Understanding Onycholysis — and Its Link to Gel Polish Ingredients nail bed has become compromised through an allergic reaction, lifting becomes a recurring, frustrating problem. I’ve had clients come in whose nails have been lifting within a week of being done, no matter where they got them done. In some instances, the culprit has turned […]
Author: Starry 星光
Salon Gel Polish Goes 21-Free: How the Clean Beauty Standard Is Reshaping the Professional Nail Market in 2026
The professional nail market is shifting decisively toward 21-free and HEMA-free gel polish in 2026. With the global vegan cosmetics market projected to reach USD 5.75 billion this year and EU TPO restrictions in force, salons that have not yet switched are falling behind client expectations.
BIAB and Builder Gel Take Over European Salons in 2026 as Clients Demand Stronger, Healthier Nails
Builder gel and BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) have become the most talked-about salon services of 2026 in Europe and the US. Driven by the Clean Girl aesthetic and demand for 4-week wear without damage, the category is reshaping salon menus from Berlin to London.
UK Sets August 2026 Deadline for TPO-Free Gel Polish as Nail Industry Races to Comply
UK regulators have confirmed that manufacturers must remove TPO from gel nail products by 15 August 2026. With six months remaining, brands including The GelBottle Inc and Glossify are accelerating reformulation — and salon owners face an urgent stock audit.
Can You Skip Base Coat for Nail Art? Are Base Coat and Top Coat Important?
Hi everyone, I’m Starry. Okay, let’s get to the point. Can we skip the base coat for nail art? Which top coat do we use—wipe-on or no-wipe? And what if our base coat does not dry at all—have we fallen victim to a fake product? Today, we’re going to cover all the essential information we […]
Do All Gel Polishes Contain TPO?
Hi everyone, I’m Starry, a nail supply and formulation professional with 8 years of hands-on experience in the nail industry. I work with gel polishes, light-cured raw materials, and global compliance standards every single day, and I’ve seen countless techs and beauty lovers run into issues like allergies, damaged nails, and constant worry over hidden […]
Do Cat Eye Nails Conduct Electricity?
Hello, I’m Starry. If you’ve had friends or clients ask you lately, “Cat eye gel has metal particles in it. Does that mean it conducts electricity?” I’m not just going to give you a quick “no.” Instead, I’ll break down the real material science behind it, share what I’ve observed over years in the industry, […]
The Best Gel Top Coat for Rapid Drying
If your manicure is chipping within a few days, or the color never looks quite as vibrant as it did in the salon, I’d put money on it being a top coat problem, not a gel problem. I’ve seen it so many times: someone invests in a beautiful gel color, grabs the cheapest top coat […]
What’s the difference between nail polish and gel polish formulas, and which should I choose?
Is gel polish really more damaging than regular nail polish? Can UV nail lamps cause skin cancer?What’s the difference between nail polish and gel polish formulas, and which should I choose? Nail material specialist Starry breaks down the formulas, risks, and expert nail care tips you actually need to know. You’ve probably stood in a […]
How to solve the shrinkage problem of gel polish?
Hi, I’m Starry.As a nail materials specialist with nearly 8 years in the game, I’ve heard every single shrinkage horror story from nail techs. You follow every step to a T, hit the cure button, and then watch in frustration as the gel pulls away from the cuticles, leaves bare edges, or bubbles into an […]
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