There are many different substances chemically classed as “alcohols” and only a few of them are volatile enough to dry your skin. Hand lotions normally contain non-volatile waxy alcohols, with names like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and so on. These waxy alcohols won’t dry your skin; in fact, they’ll condition it. If volatile alcohols are used in lotions at all, it’s only at very small percentages, either as part of the fragrance blend or as trace processing leftovers in nutrient or botanical extracts. So there’s no need to worry if you see “alcohol” on a lotion label. — Paul Bryson is director of research and development at OPI.
Technique
More FAQ
What do I do for a client who has a chronic ingrown toenail, even though I always file it straight across?
What do I do for a client who has a chronic ingrown toenail, even though I always file it straight across?... read more
What can you do for peeling feet (almost like sunburn), and what causes this to happen?
What can you do for peeling feet (almost like sunburn), and what causes this to happen?... read more
Should clients soak off their nail enhancements every so often to "give their nails a break"?
Should clients soak off their nail enhancements every so often to "give their nails a break"?... read more
Do liquid-and-powder products have expiration dates?
Do liquid-and-powder products have expiration dates? Also, is there a deadline to use a product that has already been opened?... read more
Why is my pink-and-white client having itching, peeling, and burning skin around the nail plate?
I have a client who has been wearing pink-and-whites for two years and just recently has been having itching, peeling, and burning skin around the nail plate. I’ve changed from one major brand to another, with the same results. Why?... read more
How can I get a perfect French acrylic white tip?
How can I get a perfect French acrylic white tip? Sometimes, after I finish, the white doesn’t really look white. I see other techs’ clients whose white is really bright.... read more
What clients should I recommend wear nail extensions?
What clients should I recommend wear nail extensions?... read more
What’s a suitable temperature for acrylic to cure and why?
What’s a suitable temperature for acrylic to cure and why?... read more
What is the proper way to smooth callused heels?
What is the proper way to smooth callused heels? I’ve been using a callus eliminator and a coarse file to gently remove callused skin, but when I finish with the polish the heel still seems to be all dry and cracked. I then apply foot cream especially for dry skin and cracked heels, but the callus buildup is still there.... read more
What should I look for when buying an electric file?
What should I look for when buying an electric file?... read more
I read somewhere that Vicks Vapor Rub is a good treatment for toenail fungus. Is that true?
I read somewhere that Vicks Vapor Rub is a good treatment for toenail fungus. Is that true?... read more
Where can I find a round metal disc that is used to create perfect smile lines?
I’m looking for a round metal disc that is used to create perfect smile lines when doing pink-and-white acrylic nails. The disc has cut outs the shape and size of your nails. What’s the proper name for this disc and where can I find it?... read more