UV Nail Lights Controversy

The NY Times recently published an article on a study that stated UV nail lamps used in nail salons caused cancer. The study published by the Archives of Dermatology looked at only two women. I was a bit disturbed by these reports for a couple of reasons. First of all, I was under the impression that the amount of UV output given off from a nail lamp was equivalent to the sun that streams through a window. Second of all, all good scientists know that two incidents of anything isn't enough to prove any theory. I was happy to see a report published by three experts in the nail field, Doug Schoon,, Paul Bryson and Jim McConnell who eloquently refuted the claims made by the early study. This report points out the numerous errors and misstatements made and concludes that nail lights are indeed safe.

If you are concerned about your exposure or that of your clients, apply sunscreen to your clients' hands.

Fake "Gel Manicure" Linked to Nerve Damage

I have an issue with sensationalist reporting on the news. A client came in to the spa the other day and let one of our technicians know she had seen a report on the news stating Axxium gel lacquer caused nerve damage. This is how false rumors spread.

I immediately wanted to know about this report as we use both OPI Axxium and CND Shellac in the spa. I did a quick search on the internet and found the original report by Consumer Reports. A woman named Jane Ubell-Meyer received what she thought was a "gel manicure" at a local salon where a drill being used on her slipped and damaged her finger, the damaged finger was then dipped into an unknown white chemical powder leaving Ubell-Meyer suffering from pain for months. After visiting many doctors including an orthopedist, dermatologist and chiropractor, a neurologist was able to discover the culprit...a fake gel manicure gone wrong.

A gel lacquer manicure does not include mixing any powders, glues or other chemicals. The gel lacquer is brushed onto the nail and is odorless. The natural nail does not need to be roughed up with a hand held drill or filed like a traditional acrylic service. If you have any questions about the service you are receiving, ask the service provider. If the surroundings are less than sanitary or you have concerns...don't get the service.

Axxium Gel Lacquer...I still love it.

Why isn’t everyone wearing the new OPI Axxium Gel Lacquer? I am well known around the spa for my enthusiasm for new services and beauty products and I sometimes have to eat a little crow when my zeal for something exceeds it’s ability to deliver in reality… will I ever live down the Epilady episode (what sadist came up with that useless piece of torture)?

Initially, I was crazy for the idea of Axxium Gel Lacquer. It purports to stay shiny and chip free for up to two weeks. I have never been able to wear polish on my fingernails for more than a day before it looked more ragged than a sorority girl after rush week so Axxium was promising a whole new world to me. A small part of me wondered how the dream was going to end. I was a little nervous that I would have to mea culpa once again if the product failed to live up to the hype.

Let me just say, Axxium delivers…period…end of story. I have worn it while performing countless pedicures, up to my knuckles in acetone and the lacquer stayed shiny and perfect. I’ve typed, done laundry, performed spa services and washed my hands for 10+ hours a day and still the Axxium looked fabulous. I made it to eleven days before the Axxium chipped…a personal world record.

So what is Axxium gel lacquer and how does the service differ from a traditional manicure? The nails are shaped and the cuticles are pushed back using a nail file. The surface of the nail is prepped and then the first base coat of gel is applied. You slip your hands under a special UV light that cures the gel for a minute and then the colored gel lacquer is applied and cured. The final step is the UV cured topcoat. The entire service takes about an hour. You don’t apply lotion or any other oily products during the service because it’s important for your nail to stay dry and be slightly dehydrated. Once the top coat has been cured, you can use any lotion or oil you like.

The last bit of awesomeness that is Axxium? Your gel nail lacquer is completely dry at the end of the service, no more ruined nails when you grab your car keys and jet.

We Nailed It...OPI's Axxium Gel Lacquer

I can't keep polish on my fingernails. I'm good for about eight hours before the nail lacquer starts to peel off. Blame it on oily nail beds, frequent hand washing or bad karma, it just won't stay put.

Jenny Richer, OPI educator and Spa Scotta nail technician extraordinaire, recently broadened my horizons and polished my nails with OPI's Axxium Gel Lacquer. She gave me a basic manicure and then applied the base coat, colored gel lacquer and top coat, curing each layer under a UV light. This polish lasts up to two weeks.

Imagine the possibilities...for moms, business women, brides, on vacations or business trips. Fabulously shiny nails and no fussing for at least two weeks. Spa Scotta nailed it!