What to do if your client has a gel nail allergy

Whether you’ve been a nail technician for years or you’re just starting out, it’s important to both your business and your clients that you know how to handle a gel nail allergy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from how to prevent an allergy to gel nails and spot the signs to handling the situation like a professional in the moment.

How common is a gel nail allergy?

Although gel nails are generally safe when applied correctly, allergic reactions are becoming more common. A previous BBC report highlighted that gel nail allergies are rising in the UK, and the British Association of Dermatologists reissued their warning on using home gel nail kits safely earlier this year.

One of the key culprits is HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a common ingredient in many gel systems that’s been identified as a leading cause of allergic reactions. When these formulas are not applied properly or cured correctly, it significantly increases the risk of an allergy.

With more people seeking gel nail treatments, it’s important to be aware of gel nail allergies, their causes, and symptoms to look out for.

How do you develop a nail allergy?

An allergy to gel nails is usually triggered by the chemicals found in the gel polish itself. Ingredients such as monomers and photoinitiators are known as skin sensitisers, meaning they can cause irritation or even immune responses when they come into contact with the skin.

Although some clients may experience an immediate reaction, for others, it may occur after weeks or even months of gel nail appointments. This is known as delayed hypersensitivity when the body has experienced repeated exposure to certain ingredients and learned to react to the chemical.

Repeated skin contact with uncured gel or improper application techniques can increase the risk of a client developing a nail allergy. That’s why best practice protocols are so important – like keeping the product off the skin and ensuring proper curing.

What does a nail allergy look like?

Gel nail allergy symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are several common signs you and your clients should watch out for:

- Red, itchy or swollen skin around the nail or on the fingertips
- Blistering or burning sensations
- Flaky or dry patches
- Skin peeling
- Pain or sensitivity near the nail bed

In more severe cases, the allergic reaction may extend beyond the fingers or cause pre-existing conditions such as eczema to flare up.

If your client mentions any discomfort or you notice any gel nail allergy symptoms, encourage them to seek help from a medical professional. Early intervention can prevent the reaction from worsening and protect both the client’s health and your reputation.

How to avoid a gel nail allergy

While it’s not always possible to completely prevent gel nail allergies, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk for your clients:

Use hypoallergenic or monomer-free products

Many brands now offer gel systems that are formulated with fewer or no known allergens, such as TheGelBottle’s HEMA-free BIAB Collection.

Stick to one brand for your system

Using a builder gel, base coat, gel polish, top coat, and lamp from the same brand ensures that all the products have been designed and tested to work together. Mismatching components can lead to incomplete curing, increasing the chance of an allergic reaction.

Keep your workstation clean

Between every appointment, clean down any surfaces, your lamp, tools and equipment. It’s also important to keep your entire salon clean to prevent any allergic reactions or infections.

Wear protective gear

Ensure you wear gloves and a mask when handling products with allergens. This helps to ensure you’re complying with health and safety regulations.

Always buy from trusted suppliers

Counterfeit or unofficial products may contain unsafe ingredients or incorrect formulations. Buying from trusted retailers gives you peace of mind that you’re using genuine products, therefore ensuring the safety of your clients.

Avoid skin contact at all costs

One of the main causes of gel nail allergies is improperly cured products touching the skin. Make sure your technique is clean and precise, and always wipe away any product on the skin before curing.

Ensure full curing with the correct lamp

Use the recommended lamp with the right wattage for your brand, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on curing time.

What to do if your client has an allergy

If you think your client has developed an allergy to gel nails, the most important thing to do is to act quickly and responsibly to help treat the allergy. Follow the guidance below:

• Remove the product immediately: In mild cases, removing the gel polish might be enough to stop the reaction from worsening. Be gentle during the removal process and avoid using any harsh chemicals that could further irritate the skin. Bear in mind that if the allergic reaction is severe, you may not be able to remove the product until it’s calmed down.
• Advise them to seek medical advice: Encourage your client to see their GP or a dermatologist. A professional can diagnose the issue properly and recommend the best course of treatment. This might include antihistamines, steroid creams, or other medications to help reduce the infection.
• Keep detailed records: Make sure you document the incident. This is not only helpful for the client’s medical care, but also from a business insurance perspective. Note down when symptoms first appeared, what products were used, and any advice you gave to the client.
• Offer alternatives for future treatments: If the client is open to returning to your salon, explore hypoallergenic alternatives with them. You should only do this once a medical professional has cleared the client to have treatments again.

Our final thoughts

Allergic reactions to gel nails can be worrying for both you and your client, but they don’t need to be catastrophic or the end of your client relationship. Taking precautionary measures and being equipped with the right knowledge will help you minimise the risk of an allergic reaction and respond calmly and professionally if one ever occurs.

Being proactive in this also protects your business. Keeping up with best practices and using official products from trusted suppliers will help give you peace of mind as you carry on doing what you love.

Specialist nail technician insurance through Ripe

Even if you take all of the necessary precautions with your clients, working as a nail technician is not without its risks.

Nail technician insurance arranged by Ripe includes up to £10m Public and Products Liability and Treatment Risk cover as standard. You also have the option to choose additional cover, such as Contents or Employer’s Liability, so you only ever pay for the cover you want.

Learn more about specialist nail technician insurance through Ripe, or get an instant online quote today.