Gel vs. Acrylic Nails: Identifying & Avoiding Misleading Practices

Question
Hi There,

I am experiencing the same Gel vs Acrylic scam.  The last pleasant experience I had at my normal salon (Oct 07) was with the Gel "powder" with the Gel topcoat.  I was very satisfied with the look (bright, no yellowing) as well as the durability. However, there is a new nail tech and she believes (incorrectly) that I am uninformed.  Check this story out:  On my 2nd visit I told her I wanted gel refill.  She filed my nails and at the same time, pulled the lamp down close to the jar of powder.  When she reached for the jar, I said, no, I wanted gel.  She said she was heating the acrylic in the jar with the lamp, which turns it into gel!!.  She forgot that I watched her pour acrylic powder into that very jar during my 1st visit. Duh. She then pulled out a container which had a gel label on it and said this is the same as that.  When she began doing the fill, I requested she use the powder in the gel container and not the powder in the unmarked jar on her table. To make a long story short, when she finished, she put the gel back into the gel container and not in the jar on her table.  Imagine that. Anyway, my first question: is the Nail Salon Locator website new? I searched for salons in MA and NH and got a "No response found" message for both states.  I can't imagine there are NO Nail Salons in MA or NH. My second question is, if I were to purchase my own materials and take them to a salon, is there some regulation, legal reason, etc. stating that the technician can only use her materials?  Help please.  P.S., Yes, I am reporting her to the appropriate authorities.

Answer
Hi Densie-
The site is fairly new another great site to try is www.findabeautysalon.com  in the upper right hand corner an option for nail salons is available and you can search by state and city.
Check with your local state board about laws and regulations it is different for each state. NH state board is  (603) 271-3608 and MA is 617-727-9940. They can also help you file a complaint correctly. I personally never had an issue if say a client brought in her own nail file and implements(clippers etc). But everyone is different and I would definately check with state board. Good luck
Amber