Nail polish just doesn't cut it!

[Luscious85]

Hi there,

This is my first post and I would like some advice from fellow therapists on nail polishes...

I am a qualified Bio Sculpture nail tech however last year developed a severe allergy to Acrylates and can no longer use any nail systems. It was left undiagnosed for many months and so really damaged my hands - I eventually went to see a private dermatologist and my hands are slowly recovering. I was incredibly disappointed as I had to abandon my mobile nail business and let down clients who I had converted from nail polish and who absolutely loved the product.

I haven't ever used nail polish on clients, as I offered gel as part of my manicure and pedicure treatments and although this was more expensive, it was popular, however I hope to begin a mobile beauty business in the summer and will now have to begin offering nail polish otherwise I can't offer a complete mani/pedi treatment. The problem is that all nail polishes I've come across just don't have any staying power. We used Jessica and OPI at college and every time, the next day it was already chipping off. Nail polish just isn't any comparison to my gel treatments which lasted up to 3 weeks, but I would like to know if anyone uses a brand that lasts slightly longer?

Can anyone help with nail polish brand recommendations? Could really do with some help :irked:

Luscious85

 

[Bagpuss]

Creative Nail Design.....I have used this for years and they do everything i want them to do.

 

[*sarah*]

I have clients that have CND polish on, and most are still perfect after 2 weeks on fingers, toenails last about 6 weeks its reallt just the growth hth xx

 

[ValencianNails]

I am a qualified Bio Sculpture nail tech however last year developed a severe allergy to Acrylates and can no longer use any nail systems.

Just as a FYI, Brisa Gel (by Creative, CND) is Acrylate free (and also Gluteraldehyde free, Formaldehyde free as well as being hypoallergenic), in case you fancied trying it out or maybe having one nail done by another tech close by who uses it :hug:

 

[catsaremad]

how about minx , you could try that as well

 

[Luscious85]

Thanks for your comments - really appreciate your help. And ValencianNails I will certainly look in to Brisa - very excited about the possibility of a Acrylate-free product that will enable me to do nails again x

 

[skymark]

Investing in good base an top coats will help with the polish. Ive not had problems with the staying power of OPI.

Maybe as you are a little unpractised with the polishing it might take a little for your technique of application to come back.

Also if I were you I would definitely be adding Minx to the menu as its so popular and can boast of some great staying power for any of those clients that are not fond of polish or like something that stands out a little more.

Maybe you could add some more holistic foot and hand treatments to your menu. There s some great training around in different methods of giving natural manicure and pedicure, giving different styles of massage. If you had training in these you could offer a list of different decadent treatments that are a little rarer, would set you apart and you dont have to touch acrylic

 

[BABSann]

We use OPI in our salon and I also use Creative in my home salon(not that I get much time to work in it these days:green.Both of these polishes are fabulous . I do a lot of mani's and pedi's with NO problems.
I think the poster before me is right.Make sure the nail is totally oil free,that you sweep the underside of the nail tip so that it's sealed,advise the client to wear gloves and to re apply a top coat every couple of days to maintain the polish.
Seriously,I cant recommend OPI highly enough and my clients are always praising it..... and me of course lol. Correct application is the key as is the client following correct aftercare advice.HTH

 

[Martin Duffy]

I can only echo the above posts - I use Jessica & have used OPI in the past & never had any problem with staying power. Rather most people comment on how long the polish stays. As I no longer provide nail enhancements, preferring instead to concentrate on cultivation of the natural nail, I do a lot of manicures & pedicures and have never had any problems with polishes lasting when applied properly & the client follows the aftercare.

 

[rouge]

If it is your application that's causing the problem, here's a link which may help you...
http://www.salongeek.com/nail-finishing-maintenance/11972-precision-polishing.html