Myths and fables concerning nails 2 Scratch Magazine August issue

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Myths and Fables concerning Nails!!



1. If a product smells bad, it must be dangerous!



The fact is that where nail products are concerned, odour has nothing to do with the safety of a product. Odour is not an indication that something is unsafe, and products that have low odour are no more ‘safe’ than products that do have an odour. Some may find it more pleasant to work with low odour products but safety is not an issue.



2. Wearing nail enhancements causes Onycholysis.



Thinning of the nail plate causes Onycholysis. Wearing nail enhancements does not thin the natural nail plate. Ripping product off the natural nail, using heavy abrasives on the natural, too much filing of the natural nail, the use of nippers to pries product from the natural nail (improper removal techniques) and the over use of e-files on the natural nail are all causes of nail plate thinning which can lead to Onycholysis.



3. All nail products are as good as each other when used by good technicians.



The truth is that nail enhancement products vary wildly in their technological advancement. When reference is made to ‘high end’ and ‘low end’ products it is how technically advanced the products are that determines the difference between them. Many products crystallize, yellow, become brittle very quickly, the colour fades, are hard to work, are lift prone etc. More technically advanced products or ‘designer polymers’ do not suffer from these same problems and have different properties built in such as strength, flexibility, toughness and colour stability. The cost difference is minimal so it pays to buy the best.



4. Nails need a rest and to breath every once in awhile.



Nails do not get tired and do not breathe so actually there is no reason for them to rest or to be exposed to the air if the client wishes to wear enhancements for years. It is up to the technician to maintain the natural nails beneath the enhancements by always treating them with care and attention to their good health.



5. Products that contain Calcium are good to help feed the nails.



There are only 3 things that one can do to the natural nail to promote good health. Cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Nails cannot be ‘fed’. Nails are not living tissue but rather non-living tissue. They can absorb water and oil but cannot assimilate nutrients. Nails contain very little calcium and are comprised mostly of Keratin and a few trace amounts of minerals. Nail products that make claims to feed the natural nail with calcium or any other substance are making bogus claims.



6. Nail infections are not uncommon and are just a part of wearing nail enhancements!



In order for a fingernail infection to occur … bacteria MUST be present on the surface of the nail. This means that technicians must do all they can to avoid product-lifting and initially to prepare the natural nail surface so that it is completely and thoroughly sanitized. While maintaining the nail enhancements, technicians must have an ‘eagle eye’ toward detecting any weakening or damage to the overlay that could lead to ‘leaking’ and eventual invasion by a bacteria.



7. E files are dangerous to use.



E files (drills) that are manufactured for nail enhancement refining, are not dangerous to use in the hands of a competent operator. One should never attempt to purchase or to use an E File without first having obtained training in how to use it safely. The use of hobby-type drills or similar drills which are available from DIY or hardware stores IS dangerous, as the rpm’s are much lower than e-files made for professional use, and can cause great damage to the natural nail and the product.



8. Exposure to nail products is dangerous.



Exposure to any nail product is not dangerous … overexposure, which means prolonged and repeated contact beyond the levels deemed safe by regulatory agencies, is. It is the nail technician and his/her ability and knowledge of safe handling (COSHH) that will determine the safety of any nail product. The FDA and similar agencies in other countries accept the inherent safety of nail products.



9. Allergic reactions are common with nail products.



Actually, allergic reactions to nail products are quite rare. Prolonged and repeated contact with the skin should be avoided with all nail products. Nail products are meant for use on nails. It is a common misconception that manufactured chemical substances cause the majority of allergic reactions. The truth is that natural ingredients cause 99% of allergic reactions.



10. Patch testing with nail products is OK to do on clients.



A person is never allergic to a product but to an ingredient in a product. Patch testing a client would not determine which ingredient was causing the problem and nail products should not come in contact with the skin for a prolonged period of time. Do not use nail products to play ‘doctor’ with your clients.
 

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