Mixing Nail Products – What’s the harm in doing that?

Nail professionals work with the most technically advanced products

Nail Professionals work in a unique and diverse profession and often unintentionally put themselves and their clients at risk.  They regularly work with the most technologically advanced products in the beauty industry.

Many nail coatings are based on high-tech substances used to create everything from bone cements to dental implants or contact lenses to bullet proof glass.  Nail Professionals also work with finger nails and toe nails that may become diseased or injured.

When faced with medical conditions of the hands and feet, some clients expect their Nail Professional to diagnosis and treat or prescribe a treatment for their condition, even though this is inappropriate and should only be done by a qualified medical professional.  

When you add to this the fact that many Nail Professionals love to “experiment” and try new things, it becomes easy to see how problems can occur, especially when manufacturer’s instructions are ignored and nail products are used in a manner they were not intended to be used.

Whats the harm in mixing nail products?

Without a deep understanding of chemistry or medicine, this could create significant problems for clients, Nail Professionals and salons.  Here are a few examples. 

Many products are intended to be used together as a “system” and in very specific ways to ensure safe use and to achieve the intended final result.  

Monomer liquids are designed to be used with specific powders. Using the wrong powder or using the incorrect ratio of liquid to powder (too wet) can lead to skin irritation, allergy or even “onycholysis”, a condition where the nail plate detaches from the nail bed.  Each of these same issues can occur when the incorrect nail lamp is used to cure a UV gel.  

Improper use of salon disinfectants can lead to infections that may result in injury or a lawsuit that could jeopardize a Salon Professional or salon’s livelihood.

Whats my point?

When products are improperly mixed or used contrary to directions/instructions, there may be unintended consequences that could cause harm to clients and/or Nail Professionals.  Contrary to what some believe, Nail Professionals should NOT use professional products in any fashion they choose.  Instead, manufacturer’s instructions should ALWAYS be carefully followed and all warnings heeded.  If a Nail Professional disagrees with, or wishes to alter the directions, or doesn’t understand the instructions, then they would be wise to contact the product manufacturer for guidance before proceeding. 

Experimenting mixing nail products!

I greatly admire the curious, inquisitive nature of Nail Professionals who like to “experiment” with their products and realize that it is their ingenuity and creativity that drives them to do this!  These are great qualities that anyone can benefit from, IF properly channeled.  But, when “experimenting” means disregarding the manufacturer’s directions or warnings, then this is inappropriate and should not be done. 

Instead, a Nail Professional’s curiosity would be better directed towards: 

a) Learning more about the structure of the natural nail and surrounding skin and how each functions AND 

 b) Gaining a better understanding about how and why nail products work.

 Those who gain a deeper understanding in these areas are much less likely to misuse nail products or encounter any of the problems described above.  Avoid focusing solely on how to skillfully apply these products; that’s only half the picture!  Gone forever are the days when product application and removal was all that mattered.  Nail Professionals need to understand how their professional products work and why they work the way they do. 

That’s what the NailKnowledge Knowledge Base is dedicated to teaching, so please check it out.  It’s free, interesting and easy to understand.  Best of all… it’s just a mouse click away.  I hope you enjoy!