Can gel nails cause onycholysis?-chroméclair

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 out to be a sensitization reaction to ingredients commonly used in gel polish. Moving them over to a TPO-freier Gel-Politur with a less toxic formulation has helped.

Nail Lifting: More Than a Cosmetic Problem

Nail lifting and onycholysis are two related phenomena. When the gel polish does not adhere well to the nail, or the nail bed has been compromised by an allergic response, nail lifting can become a constant source of frustration.

I have had clients present to the salon after months of struggling with nail lifting within a week’s time from application, regardless of the salon they visit. In a few instances, the cause was a sensitization response to the chemicals found in the traditional gel polish. Using a TPO free gel polish resolved the issue.

Common Causes for Nail Lifting:

Failure to adequately prepare the nail (oil, moisture, or residue present on the nail plate)

Failure to adequately cure the gel (insufficient UV/LED light application)

Excessive gel application extending beyond the nail plate and onto the cuticle and skin

Using gel polishes containing high percentages of sensitizing monomers and photoinitiators

Underlying health conditions

The last two factors are where the selection of gel polish ingredients meets the need for nail health. A TPO free gel polish eliminates one of the main chemical contributors to nail health from the equation.

What to Look for in a Safer Gel Polish Formula

When rating the safety of a gel polish, whether for my own use or for recommending to clients, there are a number of things to consider, aside from the lack of TPO. The lack of HEMA is also quite important. HEMA is, of course, one of the most well-researched allergens in nail products, and many of my clients who experience adverse reactions to traditional gel polish are actually experiencing adverse reactions from HEMA, not or in addition to TPO. A truly safe gel polish should be devoid of both of these. Low irritation, eco-friendly ingredients are another factor that should be taken into consideration. This type of product is usually devoid of many other chemicals and additives, which is good for the skin around the nail area, as well as for the working environment.

Curing efficiency should never be sacrificed for safety. Some professionals have expressed that removing TPO may affect cure time or gel stability; however, this has been well addressed with new formulations. A good TPO free gel polish should cure efficiently under normal LED lamp times without affecting wear time or finish quality.

Lastly, we have color availability and finish quality because let’s face it: a good gel polish that doesn’t perform well is just not going to be used. The best clean formulas available in the market today have the same rich colors, high gloss, and trendy shades that you expect from any good gel polish.

CHROMÉCLAIR: A TPO Free Gel Polish Worth Knowing

It should be noted that the advantages of using a TPO-freier Gel-Politur are also applicable to the top coat. A good top coat can provide a sealing effect for the color, add depth and luster to the finish, and even help the color last longer. However, it also comes into contact with the skin.

If you are creating a clean formula nail system, the top coat should also meet the same ingredient requirements. CHROMÉCLAIR Diamond Top Coat is a clean formula top coat that can provide a high gloss finish for the color. This can work well with a dual-free gel polish system.

Top Coat: The Final Layer of Protection

It is also important to point out that the advantage of a TPO-free gel polish is not only for the color gel polish but also for the top coat. This is because a top coat is not only used for enhancing the look of the nail polish but also for sealing the color, providing depth, and enhancing shine, all of which come in contact with the skin.

If you are looking for a clean-formula gel polish, a top coat that meets the same ingredient standards is necessary. This is where a top coat such as CHROMÉCLAIR Diamant-Decklack, which provides a sealed finish with a glossy look, is useful for a dual-free gel polish.

Final Thoughts: The Standard Is Rising

The discussion around the safety of the ingredients found in gel polish is no longer a niche discussion; it’s the new standard of care for the nail industry. Consumers have never been more educated than they are today. They are reading ingredient labels, asking questions, and seeking out salons that can prove their dedication to providing a safe salon environment.

Using a TPO-freier Gel-Politur is one of the strongest ways to prove your dedication to providing a safe salon environment for your clients. It’s a guarantee that you understand the chemistry of what you are applying to your clients’ nails, that you take the health of their nails seriously, and that you are not willing to compromise their health for the sake of a quick fix.

From where I sit, having spent years at the nail desk, the move towards a cleaner gel polish formula is not a trend; it’s a correction, and one that’s long overdue.