As a consumer you may have fallen victim to shock headlines, misguided marketing or even a nervous nail professional, because in recent years a nail allergy epidemic was ‘announced’ and this fear is unfortunately widespread to this day. But as a consumer what should you believe? Is there risks? What can you do to ensure a safe, high quality and professional nail service?

It’s a scary word and too loosely used in my opinion. There are very varying severities of an allergy and an irritation can often be labelled an allergy as its symptoms are much the same. Often an irritation is a warning sign, ignored, and continuously irritated, an allergy will develop.

An allergen is a substance than can cause an allergy. And if nail products (or the natural nail) are misused there will be a problem. Believe it or not it’s easy to misuse nail products, easy, and even more worrying, common to abuse the natural nail in a nail service. What often is not addressed from our side, the professional side, is that there is a massive education deficit. Quick cheap courses rule, and that produces quick, vaguely ‘qualified’ and minimally knowledgeable nail technicians.  Something many professionals do not want to admit, after all it’s not their fault. They paid for what they thought was a fit for purpose course and wouldn’t know otherwise. But in an industry that’s not regulated it’s hard to ‘police’ and control the standards of nail professionals, the education they do, or do not, take, the quality of products they use and how they are used.

We all know there is Instagram, and then there is reality. As great as social media is as a tool to source your nail pro, use as a look book or find hacks, it is laced with untruth and filters. If you’ve sourced your nail salon via social media use this as your first step where you can introduce yourself, address your requirements and expectations and ask for further information to ensure this is the salon for you.

• About qualifications. when and where the professional trained. A good pro will be proud to sing and shout about their investment in their craft.
• If they are part of any associations or industry communities. Professionals with good standards are always well connected and engaged with industry updates and communities.
• If they are insured. Truthfully not a question any professional likes to hear as it can be perceived as a client ‘red flag’, are you looking for a issue even before you’ve received treatment? - So don’t be surprised if you receive a paused response. But the response none the less should arrive effortlessly and confidently with good knowledge and presentation of their status.
• About the brands they use and why. There are many, MANY, brands on the market and many amazing ones, not just the household names you may know as a consumer. So a nail professional should be loud and proud of the brand/s that they use and be able to champion why that is the brand they chose to invest in. A good brand will have a broad range of products that will meet all the individual needs of each client that steps through the door. You are not the same as the last or next client and you should be treated accordingly. One base, top, or builder does not suit all. Just because your sister’s friend uses it and its great does not mean it’s right for you.
• If you’ve reached the decision to choose this professional/salon take a good look round. Is it clean? Is there hand washing facilities? How do they disinfect their tools? How was the work area cleaned down after the previous client if you’ve arrived before they left? Are the bottles clean and free from product? Does the lamp brand match the product brand? – yes, they really should match! (Nails are allergenic chemicals and proper curing is a science.) Is the professional working cleanly (gel polish is for nails NOT skin), neatly presented and listening to what you want whilst educating you on what they are using and why? Consultation is key! Is the professional treating your natural nail respectfully and with care? Did you receive aftercare or any treatment advisories?