QuestionHi Maggie,
After years of wearing acrylic nails, I seem to have developed an allergic reaction to the product. About four weeks ago, I had a fill done by my nail tech and about 2-3 days later, my cuticles became swollen, my fingers itched, my fingertips were red and sore and easily bruised. I went back for another fill 2 weeks later, and, the same thing happened. I mentioned this to my tech and she soaked my nails off. Now it seems that my nails are lifting from the nail plate and the pinkies, especially the one on he left hand is going to come completely off. I am thinking that I will not be able to wear acrylic nails again and I am saddened by this because I loved having nice nails and I always received compliments after I had them done. My own nails never grew and were always weak and not very attractive. Is there anything out there that I can use that will not give me the severe reaction I received from using the acrylics? I am willing to go to a salon where the cost will be more expensive as I believe I should do what I can that makes me happy and feel attractive. Thank you so much for your time and expertise to the questions posted on this site. I have been reading some of the questions/answers and am very impressed with all the responses.
AnswerThere are several hypoallergenic gel products on the market. Traditional builder gels are an excellent alternative to acrylic for building extensions and adding strength. Unfortunately, there are some salons that try to pass of acrylics as gels, so you need to know that gel is NEVER a powder! Gel starts off as a thick, gooey substance that is brushed onto the nail and then each layer must be cured under a UV light.
Brisa by CND is one particularly well-regarded brand of gel that is labelled as hypoallergenic.
Other options are "tip and dip" systems that forgo monomer (the liquid part of acrylics, what is usually the problem behind allergic reactions like yours) and use cyanoacrylate resin (nail glue) instead. The glue is brushed onto the nail and then powder is sprinkled onto the wet glue (or the finger is dipped into the powder.)
Call around to salons and spas (spas often offer a wider variety of nail services) and explain your reaction to them and ask if they offer any type of nail services that are hypoallergenic.
