Following the news article and reports that have been published today regarding the importance of going to a professional who uses regulated gel polish, and cheaper, more dangerous products, the FNP have compiled a Consumer Awareness Safety Checklist to help you make informed decisions about best practise when looking for a nail professional.

AVOID GEL KITS PURCHASED FROM AMAZON OR ANY GENERAL RETAIL OUTLET

These are professional only products. and it is now illegal for these outlets to sell products containing HEMA direct to consumers and has been since September 2021.

CHOOSE A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL FOR YOUR GEL NAIL SERVICES

Look for at least Level 2 NVQ in Manicure & Pedicure or equivalent and someone who continues their professional development with brand training and keeping up with the current science and knowledge.

MATCHING LAMP

Make sure your Nail Tech uses the matching UV lamp to the brand of gel polish they are applying.  If they are mixing brands this is dangerous.  If the brand of lamp doesn’t match the brand of gel, this is dangerous.  It’s a red flag if someone is using lots of brands but only one lamp. 

AS A GUIDELINE, AVOID PRODUCTS MADE IN CHINA

Whilst not all products are damaging, this is a good rule of thumb because most of it hasn’t been authenticated and approved for use in the EU and UK. Just because a company is based in the UK, doesn’t mean their product is made in the UK. If in doubt, ask your professional to check the SDS (safety data sheets).

IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL USING SUFFICIENT HYGIENE

Sanitised and disinfected tools are non-negotiable. Are they cleaning them in front of you? If they just have their tools sitting in a jar of blue liquid this is not sufficient. 

Ideally, they should use personal to you or single use nail files or that they are properly cleaned in front of you.

YOUR MANICURE SHOULDN’T HURT

If your cuticles or nail plates feel abused or sore, this is not normal. Let your nail tech know as you may be more sensitive than other clients and need more care, or they are taking away live skin instead of just cuticle or buffing too much of your natural nail away.

PRICE TOO CHEAP?

If the price is too good to be true then chances are the salon or tech are cutting corners on quality, not educated, and using very cheap white labelled products.  Either way – cheap is a red flag.  No true nail professional charges cheap prices for their work!

Join the FNP

General enquiries: hello@The-FNP.com

Membership enquiries: membership@The-FNP.com