Allergies and Nail Tech Protection

Stainless steel nail tools are highly popular and durable in the nail industry due to their resistance to rust and corrosion. They're often sanitised, disinfected and sterilised in different ways, including warm soapy water, disinfection solutions and the use of hospital...

When using an e-file for nail services, it's common for the bits to become clogged with product and debris. Uncured gel, acrygel, gel polish, or acrylic are often the culprits behind this blockage. Fully cured product appears as pure dust,...

Have you ever been tempted by the allure of cheap nail products that claim to offer the same results as reputable brands? The promise of saving money can be tempting, but the dangers of counterfeit nail products should not be...

As the CEO and Founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range, with over 16 years of experience in the nail industry, I have encountered my fair share of counterfeit products. Last year, I made a shocking discovery when I found a...

In the nail industry, the use of electric nail files, or e-files, has become increasingly popular for filing nails. While rechargeable e-files offer convenience and portability, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with using them...

Firstly, it is important to check the sizing of your gloves and to remember that your hands change over time and the seasons. For example, in warmer months and climates, during pregnancy, hormonal changes, due to certain medications your hands...

Cleaning and sanitising bits is the most overlooked, yet most important procedure when using an electric nail file. It’s no more OK to reuse a dirty e-file bit than it is to reuse a hand file. You should use the...

There are many techs using craft glitters in their nail services because they may have seen someone else do it, it is low cost and easy. You may think it’s only glitter and can’t do any harm, right? However, the type...

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets): Nail Tech Responsibilities Your eyes may glaze over at the mention of chemicals and paperwork and health and safety but it is a vital part of being a true nail professional. What is an MSDS?...

Many nail techs go home after a long day with aches and pains in their hands, shoulders and back. A tech’s hands are vital for performing the job, yet too many of us often neglect caring for them as we...

Lack of nitrile glove use or using the wrong nitrile gloves can cause issues that our industry is far too aware of due to allergies. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity of proper PPE even further. For our industry, we have always required PPE especially for chemical protection. It is important to select a glove with the appropriate level of CE and EU Chemical Resistance specification and certification, while determining the chemical protection required for the job at hand.

It can be a dangerous mistake to confuse and use ineffective methods of sanitation, disinfection and sterilisation and unfortunately due to lack of education, this can be a common occurrence in salons.

The simple answer is yes. As part of your training you will have encountered COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) which requires you to wear PPE. Face masks are not the only form of PPE; gloves, aprons, goggles and face shields all help to protect you.

The requirements on what PPE you need to wear is different for each salon and technician. This is why it is important to perform a risk assessment for each business.