Health

Will mixing company ABC’s monomer with company XYZ’s polymer give my client an allergic reaction?

May 01, 2008 | Bookmark +

Will mixing company ABC’s monomer with company XYZ’s polymer give my client an allergic reaction?

Answer

This is absolutely possible, and I have been warning nail technicians about this for 20 years. The polymer powder contains an ingredient called BPO (benzoyl peroxide), which is the same ingredient used in drugstore products to fight acne. It is also used to make liquid monomer harden into an artificial nail.

It’s all about having the right ratio of liquid and powder.  The concentrations of BPO in different manufacturers’ powders can vary by as much as 50%. Each manufacturer’s monomer liquid is designed to work best with a specific amount of BPO, so too much can cause the artificial nail to discolor, become brittle, or create bubbles; while too little BPO can make the enhancement weaker and may lead to skin sensitivity. Too much or too little monomer liquid can create the same issues as using the wrong amount of BPO. Usually, that will mean using a bead that is not “dry” and not “wet,” but instead “in between” or “medium.” — Doug Schoon, chief scientific adviser, CND

Have a health question? (about salon safety and sanitation, nail disorders, science, etc.) E-mail it to Judy.Lessin@bobit.com and check back here for an expert answer.

Bookmark +

What’s the cause of the pinkish-red oval area on the pad of my client’s toes?

I have a client who has a recurring problem with her fourth toes during the winter months. Both of her “ring finger” toes develop a pinkish-red oval area on the pad. Then a month later, when I see her again, the skin has become dry and hard like a callus, with the layers of skin peeling away to reveal a deeper, dark epicenter.  It’s extremely painful for her and, needless to say, we do not touch it. But it clears up in the summer when she’s wearing open-toed sandals, so I suspect it has to be due to the boots she wears in the winter. Plus she never puts lotion on her feet or uses a foot file in between visits. What do you think causes this?

We respect your data and privacy.
By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit’s Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent.

Bookmark +

What are the big white spots on my natural-nail client’s nails?

I have a client who has been with me for about two years. She used to wear acrylic nails but has been a natural nail client for eight months or so. She has these white spots on her nails — big spots that are dry, but not flaky, right in the middle of the nail. I did try to buff them lightly but they do not come off or grow off. I had a new client come in last week who had the same on her toenails. She said it started after she had a pedicure done at another salon. Can you help?

Load More
a Bobit media brand

Create your free Bobit Connect account to bookmark content.

The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!

Create Account