IBD Gel Nail Allergy Concerns: Nail Technician Experiences & Potential Formula Changes

Question
QUESTION: I am also a nail technician since 1999.  In October 2007, I noticed that my IBD clear gel had changed in consistency, and so did the other gal in my shop.  It was melting off the clients very rapidly and burning a lot more under the UV light, IBD was also bought out by another company, I believe they changed the formula, but of course the have said they did not.  About five months later I had about 4 clients who where getting the red cuticles, blisters, itching.  I was still being told that I was the only one in the nation having problems, than the other gal in my shop had a couple clients as well.  One of my clients, I finally had to take her nails off, and we are doing manicures.  Her cuticles are still not where I would like them to be but, she really wants to put her nails back on.  She gave me a question that you had been asked on 12-27-07 about allergies.  You said something about Brisa, I have never heard of it, is it similar to IBD?  I have also used Young nail gel, which is similar to IBD, for a while she did not have a reaction to the Young gel, but than did.  She wants her nails back on and she really wants the gel.  I told her that her cuticles need to be totally healed.  What should I do for her?

ANSWER: As long as she doesn't have swelling/redness/discharge around the cuticle area, go ahead and try a trial nail of Brisa on her. However, if she is allergic to gels in general, she might not be able to wear them again no matter what product you put on her. It will be a matter of trial and error.

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QUESTION: Is Brisa the same consistency as the IBD product?  How do you find Brisa?

Answer
I've never used IBD so I can't compare the two specifically. I can tell you that Brisa is easy to work with and stays where you put it. There is minimal self leveling (especially with the white sculpting gel.). If you warm it in your pocket before use, it thins it out a bit, especially if your salon is really cold (it gets quite thick-feeling when it's cold.).  So keep it warm for best workability.

You should be able to locate a distributor at the CND website: www.cnd.com . You'll have to sign up to gain access to the professional site.

I hope this helps! :)