Tech Talk n°3 What is HEMA?
Nail technicians, your profession is not just about creating beautiful designs. You are also responsible for your client's health!
Allergies and uncured products
Allergies that some clients deal with and are typically associated solely with the demonized ingredient HEMA usually stem from something else.
They result from UNCURED products. Not everyone seems to remember that a "hard" product doesn't necessarily mean "fully cured”.
Health impacts
If someone develops an allergy to HEMA, they shouldn't just avoid touching uncured nail gel. Such clients may develop allergies for other chemicals as well and can even have problems getting dental fillings in future.
HEMA free does not automatically mean safe
It’s important to emphasize that HEMA Free products are by no means synonymous with safety!
Safety depends on the overall composition AND on how we handle the product. If the product contains prohibited chemicals, high acids, non-cosmetic pigments or impurities, there is a much greater risk of developing allergies or even worse health conditions.
Professional training is crucial
Professional training, the use of regulated products and the correct curing lamp are crucial to assure proper curing and avoid allergies.
Since many clients associate HEMA with allergies, labelling #hemafree is often used as a marketing tactic to suggest product safety. HEMA free product are a legal requirement for consumers who do their at home because they have no training and often use cheap incompatible lamps where the risk of under-curing is much higher.