ANSWER: In and of themselves and when applied properly, acrylic nails are safe. What contributes to the "danger" to clients is repeated exposure to the chemicals on the skin. Most of the chemicals used to create artificial nails are acrylic-based. Certainly they would be dangerous if ingested, but it is not likely that any significant amount of the products can go through the nails into the bloodstream. The danger is when products are applied improperly.

Nail Enhancement application SHOULD NOT hurt. If your manicurist is using a nail drill or filing with a nail file, and files to deep into your nail bed, it is possible to experience pain and discomfort. It is important to select a manicurist who is experienced so that this does not happen to you. Top of page

This is a highly misunderstood subject. Acrylic nails DO NOT cause nail fungi. However, some clients who wear nail enhancements do get a more common disorder commonly known as nail mold. Mold occurs when the nails are not maintained on a regular basis (every 2-3 weeks), or when the artificial nails are applied improperly.

Your natural nails will return to normal in two to three months after removal. If they are applied and removed correctly, artificial nails do little damage to your nails. Your own nails will always grow back in the same condition they were in before the artificial nails were applied. Be sure to use a good nail strengthener during the growing-out process and plenty of cuticle oil.

Answer: Depends on how you get it. Artificial sources of UV radiation can be just as deadly as the sun. Self -tanning cosmetics, on the other hand, are safe way. Over-the-counter melanin promoters can activate the production of your own melanin cells. Ultraviolet rays, whether they are UVA or UVB and whether they are from the natural or artificial sources, cause skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.

After much research, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that artificial sweeteners are harmful. However, some patients have complained of headaches, muscle aches, and joint pains that have resolved when they discontinued use of artificial sweeteners. Yes, we consider them safe. Use them in moderation. Our recommendation for children is a maximum of 2 diet drinks per day.

ANSWER: The most common bacterial infection of the nails is due to pseudomonas, and is sometimes referred to as "green nails" because of the greenish-colored nail plate. Pseudomonas is generally caused from air pockets under the nail plate that allow mositure to get in and the green pigment-producing organism thrives in the moist environment. This is usually accompanied by onycholysis (lifting nail), so a dermatologist should intervene.

ANSWER: When a nail is injured, it can assume a number of different appearances. The most common, of course, would be a discoloration of the nail plate due to bleeding under or around the nail. This condition is referred to as a subungual hematoma, or hemorrhage in the nail plate (similar to a bruise on the skin). When this occurs, the blood accumulates under the nail and it usually causes the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.

Yes. A manicure improves on all parts of the hand, not just the nails. We use an OPI Nail Polish Remover which does not harm artificial nails.

Artificial sweeteners have been the subject of controversy over the years. Some people have reported dizziness, hallucinations, or headache after consuming foods and beverages containing artificial sweeteners. Obviously, people who think they have been affected by sugar substitutes should avoid them. Also, the few people with the rare disease PKU (phenylketonuria) need to avoid aspartame.

ANSWER: When the nail plate becomes dehydrated, the results can be peeling and splitting nails, which fray at the edges. As a consequence, the nails may break and become more fragile, and can easily catch on clothing. It may also be harder for clients with brittle nails to pick up small objects or button a shirt. This condition also causes polish to chip and peel, although it is still a good idea for the client to wear polish to help protect the nail plate from further dehydration.

ANSWER: White spots on the nail is perhaps the most common nail disorder and are called leukonychia, which literally means "whiteness of the nails." There are many types of nail whiteness, some of which indicate serious illness; fortunately, by far the most common cause of white spots on the nail is minor injury to the nail matrix. Caused by trauma or minor injury to the nail matrix, these spots will grow out from the matrix with the nail plate and eventually disappear.

ANSWER: Nails may be grooved in two directions: from side to side or from the cuticle outward. (Do not confuse these with normal ridges that often appear in older clients.) When the grooves are from the cuticle outward, they are called longitudinal grooves of the nail, and these are most commonly caused by a cyst, or a little growth in the skin next to the proximal nail fold. To treat this type of cyst, called a myxoma, a doctor typically performs some form of surgery.

ANSWER: Cold weather can wreak havoc on your client's hands and nails. Special care must be taken during the winter months to combat the nail-related problems associated with this time of year. Some of the nail conditions you are likely to see include brittle nail syndrome, bacterial infections, and Raynaud's Phenomenon. (For information on brittle nail syndrome, fungal infections, and bacterial infections, please see the individual questions.

Yes, and T.I.P.S. is a great way to grow out your artificial nails too. Apply the solution around the cuticle and underneath the nail. In the meantime, do not attempt to rip or peel your artificial nails off, just stop going for fills, cut the ends right down and keep applying T.I.P.S. twice daily. Used as directed, T.I.P.S. will help you get rid of your artificial nails without damaging your natural nail.

Yes. For best results, dip your Crystal File repeatedly in water while filing your artificial nails. We recommend using the thicker files (3mm or 4mm) on artificial nails.

No, we offer a special re-habilitation program for clients just removing artificial nails. We also offer different treatments for each nail type. So as the health of the nail changes we can adjust your treatments accordingly.

We have a comprehensive technical library, including independent reports analytical laboratories, research organisations and authorities (such as the Health and Safety Executive) to demonstrate that the smokes produced by our systems represent the safest in their class. If you have a specific query relating to the suitability of artificial smoke for your application, please give our technical department a call.

Answer: Synthetic artificial sweetners should be avoided especially aspartame which has been linked to brain tumours and a host of other conditions and remains controversial to this day after decades on the market. One of the byproducts it is metabolised to is carcinogenic and the other metabolites affect the brain chemistry with reports of aspartame causing seizures, mania, dizziness, brain fog, muscle cramps, tingling, numbness, insomnia, skin rashes, anxiety and depression.