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 I've had gel nails for about 2 years and have had no problems with them until recently. The last 2 times that I had them filled ( about every 3 weeks), the skin around my nails, itched, turned red, then peeled. I even changed salons after the first time because he was so rough, but it happened at the new salon as well. At first my fingers itched, then developed redness, then the skin got very hard and dry. Now it is peeling.
I did not feel any discomfort during the application process. The dryness and peeling is also on the finger pad underneath the nail.
Have I suddenly developed an allergy?
I am willing to pay more at a " traditional" salon, if that would help. I would love NOT to have that power drill used on me as well.
Do you have any idea what is happening? My own nails have become so ridged, that I am embarrassed not to have them covered up!
Answer It does sound a lot like an allergic reaction. Depending on the type of gel product used, it's entirely possible that you have developed a sensitivity to the gel. You could call around and see if you can someone who offers hypoallergenic products.
A few factors that could contribute to developing chemical sensitivities in a salon are:
having the products come in contact with your skin during the services. It's one ting if a little acrylic liquid, or a little gel seeps into the sidewall near the cuticles and is cleaned up right away, but if the technician is working sloppy and product is getting on your skin every time, that's a sensitivity in the making. These products are designed to be applied to your nails, not your skin! You skin is much more sensitive than the nail plate and will react much faster if it continues to come in contact with products.
The cleanliness of the work area. Is the towel on the table top being changed out for a new one after each client? Is the technician throwing away old paper towels on the table that are used for wiping off products? Is there old, gummy product dried (or not dried) on the table? Is the table being disinfected before your hands are on it? All these things indicate a chance for products-- especially uncured products, which are more of a problem because they are still in an active state-- to come in contact with your skin. This could be an indication of why even your finger tips are showing signs of sensitivity.
Believe me, you didn't "suddenly" develop a sensitivity, it just seems that way to you. Allergies build up over time with each exposure to the offending substance. It's just that the reaction wasn't severe enough for you to notice until now.
I definitely recommend paying more for a "traditional" salon's services if it means finding a professional technician who practices higher health and safety standards and has the product knowledge to determine which services would be suitable for you.
