Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Health

Do your clients ask about polish being “three-free”?

December 26, 2012

I have had clients come in for their appointments and ask about different issues concerning the nail industry including the “three-free” issue. They usually have a partly correct or entirely wrong understanding of what the real issue is as a result of the news coverage of the subject. I’d say about 10% of my clients ask me about issues they see on the news. I give them the whole, long story. 

Katherine Fahrig, Nails at Panache, St. Louis



My clients don’t really ask about what’s in the polish I use because they trust I will not use a questionable or dangerous product on them. The only real question I’ve been asked is whether there was red dye #5 in any of the colors that a client wanted to wear.

Kathleen M. M. Ringwood-Wood, My Nails Rock!, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.



No! They never ask and don’t seem to care. In fact, they should put the three ingredients back in and maybe polish would stay on fingernails longer.

Allison Nachman, Toetique, Old Bridge, N.J.



I tell them anyways. Even if they bring in their own polish, I educate them on the product and on the ingredients in all products used. I find they appreciate it as no one else ever takes the time to tell them.

Marie Bull, Nails by Marie, Riverside, Calif.




Here’s what I hear often: “Is this a healthy polish?” This indicates that most clients are aware of a better-choice polish.

Elsbeth Schuetz, Los Angeles

More FAQ

I have a new client coming in and he told us he has athlete's foot. How should I deal with this? Can I work on his feet?

I have a new client coming in and he told us he has athlete's foot.  How should I deal with this?  Can I work on his feet?... read more

How is it that clients can share bottles of polish safely? Should I worry about cross-contamination?

How is it that clients can share bottles of polish safely?  Should I worry about cross-contamination?... read more

What causes sculpting liquid to turn yellow? What causes artificial nails to turn yellow?

What causes sculpting liquid to turn yellow? What causes artificial nails to turn yellow?... read more

How do I get rid of the white spots on the nails?

Sometimes I see white spots that get worse and spread all over the nail and to other nails. They cause peeling and in severe cases the nail crumbles away. What is this and how do you cure it?... read more

Is it true that when you remove calluses with a razor, they come back harder?

Is it true that when you remove calluses with a razor, they come back harder?... read more

I injured my nail causing it to lift from the nail bed. Is the nail damaged for good?

I injured my nail causing the nail to lift from the nail bed. It’s been about two months and the nail is growing but it’s not reattaching. It’s lifted down to the cuticle. I feel only a little pain if I hit or squeeze the nail hard. Is the nail damaged for good? Should I cut it back? Will I be able to apply a tip in the future?... read more

I have a client with strong nails but she develops white blisters on them. When they grow out to the nail edge, they peel and the nail breaks. What is

I have a client with strong nails but she develops white blisters on them. When they grow out to the nail edge, they peel and the nail breaks. What is this?... read more

I had to have my spleen removed, should I be concerned with continuing my practice as a nail tech?

A few months ago I was in a traffic accident and had to have my ruptured spleen removed. I’m a nail technician with my own salon and I am afraid I am endangering my health through constant contact with nail chemicals and with clients. Should I be concerned with continuing my practice as a nail tech?... read more

Does my client have a bacterial infection?

My client of eight weeks suddenly developed two bacteria spots on her nails. As a school teacher, she developed an allergy to chalkboard dust. Her doctor prescribed medicated lotion. Can this be part of the problem? I have heard that other conditions can cause bacteria, such as antibiotic medication, thyroid problems, chronic yeast infection, and psoriasis of the skin. Is this true?... read more

How can I get my nails to grow?

I am a 51-year-old female. I’m perimenopausal and my nails will not grow. I take regular calcium supplements of 1200 mg every day, plus nonfat milk and nonfat soymilk. My diet is high in soy, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates, with a limited number of proteins. All my life I’ve had beautiful, long nails, but within the last two or three years my nails will not grow. I have tried everything possible, yet my nails are paper thin, split, and peel all of the time. Do you have any information or suggestions that might help?... read more

What causes white marks on my clients' nails?

I have noticed some of my older clients have white marks close to the free edges of their nails. None of these clients has separation of the nail from the nail bed. Am I doing something to cause these marks?... read more

Why did my client's natural nails suddenly become grooved?

I have a client who’s had very pretty natural nails until recently. Suddenly, her nail plates appeared grooved. She does not wear artificial nails, is not on any medication, and is in good health. What caused this to happen and what can I do to fix her nails?... read more