AboutMaggie Franklin Expertise Professional Nailcare: nail enhancement chemistry and technique, mancuring and pedicuring. I am not qualified to give medical advice or make medical diagnoses.
Experience I am a professional nail technician with 17 years experience in the professional beauty industry. I am licensed in the states of California (license #M120766) and Colorado (license #8611.)
I have been an active member of the online mailing list at Beautytech.com since 1999 where I network with 100s of nail industry professionals around the world.
Over the last 15 years I have accumulated several advanced training certificates, including the coveted Creative Nail Designs Master Nail Technician status, and personal training by Tammy Taylor, Tom Bachik, and Tom Holcomb.
I briefly joined the competition circuit in 2002, taking first place in the second annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition in the Enhancement 2 category. In 2009 I have decided to make time in my schedule to get back into competition by joining "Team Pink," the competition team captained by current world champion nail technician, Lynn Lammers.
I boast several contributions to articles that have appeared in both Nails and Nailpro magazines, including a brief stint as a Nails Magazine Help Desk contributor and now I write a semi-weekly blog for Nails Magazine while continuing to attend tradeshows and continuing education events.
Organizations Nail Tech mailist list at Beautytech.com
Publications Nails Magazine. Nailpro Magazine. Blogging for Nails Magazine since September, 2008: http://blogs.nailsmag.com/maggie/
Education/Credentials CA license #M120766. CO license #8611. CND Master Nail Technician. Tom Holcomb Academy. Personal training with Tom Bachik. Two day advanced training with Tammy Taylor. AEFM certified for use of electric file. HRTE (High Road to Education) in San Jose, CA 2009.
Awards and Honors 2nd Annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition, 1st place in Enhancement 2. Member of "Team Pink" competition team 2009. 3rd place, Novice tip-and-overlay relay at IBS Las Vegas, 2009.
Question Well rats!!
I wrote last week about having a sudden reaction to gel nails. I tried 2 different non traditional salons, with the same result.
I thought, OK, before I give up I will go to a full service salon and have them done by a professional nail tech. Well, she did a great job. No electric drills, just great hands on gel nails.
Well, that was this morning...and they are starting to itch!!
So, the verdict is in....I've developed an allergy.
A nail tech I spoke to told me that if noticed a reaction, to scrub my fingers with baking soda. That seems to have helped for now.
I guess I have to get them off before more damage is done.
Do I need to make an appointment to have them filed off? Or should I endure the days of itching and peeling and just let them grow off?
Help, I'm not sure what is the best thing to do. I am so disappointed, my own nails have become so ridged that I am embarrassed. Help!
Thanks again,
Teresa
Answer Hi Teresa, sorry to here the gel isn't cooperating with you.
Everything that I've been told about nail products supports the conclusion that you do not need to file these off. Essentially, the product is cured now, which renders the active chemicals inert. So basically all that's on your nails now is plastic, it shouldn't continue to aggravate your skin.
I normally tell everyone to just let the product grow off and don't bother removing it.
However, I have recently spoken with one client who told me that even several days after having product applied, her fingers continued to itch and peel and that it was only after she removed the product that she got any relief.
So, with that new anecdote in mind, I would say to wait and see if the irritation subsides. If you stop experiencing any reaction, then let the product grow off. If the reaction persists, get the gel off your fingers!
See if you can find someone who offers silk or fiberglass wraps, or "Extreme" by a company called "Backscratchers." This is my first choice for my clients who are allergic to acrylics and gels and I have yet (knock on wood) to have someone develop a reaction to this.
