]

Wow , did not think about the aspect of medical acrylates 🤯. Tyfs Liz!

[@jenniferh1812]

Thank you so much for this info!!!

[@TheNailHub]

You are so welcome!

[@christiangyrl3]

How are you Liz? I’ve been watching you for many many years and I’ve learned so much. Thanks you for all of the knowledge that I wouldn’t have known otherwise

[@BanzaiBoyle9336]

Wow! Thank you. Experiencing huge reaction currently, at this moment!!! I now how the heck I’ve screwed up! Big time!! Thank you, thank you so very much..

[@storyteller3927]

I have never been able to grow my nails. They break if not trimmed very short. I've never even worn nail varnish, except for clear, on very rare occasions. I stumbled onto a video that was demonstrating gel nails a couple of weeks ago and I was hooked. I could finally do something girly. I was excited. I can't go to a salon because I'm housebound. I bought a whole beginners pack instead and waiting for it to arrive, I odered a ton of stuff to go with it, a better lamp for one as it only came with with some mini thing, but all sorts of things for nail art, and more gels etc. The original pack arrived yesterday, then my partner says he'd seen something about gel nails being really bad for you... Tonight, I found you. Tomorrow, it's all going to have to go in the bin. It's totally the wrong stuff, so is the rest that I ordered which hasn't even arrived. Thank you for warning us, and letting us know how to safely get rid of it. I'll do my bit by warning the people I can reach.

[@AK-kl7pg]

Maybe you can try out Attain Cosmetics that doesn't have the bad stuff. I had to practice not getting any on the skin (leave a "naked buffer zone" 😅 )

[@TheLondonNailDesigner]

Thank you Liz 🫶🏻💅🏻

[@nearsightedwoman]

I appreciate your channel and the information here so so much. I am new in my gel nail journey and I have to say, without this information, I would for sure be using cheap, dangerous products that I see influencers using and promoting online. I am just a home hobbyist but will be spreading the word. ❤

[@sugarbabyangel479]

Best nail video ever!!!!! Thank you for educating us. 💝 This is such an important subject.

[@wannablilith6713]

I've been doing my nails at home with gel polish for almost a year now and luckily haven't developed an allergy. However the more I learn about it and look into it, the more scared I get to do my own nails. I loved doing them and it really helped me grow beautifully long nails, since my nails are too fragile without gel... It makes me so sad but I'm too worried of the consequences (especially medically) to use gel atm :( I got so many compliments for how nice my nails have been too T^T

[@weekendnomad5038]

I got it after switching to solid nail glue gel :(

[@AK-kl7pg]

Maybe you can try the Attain Cosmetics brand that does t have the bad ingredients and you don't need a license to buy it.

[@alyssaborza2572]

Hi! I was just wondering about regular nail polish? Are there any concerns with potential allergies when using a normal nail polish? Or any ingredients that should be avoided? Thanks!

[@onglesnailz5039]

thank you Liz, great deep dive into the hema world. Bring it on! I am listening :) 😊

[@TheNailHub]

Can you just clone yourself now? ;)

[@onglesnailz5039]

Repetition is the mother of skill, hang in there AND you really have what it takes.

[@user-su8iu5kv8m]

SO important, thank you for this!

[@skateriez]

Hello! I've unfortunately started having allergic reactions from nail glue. I've tried different nail glues and they've all given me the same reactions. i form blisters and redness whenever i use nail glue. unfortunately i had an allergic reaction two months ago before a trip. ive been trying to find a nail glue without cyanoacrylate but ive had no luck. do you recommend any nail glues that dont cause allergic reactions?

[@MD-cs7jd]

Question: is there a brand accessible to DIYers that mitigates these risks? The Nail Hub store is difficult to navigate unless you know what you’re searching for and even then I pretty much only see brands that are license only like LE. Are we DIYers just out of luck?

[@AK-kl7pg]

Try Attain Cosmetics! ❤ It's for DIYers but professional quality products that don't have these allergy-causing ingredients in them. Invest in your future health!

[@CelesteandMayMay]

Came across your video because I started having an allergy yesterday. Thank you for the information as a DYI soft gel as a hobby. I knew better and should have taken a class before hand.

[@jenniferthompson5146]

I developed a gel allergy (itching redness, small bumps). This was about 6 months after first using gel at home. I tried just using a single, well known brand but still reacting. Just looked up the brand and the number one ingredient is di-HEMA. I will probably try out a “hypoallergenic” brand at a salon in the future. I would rather test a product this way than spend lots of money on a new brand. I’ve heard that specific formulas only go with specific lamps. I’m using a cheap lamp! If all fails, I’ll just continue to use regular nail polishes with strengtheners. I’ll miss gel nails though.

[@AK-kl7pg]

Sadly, many salons also mix and match and we cannot be sure the gel is fully cured.

[@mfahmy6733]

Could it also cause contact dermatitis on areas other than your hands? I felt like my eczema on my neck got worse when I got gel nails and I wonder if touching my neck with the gel on my nails could have been a factor..?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes, because you can get contact from dust from filing and also your body is absorbing the actual allergen it can affect your whole body.

[@BanzaiBoyle9336]

Holy hell! Exactly what is happening to me right now. It sucks so bad😢

[@BanzaiBoyle9336]

Dust? Again, oh my god. I have already learned si much in like 3 mins of watching. I feel like an idiot now. At least a more informed one.

[@pawsandxffects]

Im now allergic to eyeglasses, any amount of plastic have to use titanium frames. Dentures as well, you can supposedly find some with special components but eh. Yeah it can be a real bummer! Thanks Liz

[@NicolesBeautyScene]

I just bought the LE mini dot from your recommendation in the other video!!! So ready to be safer!!!

[@TheNailHub]

Good choice!

[@dianagabriela3287]

Which video?

[@bigacornlavafla1310]

I have all the allergic reactions… suddenly developed an allery 2 years ago… wish I knew all this when I was younger :(

[@nailsofinterest]

Thanks again for awesome information!!💜💖💜

[@donnaanguiano2254]

Thank you for the very informative video. It’s just like how other posters said, definitely wish to have come across this information sooner. I first realized I had a problem when I got weird itchy bubbles on my fingers and peeling after using Beetles. Switched to what I thought was higher end products like Gelish or Apres and wanting to try Kiara Sky too. I’m honestly just debating giving up doing my nails even tho it’s always been a fun creative outlet I enjoyed for myself 😞 I also had this issue with photography sadly. I developed a allergy to photo chemicals after working at pharmacy with photo services, and years of cleaning and rinsing off photo machine parts finally showed up when I tried taking photo class and got a reaction from touching developer which the teacher assured to everyone that in all his years he had yet to see anyone allergic.

[@mathildefrancken2649]

What LED lamp do you recommend (Europe)?

[@jacquelined.1611]

Hi Liz, are you going to continue your DIY classes? I’d love to continue my education before I forget everything I learned, lol.

[@namivirus]

Lovely presentation Liz! So detailed and thorough. As a side note would you please share your camera set up / equipment? Your video / audio quality is phenomenal, and I am about to start a remote job where I’ll be required to present like this often online. Would appreciate your guidance 🙏

[@TheNailHub]

I use a Panasonic FZ1000 and a boom mic. My favorite mics are the blue yetis. They are plug and play. But honestly you can create amazing high res videos with a smartphone and a phone clamp. I started with my iphone and a blue yeti mic first. Then upgrade as you learn more about filming.

[@namivirus]

@@TheNailHub thank you!!

[@lizfranklin-kitchen3013]

Hi Liz - this is probably the most important video I've watched on this topic... I only just started my nail journey over the last couple of weeks and saw you on Suzie's NCE channel, so started following you today. Thank you so, SO much for highlighting these issues. I'd heard Suzie and others talking about how it's important to use the same brand and not mix them up; now I understand WHY it's important. And now that I see the potential knock-on effect of, eg, getting product on your skin, or lamps not curing properly, it's made me really consider things very seriously. I'm "just" a DIYer, but as you said, maybe it's even more important that we DIYers pay even closer attention to this message. I'll share this video with my friends, for sure. Looking forward to learning more from you! And Happy New Year! 🙂

[@juliadn1305]

It’s even more important not just using same brand materials & lamp, but the good professional quality materials & the lamp! But as a DYIer you are limited to purchase high quality product, especially professional ones, as you have to be a certified tech to get access. So be triple careful ❕in what you put on yourself 😅

[@maryalbaugh2066]

I bought a no wipe top coat that is HEMA free but the first ingredient is hydroxypropyl methacrylate polyethylacrylate. Is that the same thing? This video has me concerned. I don’t have a lot off generic products because I’m just a beginner DIYer but still very concerned. I really like your educational videos!

[@TheNailHub]

HPMA is a monomer similar to HEMA. A lot of brands claim HEMA free and just replace it with other monomers.

[@ToshaRaeNailed]

I just had my first allergic reaction. I’m just starting my nail career. So, I’ve been throwing myself in to learning as much as I can! I also have lupus. Knowing what I know now, I feel it was only a matter of time before I had a reaction. Now what do I do? That’s where I’m at. Guess it’s just gonna be a process of figuring it out through trial and error. (?) I took as much precaution as I could without just not using on myself at all. I just didn’t think about how much lupus would play into the mix. I think it plays a huge part. Hopefully I didn’t set myself up for medical issues down the road. I’ll have to spread the word on what I’m learning.

[@Perplexual5]

Absolutely, a recurring theme I've heard is people with auto-immune disorders, environmental allergies, and eczema are more prone to acrylate allergies.

[@aley5853]

Hello) are nail glues that are not cured by UV also part of this conversation? You mentioned that they are still acrylates so just wondering thank you ✨💕

[@anjufarmah1129]

I've recently tried a HEMA free Hypoallergenic brand which uses BIS- HEMA and have still reacted albeit less severely. This makes me think my reaction is a total acrylate reaction. Feeling a little blue on how to navigate it!

[@TheNailHub]

It could also be you are allergic to more than just HEMA. Unfortunately acrylate allergies tend to be cumulative so you could be allergic to IBOA, HEA, HPMA, etc. I would recommend getting a dermatologist to run an acrylate allergy panel for you so you can find out from an MD.

[@vickitaylor4157]

This video is very informative. I had a severe allergic reaction in Feb. I'm now allergic to both acrylic and gel 😢. Unfortunately, for me, I been getting my nails done over 30 years. Getting my nails done enhanced me and I took pride in them. After such a severe reaction; blisters, itching, swollen cuticles, being prescribed antibiotics, steroids and steroid cream. I'm now on the mend and healing.I treat my cuticles daily with jojoba oil. I want my nails polish so bad.Will you please share with me a list of safe polishes? Also, is press on nails and nail glue safe?Thank you kindly!

[@rociojocelyn3151]

Nail glue falls under the acrylics umbrella. Maybe look into Dazzle Dry. It’s a beeswax based nail laquer

[@truthseekerjen6254]

I bought a very expensive nail lamp from light elegance and my clients nails were peeling like crazy. I’ve never had my clients gel nails peel so I had to buy to Madam Glam new lamps and that cured the problem.

[@TheNailHub]

What gel were you using? Light Elegance? Remember that each lamp emits specific wavelengths and energies. Please watch my next video as I go over lamps in detail. It’s not as simple as just using one brand of gel with a different lamp.

[@Lisalovesliberty1]

Lamp should match the brand 🎉 mix & match often causes issues

[@purplehayz03]

Thank you so much for this, education is Key!!

[@supacell6148]

Do Korea and Japan have stricter standards on hema levels and gel polish ingredients? It seems I’m always hearing Japanese and Koreans gels are very high quality and therefore more on the safe side in terms of allergies. Is this true across the board?

[@TheNailHub]

No. Actually EU is leading the HEMA free charge. I have not seen any specific pattern or trend with Japanese or Korean brands and I’ve used a lot of them. Also important to mention that even if governments restrict HEMA, a lot of manufacturers are just replacing it with HPMA or cheating on their SDS. So that is why knowing the source of your products becomes so important.

[@ave_rie]

I think we should still be careful. There are a lot of Korean and Japanese brands that don’t give out SDS in an accessible way. Some don’t even sell their own lamp and just tell you the nm wavelength, or worse, just the watts to use. Tbh, idk how to interpret that: did they just test their gels against many lamps to get that conclusion? I hope so. I hope it’s not because of lack of R&D funding or manufacturing costs. Even some DIY-er centric brands do not have an extensive FAQ/Important info page, sadly. You would think that some of them would care to creatte them and translate them to English once they start selling in the US for example. 😢

[@HolldollMcG]

Oof. This is scary stuff. I have a severe allergy, but due to autoimmune issues my natural nails are bendy, paper-thin, dehydrated, and brittle. They actually frey at the ends like a cut rope. In order to protect them I have to wear essentially a prosthetic nail, but glue-on and press-on nails get expensive and sometimes rip off, thus making the problem worse. I've recently started DIYing gels at home, which is how I discovered my allergy. I'm hoping I can find a solution that protects my natural nails without compromising my health overall. Great video, I look forward to more from you.

[@chelseyhussein7899]

This is exactly my situation right now!

[@AK-kl7pg]

Anna at SalonLife talks about how to get nails healthy if they're super bendy. Might need to do no gel/polish for a while ..

[@CrownedLily]

I have allergic reactions to gel, and acrylic monomer and Seche Vive Gel Effect Top Coat. However I'm fine with nail glue, and dip powder. I've just been using press on nails lately.

[@yolyrom7233]

Excellent info, thank you dear!

[@poggayoga177]

hi!! i was wondering if nail sticky tabs could cause a reaction?

[@LostGirlAt22]

Its probably the most safe way to use nail art since press on with sticky tab does nothing bad to your nails, sticky tab is great as far as i know

[@taraberg]

This video is super interesting and so appreciated! I have never even heard about this topic and the potential for issues with gel nail products, aside from making nails brittle over long periods of use. Medically, I need to be very careful of developing these allergies you mentioned, as I received my first hip replacement at 33, and I need another one now at 47. I will most likely need a few more bone/joint surgeries in my lifetime due to genetics, so this information is very eye-opening. I also think this could become quite a concerning issue for those in a similar situation to me, and especially if they are from a younger generation. As a Gen X-er, we did old-school home nail polish manis & pedis with our Mom's old discarded & lumpy nail polish. However, many Gen Z & millennials have been getting gel nails since they were quite young (no shame, I would've too if I could have!). If this age group were to need a joint replacement surgery at a young age (or any age for that matter), and not be aware of these potential side effects of products that have often been used ongoing for years...this could really affect their quality of life. I have just a couple of initial questions for you. Regarding gel curing lamps, do you feel that either LED or UV is better at getting the job done and ensuring the gel is cured? I have a newer cheap & tiny LED lamp from a local beauty supply store, and I also have an OLD (and I mean OLD & clunky...as in early 2011-ish maybe?) UV lamp that was ordered off some random German professional nail supply website, since Amazon was not a thing back then. Surprisingly, the UV lamp still works great, and I have only had to replace 1 bulb (out of 4) in that time frame. As a home DIY-er, I am also curious if older bottles of gel polish have more of this “ bad stuff“ in them than new bottles? I feel that home nail enthusiast DIY-ers tend to keep these products longer than recommended, since the bottles last so long. Is there a way to test our gel polish bottles at home for this bad stuff? Thank you so much for this video & I truly appreciate any feedback!

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Tara. I would highly recommend you sign up for my online nail course here on KZbin. Hit the JOIN button and you will learn everything from chemistry to lamps and all the stuff to watch out for. I say this because some of your questions show me there’s a lot more to explain that just a simple comment. We’ve had over a thousand people go through this course so far and everyone is learning so much.

[@HaveANiceTrip02]

I do my nails at home. Recently ive been getting blisters reactions. Not sure what to do. I stopped doing acrylics.

[@Mrs_Trying2Nail_it]

I've definitely stopped buying and it will take me awhile to make my first purchase but I'm now way more excited about what I will be able to provide in the future.

[@AK-kl7pg]

Have you tried Attain Cosmetics (for DIYers) or take the certificate course from TNH to buy Light Elegance? Great stuff! So far I haven't met a color from either that I didn't love. I wish I could win the lottery and buy them all.

[@Mrs_Trying2Nail_it]

@@AK-kl7pg I haven’t tried attain yet but I do have access to light elegance through TNH course just saving for my first purchase 🤗

[@ms.undastood2586]

TY for this information. Definitely sharing.

[@vt12259]

I recently started looking at gels because my nails break a lot & i like having longer nails. I bought a kit from Shein b/c it was cheap & i wanted to try it to see if it was something i could do for myself & if i would even bother using it. I've been using all the pieces from the kit together so i'm curious if that would be ok? using a cheaper set that comes with all the stuff you need? as i've started to feel confident in using the products, i've actually been thinking about using builder gel & I'm curious if you have any product recommendations for beginners that want to test things out before investing?

[@MonaMonarch]

Hi, Please use Hema free gel builders, gel nail polish, base coat, top coat. Choose a brand of your likings and use the brand lamps adhering to their curing times guidelines. Try not to use acrylic as is harder to remove. Please don't use cheap products and don't experiment on yourself. Better to get a model plastic hand . I have really bad reactions to all of nail products specially because i experimented on myself without having the knowledge presented in this video.

[@vt12259]

@@MonaMonarch yeah i'm lucky i found this out so early in my journey to learn about gels, i am definitely doing more research before i try again

[@carissawemus9381]

Do you have a list of brands that you support? I want to start right and not have to back track

[@AK-kl7pg]

You might want to look into starting with Attain Cosmetics? They don't have HEMA and like Light Elegance, they are very transparent about their ingredients list, but unlike Light Elegance, you don't need a license or certificate to buy. You CAN do a course to get the certificate and buy LE from The Nail Hub store, though. I loved her course because it went into even more detail and I learned SO much.

[@luxy1193]

@@AK-kl7pgMylee is free of HEMA since April 2023 , have you heard of tried ?

[@AK-kl7pg]

​@@luxy1193 @luxy1193 No, I just went with Light Elegance and Attain brands because they are very open and transparent about their ingredients on every item and I prefer not to have to chase down information.

[@AK-kl7pg]

​@@luxy1193 I get that it's your brand you're advertising. Please send/post your ingredients list so I can check your MSDS with the Chemist Corner list of HEMA's other names.

[@Sheywh12]

So if the company offers the lamp with its products is the lamp a good lamp or should you still buy your own lamp? Such as these companies on Amazon etc.

[@arturopita8873]

Would you consider a rubber base with HEMA as it's first ingredient a bad quality product?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes.

[@frostyskittle_]

Hii, first of all i wanted to start off saying I loved the video! I just wanted to know, if I am going to look for ingredients in brands, what are the good and or bad things that I should be looking for? Does it just say bis-hema or di-hema on the package or do I have to figure out what kind of hema it is somewhere else? Then my last question, what kind of questions should I be asking brands? Me as a young diy'er, this scared me quite a bit and i want to stop doing my nails all together and since its so expensive as well, but I would love if there is still a way I could continue without being scared out of my mind😅 Thank you in advance! Greetings Carlijn

[@OrionStar1]

Amazing video: What is an example of a generic product? What do you recommend?

[@TheNailHub]

Basically anything on Amazon with weird product names. They’re easy to spot once you start scrutinizing. Like where is made? Is there a real company you can contact? Do they have ingredients list (aka SDS/MSDS)?

[@VelvetHipp0]

How do you feel about Luxa Polish?

[@linden5576]

Yeah, I wish I had this information a couple years ago when I had my first allergy outbreak! I had to go on prednisone, the trick my body into not seeing the product as an allergen, until my fingers could heal, and my body can heal because unfortunately, I didn’t only break out on my fingertips, but on my legs and arms and face also. It took me up to nine months to fully heal! Regular crazy glues for gluing like broken ceramics, etc. can be devastating because they can contain some of the same ingredients. New skin, that product you put on a cut also can contain some of these allergic products! How do I know? In the last five years I’ve had three major outbreaks one from Gel, your nail stuff, Gel type products, etc. another one and once I got that and that healed then I realized wow I can’t use any type of crazy glue any longer or I’ll break out. Then I tried using some new skin for a wound that I received doing yardwork, not related to nail products, and so when I put the new skin on, it burned an eye, my fingers began to have a total reaction just the same as if I had done been in contact with Hema!!! I tried the dipping system, the dipping systems great but, the first layer of the glue type product that makes your powder stick. I had a reaction to! Now a lot of people will use him a free gel base and do the dipping powder with that that’s fine I don’t seem to have any reaction to that. But how do I know that it’s really caring everything, I don’t know. You are absolutely correct you must read the labels and if you’re still not sure, then you must reach out and ask the company! And I’ll give you an example… Madame glam has a wonderful line of Hema free products. But don’t assume that every product on their sale page is humor, free! I learned that by reading their labels! I don’t seem to have any reaction to acrylic nails you know monomer powder I can go get my nails done and never have any issue. No allergy. But I cannot do those myself because I do not. I’m not good at acrylic nails. So therefore, I tried different methods dip powders all these other little ideas, and I learned that a lot of these cheap products, Amazon, Teemu, AliExpress, Beatles, born, pretty, all of these different products that are cheap. You will have a reaction eventually because they can’t contain all of these harsh chemicals. To be 100% truthful, these products are very serious and have a very serious and harmful effect. If not used correctly and should’ve only been allowed to be used by professionals that are trained!! And these videos help train us that are not licensed, but there’s so much more than a license technician knows and is aware of them we can ever know if we’re not being trained by a professional. Make sense? Same goes in hair care products. Once this hair care product came along, which was back in the 70s I believe when you could go down and purchase your own hair dye and do your own hair, I remember people having lots of issues their hair come out wrong people lost their hair specially, in the perm department! Cause I was one of them ha ha ha ha! Yeah it’s come along way now and hair care products you can contact you know the companies for help and in all of that it’s about all of these nail products and hair products, and things like that and skin products are all designed to help people “do their own.“, Home care products. It helped these companies sell more products because everybody couldn’t go and pay the higher prices at salons and nail salons etc. so they started marketing towards do it yourself at home products. But it’s caused a lot of harm like I mentioned above. Right now, this very day in May 2023 I am recovering from yet again, another nail product mishap allergy break out! I thought everything was right but somehow I just thought I was so careful but I messed up somewhere and got something in a purchase, some thing that wasn’t exactly right and bam here I am 3/4 of the way in from an allergy outbreak from now products. And that goes for glue your little glue that come in the little tubes to put your nails on when you’re doing those ex nails of all of these things you know sometimes you just have to try things and if you have a relaxed reaction, you’re going to be up to nine months before all of that heels and your nails grow back out properly and you’re in a condition to start over and I’m just sick of being having nail out now allergies and being down for so long with busted, cracked bleeding fingertips.

[@nautsrenata]

I'm so sorry to hear that you're dealing with another reaction. I too had quite severe reactions, I was stubborn and chose to keep getting them done and deal with it, lesson learned. Eventually my eye lids swelled and I realized I had made a big mistake. Very few videos about these allergies but I'm glad this channel is bringing light to it and informing people. Sadly most salons are not taking any care to avoid getting monomer on skin, usually down right brushing around the entire fingertip to "clean up" the acrylic. I hope word gets out and they can nip this thing in the bud because it's scary to think if we need some medical acrylic like a crown etc in the future that this may be an issue. I am not allergic to glue as far as I know, I just use the sticky tabs for press ons and buy loads and loads of full cover tips and decorate them myself on those little magnetic stands. It's great, I can save the nails for another use and change them as often as I please. Save all kinds of money. Have you tried the sticky tabs? Do you react to those?

[@TheNailPolisher]

Absolutely GREAT video. Such valuable information. I would love to see a nail lamp comparison video.

[@TheNailHub]

That is coming! :)

[@TheNailPolisher]

@@TheNailHub Yay!!! I need to make an investment in my lamp situation so im looking foward to this.

[@TheNailHub]

Any of the lamps we sell on thenailhub.com are great and have been vetted by us. But I will be doing some tests against others too.

[@TheNailPolisher]

@@TheNailHub thank you!!! I'm trying to make a smart investment in a new lamp that would work well with most well known brands of gels. It wouldn't be financially impossible for me to buy a lamp for each gel I use. I DO KNOW there are no universal lights but I'd like to make sure I purchase one that cures most the way they should (if that makes sense).

[@TheNailPolisher]

*it would be financially impossible

[@blackcat7747]

I am now past the point of ever having nice gel nails… my allergy has given me yellow water filled boils with little bumps all over my fingers and nose bleeds… I’m lost as to what I can do I’ve got hema free things but they’re still giving me allergies

[@TheNailHub]

HEMA is just one monomer. You might be allergic to more than just HEMA. I would recommend going to a dermatologist and getting an acrylate allergy test.

[@juliadn1305]

Hema-free isn’t a guarantee for not having allergy . In fact, it’s actually less researched materials than Hema, that has been around for quite a while! Plus, allergies have a tendency to pile up. 😢

[@shaz8486]

@@juliadn1305 I was using a product they say is Hema free….that it’s NOT GEL, they send you a definition of “Gelatine” if you ask that question. They think we’re all stupid !! I developed an allergy after 10 weeks ! They also claim non toxic, BUT you have to cure under the lamp. I stopped using after my allergy. Right before I stopped using it, I also developed an infection on a knee replacement I had had about 6 weeks after I started using their products. I only knew I never wanted GEL, as it was always a nightmare after getting them done at the salon a few times I had done over the years. They called it a Revolutionary Nail System. It cures under a lamp, they refuse to give SDS to everyone that has asked. I have heard they have changed the length of time to cure the GEL for since I was using it, it a USB connector lamp. Junk IMO. …I’m calling it a gel because a professor said that ANYTHING needed to be cured under a lamp is a gel. You also need to WARM top & base coat. !!! I curse the day I came across this company!!!! I now use normal nail polish, it’s so much better. The air dry polishes dry a lot faster and provided you prep your nails and remove excess oils I personally haven’t had any problems. It removes so fast not like the day long process it was taking to remove this previous product I spent a fortune on. I had assumed air dry polish took forever to dry like years ago. Oh and you can’t find negative comments on this product they get everything removed, they pay for reviews and when I research before buying I could only find thousands of positive reviews like how I felt the first month of using it. It REALLY pays to research and if it sounds too good to be true and NOTHING negative…then red flag. 🚩 It IS a dud and stay away from it. I was stupid and believed It all.

[@christinaway-lucas9522]

I don’t get any gel product on my skin, but still have a reaction

[@therainbowpanda9]

is there a way you can test your lamp to make sure it cures properly? i am a grad student on a budget so i really want to avoid getting a new lamp if i can 😔

[@AK-kl7pg]

TNH/Liz has a video on this!

[@Peter-bt7gy]

I'm so so thankful for the videos you put up! They are seriously so helpful and as a young nail tech being in this industry for only a year, I've learned so much from you and it's so important to me to educate my clients and myself especially to make sure they're safe! I know Beetles gel polish is an inexpensive brand to use but after watching this video it really made me look into the sds which didn't say much. What brands of gel polish do you recommend that are the safest to use? Thanks again!

[@TheNailHub]

I could not recommend Light Elegance more as a healthy option for your clients. Also Akzentz Luxio is wonderful too. Your clients will appreciate you offering safer products and also will help you differentiate. Stay away from anything you can easily find on Amazon.

[@Peter-bt7gy]

Perfect thank you so much!! 💓💓

[@kittenandgoat]

I have always been super careful with gels - not so much with monomer - I did not realise Acrylics used it too. We are so limited to what we can get in the UK.

[@mleine8926]

Thank you for this wonderful information. It's opened my eyes to making sure I purchase quality products. Do you know of a site that lists the ingredients in the products? It seems like when looking into buying a product the ingredients aren't listed on some sites.

[@TheNailHub]

The hunt is the hard part, but we try to curate products that we can stand behind. If a company is not transparent with their ingredients avoid it. That's a good "red flag" to use when looking for supplies. Give them a chance if you are interested in their goods, but if they aren't open to these kinds of conversations I would not recommend buying or using their stuff.

[@mleine8926]

@@TheNailHub Thank you so much! I will be cautious. I greatly appreciate your response.

[@EleeceFace]

How can I safely dispose of some of my cheaper polishes that I bought when I didn't know better? I feel like just throwing them in the trash could unknowingly expose some unknowing person to uncured gel. Is there something better to be done??

[@TheNailHub]

There are 2 main ways that I recommend. One pour it out in a disposable plate and cure it all in your lamp then dispose of in a trash bag or two is use the house paint method where you pour all your gel polish into a trash bag of kitty litter.

[@EleeceFace]

Thank you so much!!

[@MouseyKireena]

I played stupid games and got a horrible reaction and I can't even use hema free gels. I've spent so much money trying to find gels that would work, but I'll have to go back to regular polishes. I wish I had understood the sciences behind gels before I got into them. Thank you for this in depth run down.

[@TheNailHub]

I’m so sorry to hear that. There is such a thing as hypoallergenic gels. Check out our brand ATTAIN Cosmetics. We make it here in the USA and it is specifically geared towards addressing this allergy issue.

[@hayleymiller1722]

This happend to me, I'm a nail tech. I started to lose my hair and swelling of joints once I removed gel it all stopped. I can't wear any brand now😢

[@lilianarivera3742]

So do you use anything else to do your nails? dip powder? Or are you not able to do your nails at all? This is happening to me now. Happened the last two times I did my nails and this third time confirmed it is def the gel polish. I use Beetles only and have not mixed with anything else. I noticed it started happening with a new box of colors I purchased. I am getting rid of all gel and was going to go the route of dip. Your thoughts?

[@deborahroper3694]

What about nail glue to glue tips on? Is there any that are safe?

[@juliehanford416]

This is what I’m trying to figure out too.

[@juliehanford416]

This is what I’m trying to figure out too,

[@caltax7112]

Hello Liz ! What are your thoughts on mainstream nail products catered to DIYers like Le mini Macaroon Gel nail polishes ? Would you co sider those to be more on the hypoallergenic or safe side of things ? Or would you say its best to always go with professional products even as a DIYer ?

[@TheNailHub]

Most of them unfortunately are all Chinese private label that are not hypoallergenic. I cant speak for all of them but there are way more brands of gel than actual manufacturers. Most of them come from a handful of factories in the world and normally anything coming out of China (even if it’s private labeled in Europe or Korea) is the same crap.

[@AK-kl7pg]

@caltax7112 rather than the macaroni one, you might try Attain brands cuz they make for DIYers but with professional quality HEMA free like Light Elegance (which you can still buy as a DIYer if you take a course)...DIY right 👍

[@anniekell7567]

Is it safe to say that anything that causes a heat spike is higher hema? I love luminary but do get a pretty solid spike from it.

[@TheNailHub]

It has to do with the percentages of monomer and the combination of ingredients in the formula. I have heard they updated it as well as new lamp to mitigate heat.

[@Bethyb13]

👀

[@rosetroya9366]

So I have a set from Jewwhitney, I am assuming that's one of the bad ones.. any advice on how to find the ingredients list? or should i just toss it? also would you do a video on more affordable but safe starter items? thank you for all the information!

[@TheNailHub]

Ask the manufacturer for ingredients. They should have a website or phone number. If they don’t then that’s sketchy and I would toss.

[@JuliPrice-c3f]

Great tutorial as ever, thank you, Liz. To follow up on the pro only discussion, are you now offering your online courses and access to LE products to the UK and EU? I am a member of aDIY nail group and people always want recommendations for safe brands that can be bought by the public. It is difficult to do this when most safe brands are pro only!! Thanks x

[@TheNailHub]

Hi yes! Here is a link to my course which certifies DIYers to use professional Light Elegance Level 1 products. www.thenailhub.com/products/gel-chemistry-and-basics My students have raved about the thoroughness of this course and anyone who takes this will honestly know more about gels than the average nail school graduate. Which I intend to change.

[@JuliPrice-c3f]

Thanks, Liz. I have shared the link to the DIY group that I help to moderate.

[@TheNailHub]

Thank you!

[@AK-kl7pg]

The class was amazing 🤩

[@ave_rie]

this is so serious I might as well take classes/certification at this point. Questions: - Is it required to use Light Elegance to complete the program? - is there an evaluation/some sort of certification at the end or is it more like basics for DIYers? - Can we buy the materials even if we’re not in the US? - The videos are recorded for those in different timezones? - Can we join at any time or is this a scheduled thing w/deadlines? - What is your opinion on “Bio Sculpture” or the other bio seaweed ish brands? I find it very difficult to understand how they are supposedly “bio” or “hypoallergenic” or “unique” or “safe” compared to other regular brands when they also probably use just the same sorts of plastics. Also, just look at the skincare community and how much progress everyone has because of consumers doing deep dives in ingredients lists (except the “clean” community) Thank you! ❤

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Ave, there is a student kit that is included in the course that is based on Light Elegance because it is a great brand and hypoallergenic. However, you don't have to use Light Elegance. The education is the most important part. Yes full certification and assessment at the end. The people that have graduated now know more than the average beauty school graduate to put it plainly. Depending on where you are located I can point you to the local distributor or you can buy from us. All videos are already recorded and posted so you can watch at your own pace at any time of day or night. You can join and finish any time you want. There's a lot of marketing terms out there to entice people to buy them. I can't speak for every brand but the best metric is check the SDS, ask them questions, and see how they respond or if they respond at all. Totally agree. Skincare, food, you name it. When consumers and users are educated about their product choices it really drives improvement!

[@Wendymarino]

What lamp do you recommend???