gel polish
Why Should You Pick a HEMA-Free Nail Polish?
HEMA is a popular ingredient in gel nail polish, however, it is not always what you need. We look at why HEMA-free is the way forward!
Nail technicians, are you noticing that more of your clients are developing allergies to gel polishes? Or are you constantly battling with sore, irritated skin around your own fingernails? It could be in the products you’re using. Here’s why you should opt for HEMA-free polish.
What is HEMA?
Back in 2018, the British Association of Dermatologists published a research paper naming HEMA as the main cause of an ‘allergy epidemic.’ HEMA, also known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate is used as an adhesive in gel polish. It gives your polish that nice hard, shiny finish. However, its small molecules are easily absorbed into the skin and it can cause sensitisation.
Why are allergies an increasing problem?
Due to an increase in the number of people developing allergies to gel polishes, some brands introduced HEMA-free products. But why have allergies become so prevalent in the nail world? This has happened for a few reasons;
Brands have tried to replicate the salon experience at home
In recent years, brands have sold the idea to customers that you can do your own gel nails at home. It’s true that you don’t have to go to the salon for a decent mani. However, many of these DIY kits contain products that are more likely to cause allergies. This is especially true of the cheaper kits.
Cheaper nail polishes are not HEMA-Free
Go online and see how many nail products are available in China. You can get long-wear, easy to apply gel polishes for less than $1. Sounds too good to be true, right? It is. Cheap, long-wear formulas that cost less than a dollar often contain high levels of HEMA and other allergy-causing ingredients.
Go HEMA-free and protect yourself and your clients
Trust us, if you want to keep yourself and your clients safe, opt for HEMA-free products. Cutting costs when it comes to products just isn’t worth it. What if you ended up with an allergy so bad that you had to stop being a nail technician altogether? If your customers developed allergies and never came back to you, how would you cope?
What HEMA-Free polish is best?
Honestly, we are absolutely loving Inveray as HEMA-Free polish. It's a HEMA-Free polish, that offers a vibrant intensive shine that offers 21 days of colour. A single application nail polish offers a simple and clean application.
Check out our range of HEMA-free polish here.
It’s far better to invest in quality, contaminant-free products from a supplier you can trust. Find one brand you love and stick with it. Make sure the rest of your kit, from your UV lamp to your tools and hand care products are just as high quality. Your clients, and your hands, will thank you.
For more interesting articles on all things nails, check out the rest of our blog.
