Secret Ingredient: Acrylic Liquid
Monomer is a Greek term that means “one part” or “one unit.” (Mono means “one”; mer means “unit.”) But beyond “monomer,” what is the liquid that we use day in and day out? We’ve listed the ingredients necessary in every formula, regardless of manufacturer.
Oil Up
How to fight hangnails.
Secret Ingredient: Nail Polish
From tosylamide/formaldehyde resin to stearalkonium bentonite, ingredient names can sound more like a top secret formula for NASA than a recipe for regular old nail polish. Each of these ingredients, however, has a purpose and plays a part in the overall performance of the polish.
The Science of Gels: How Gel Nail Products Work
What’s really going on when your client puts her hand in a UV or LED nail lamp? We explain what gel nail products are made of and why they work so well.
by Sree Roy
In The Clean: The Great Salon Bug Battle
To help combat germs in the salon, knowledge, a commitment to your clients, and an assortment of professional sanitation methods can keep you in the clean.
Diagnosing Different Nail Types
Not all nails are perfect. Some are thin, some are ridged, and some have cracks and tears. But luckily techs have a number of natural nail products to strengthen and treat a variety of nails. Here’s a quick guide from Nail Tek’s Mary Jo Zwirowski.
UV Nail Lamps Are Safe, Say Industry Experts
The findings by three nail industry scientists contradict the conclusions of a medical report that warns of an increased risk of cancer on the hands after exposure to a UV nail light.
What Is Onychauxis?
In and of themselves, thick nails pose no danger to a client, but they often indicate a larger problem. Techs can protect themselves and their clients if they proceed with caution.
A Nano-Filled Future
Nanotechnology is one of the fastest-growing industries on the planet, with research going into its use in electronics, energy, construction, and even into cosmetics.
by Tim Crowley
Secret Ingredient: Argan Oil
Fair-trade cooperatives in Morocco benefiting women have made the oil skyrocket in popularity — it’s not just good for users, it’s now also beneficial for local harvesters.
Secret Ingredient: Azulene/Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe as a popular herbal treatment for numerous ailments, and chamomile tea is said to have mildly sedating effects.
On My Mind: Fear Factor Doesn't Fly With Us
Risé Carter of NSI, Doug Schoon of CND, Paul Bryson of OPI, and numerous other manufacturers and nail techs have sent letters to Dr. Oz. I encourage you to do the same. Go watch the video and then click on the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.
by Hannah Lee
Chemicals Most Wanted: Bad Rap or Due Justice?
We’ve all heard of them by now. The big three: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (aka DBP). But what exactly are these chemicals and why have they been systematically eliminated from cosmetics?
by Tim Crowley
The ABCs and Zs of SPF, UVA, and UVB
It’s tanning season, which means it’s time to educate clients on how to protect themselves from sun damage. Most people know that SPF stands for sun protection factor and that few users apply enough sunblock to do the trick. What you might not know is that the SPF pertains only to UVB rays.
The Chemistry of Acrylics
What are acrylic nails made out of? NAILS breaks down the chemistry behind liquid-and-powder in laymen's terms.
by Sree Roy
The Three Greatest Challenges Facing the Nail Business
From lack of training to sanitation lapses to treating medical conditions, it’s time for nail techs to come together and raise standards in these all-important areas. Industry chemist Doug Schoon discusses what he sees as the three greatest challenges facing our business and what we can do — as an industry — to face them.
INTA Appoints Doug Schoon as Chief Scientific Advisor
The International Nail Technicians (INTA) has appointed of Doug Schoon to serve as its chief scientific advisor.