Frequently Asked Questions
Do nails need to breathe?
This is a fallacy. Nails do not breathe at all and do not require a "break" from any products. The nail plate is primarily composed of dead keratin filled cells and does not require an external oxygen supply, as all oxygen and other required nutrients are supplied via the bloodstream to the nail matrix. It is safe to wear nail enhancements for as many months or years as you wish to...
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What is Shellac?
Did you know that there is a (very slight) difference between asking for Shellac or asking for gel polish?
Shellac is actually a non-vegan ingredient added to nail enamel or gel polish (amongst other things) . When you ask a salon if they do “Shellac”, you are asking for a specific BRAND, not a general treatment. The name for the treatment is called GEL POLISH. Shellac refers to a specific brand of gel polish trademarked by CND (Creative Nail design) which meant that at the end of 2012, only CND were able to use the term “Shellac” for their product. You should be aware of salons using the name Shellac to attract more customers, even though they don’t have the brand Shellac.
You should also know that gel polish doesn't ruin nails...poorly trained nail technicians ruin nails.
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Is the UV lamp harmful?
Doctors, scientists, researchers and dermatologist alike agree that UV exposure from nail lamps are not harmful nor do they cause premature skin cancer.
In studies conducted my scientists, the test results show that the amount of UV-B to which clients skin is exposed is equal to what they could expect from spending an extra 17 to 26 seconds in sunlight each day of the two weeks between nail salon appointments. Studies also pointed out that clients’ hands are likely to be exposed to more UV light while driving their cars than they will receive from UV gel nail services.
Studies continue to consistently confirm that UV Lamps are safe during nail appointments.
And to further put your mind at ease; researchers found that UV exposure at a salon is so low that a person could put her hands under a nail lamp for 25 minutes a day without exceeding the internationally accepted safe limits for daily workplace UV exposure.
On another note....UV LAMPS/cabinets are NOT an effective way to sterilize or disinfect nail files/tools/implements...run far, far away from any salon that uses this method solely for that purpose.
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Why do people wear acrylic nails?
Does acrylic really damage nails?
Why should I use cuticle oil?
What are the white spots on my nails?
What is "hard gel?
"What's so bad about mall salons anyway"?
Why are my nails so soft when my acrylics are removed?
Why is a backfill/refill/rebalance necessary?
Should I remove my acrylics?
Is acetone bad for my nails?
Should men have their nails done?
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