Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Why do hand lotions contain alcohol?

March 7, 2007

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.

More FAQ

What causes my acrylic brushes to leave a yellow residue on the paper towel?

I have what’s starting to become a serious problem with my acrylic brushes. I have purchased three different brushes at three different price ranges, all of which have started to leave a yellow residue behind on the paper towel. What could be causing this? Please help!... read more

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?

Would aggressive nail buffing cause lifting?... read more

What is the health issue with nurses wearing enhancements?

I have several clients who are nurses, and the hospitals they work at have put policies in place stating they can no longer have artificial nails because of the bacteria that can be held under the nails. Is there a real possibility that this is a health issue? And wouldn’t the same bacteria be under natural nails?... read more

What is the proper way to treat an ingrown toenail during a pedicure?

What is the proper way to treat an ingrown toenail during a pedicure?... read more

How do I properly apply gel sealer?

How do I properly apply gel sealer (in detail, please)?... read more

Does temperature have an effect on the way acrylic sets up?

My salon is kept very cold both in the summer and winter. My acrylic doesn’t seem to set up good when it’s very cold. Does temperature have an effect on the way acrylic sets up? And, how do I avoid this problem?... read more

Why does the acrylic get hot sometimes, causing my client’s finger to burn?

When I am applying an acrylic full set on a client, why does the acrylic get hot sometimes, causing my client’s finger to burn? Once I spray it with water or alcohol it cools off instantly.... read more

I like to use opaque pink acrylic to elongate the nail bed, but when it comes time for a fill, I have trouble blending the acrylic. Any suggestions?

I like to use opaque pink acrylic to elongate the nail bed, but when it comes time for a fill, I have trouble blending the acrylic. Any suggestions?... read more

Could you tell me how to prevent gels from lifting from the nail tips?

I am doing gel nails and they keep lifting from the nail tips. Could you please tell me why I keep getting this problem and how to prevent it from happening again?... read more

Why does it take me an hour and a half to do a gel fill? How can I get my time down?

Why does it take me an hour and a half to do a gel fill? How can I get my time down?... read more

When doing backfills on my gels, why am I having a problem with the white separating and coming off?

When doing backfills on my gels, I am having a problem with the white separating and coming off. Sometimes it comes off in one piece, or the natural nail will peel away from the gel. I am being very thorough with my prep work. What causes this?... read more

How can I avoid fill lines without filing too much on the natural nail?

I always have fill lines when I do fills. How can I avoid this without filing too much on the natural nail?... read more