The Healthy Nails Collaborative (HNC)
"The knowledge YOU NEED to know about nails"
Nail News
California Assembly Bill 5: Enhancing Worker Protections Against Human Trafficking While Redefining Nail Technicians' Employment Status
The end of the exemption for nail technicians under California Assembly Bill 5 marks a pivotal shift away from traditional booth rental and commission-based pay structures. While AB 5 and the ABC test aim to provide crucial protections for vulnerable workers and combat issues such as human trafficking, they also present significant challenges for licensed nail technicians. This highlights the complex balancing act in the beauty industry, where ensuring fair treatment for all employees must be prioritized. Ongoing discussions about worker classification underscore the necessity of addressing both the need for protections against exploitation and the unique concerns of industry professionals.
​​​
UK Implements Stricter Regulations on 'Hypoallergenic' Claims in Nail Products to Enhance Consumer Safety
​
The UK has begun limiting the use of the term "hypoallergenic" in cosmetic products, including nail products, in an effort to enhance consumer safety and ensure accurate labeling. The term has historically been used without a standardized definition, leading to potential misinterpretations about the likelihood of allergic reactions.
​
Under new regulations, manufacturers must substantiate any claims of hypoallergenic properties with scientific evidence. This change aims to protect consumers—especially those with sensitive skin—by providing clearer information about product safety.
​
While these regulations promote a safer marketplace, they also present challenges for manufacturers, who will need to invest in research to verify their claims. Overall, this move towards transparency is expected to foster a more trustworthy beauty environment, benefiting both consumers and the industry.
Christmas Nail Art
As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to invite nail tech students, professional nail technicians, and enthusiastic nail art hobbyists from around the globe to submit their festive Christmas nail art pictures for our special feature throughout December on the Healthy Nails Collaborative website! This is not a competition; rather, it’s a wonderful opportunity for nail art lovers of all backgrounds to showcase their creativity and passion, bringing together a vibrant community united by the joy of nail artistry.
​
We believe that every nail design tells a story, and we want to hear yours! Whether you’ve created a whimsical winter wonderland, classic holiday motifs, or contemporary festive designs, we encourage you to share your work with us. All you need to do is send your high-quality pictures along with your name, the location you’d like to share (city and country), and which of the three groups you belong to: nail tech student, nail tech, or nail home enthusiast.
Please send your submissions to healthynailscollaborative@gmail.com. We can’t wait to celebrate your talent and creativity, and to inspire others with your beautiful nail art from all corners of the world. Let’s come together and spread holiday cheer one nail design at a time!
Report Your Adverse Reaction To Nail Products To The FDA
If you are a consumer or health professional who wants to report a complaint or adverse event (such as an illness, allergic reaction, rash, irritation, scarring, or hair loss) related to a cosmetic product, you can:
​
-
Complete and submit an electronic MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form. FDA strongly encourages electronic submissions to facilitate efficiency and timeliness of data submission and management for the agency.
​
-
Complete a paper MedWatch Consumer Voluntary Reporting Form and mail or fax the form to FDA:
MedWatch
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20852
FAX: 800-332-0178 (toll-free).
​
-
Call the FDA's Food and Cosmetics Information Center (FCIC) at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366).
Nail Products Labeled as Healthy, Non-Toxic, Safe Etc. Is Deceptive
The following information is a brief introduction to labeling requirements. For a more thorough explanation of cosmetic labeling regulations, refer to FDA's Cosmetic Labeling Guide and the cosmetic labeling regulations themselves (21 CFR parts 701 and 740). Firms also may wish to discuss their labeling needs with a consultant.
​
Proper labeling is an important aspect of putting a cosmetic product on the market. FDA regulates cosmetic labeling under the authority of both the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). These laws and their related regulations are intended to protect consumers from health hazards and deceptive practices and to help consumers make informed decisions regarding product purchase.
It is illegal to introduce a misbranded cosmetic into interstate commerce, and such products are subject to regulatory action. Some of the ways a cosmetic can become misbranded are:
-
its labeling is false or misleading,
-
its label fails to provide required information,
-
its required label information is not properly displayed, and
-
its labeling violates requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 [FD&C Act, sec. 602; 21 U.S.C. 362].
HNC CODE
Avoid Skin Contact
Ensure that nail products do not come into contact with skin.
Report All Reactions
Report any adverse reactions to nail products to the FDA.
Complete Knowledge Pathways
Ensure that nail products do not come into contact with skin.
Use Full Cure Lamps
Use a full cure lamp when applying gel products for proper curing.
Educate Others About Safety
Share knowledge about nail product safety with friends and family.
Be Skeptical of Marketing
Be wary of misleading marketing claims like "non-toxic," "safe," "healthier," or "hypoallergenic." If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Apply Code to All
Nail Products
Implement these safety practices for all nail products, not just gels.
Share Awareness About The HNC
Promote the Healthy Nails Collaborative and its mission.
Avoid Nail Hacks
Exercise caution and avoid nail hacks seen on social media, sticking to proven practices.
Member Corner
​
We are thrilled to spotlight Rachel Diehl, known to her clients as "Rachel's Nail Room" in Auburn, Michigan. As a newcomer in the nail industry, Rachel embodies the zest for lifelong learning that we at The Healthy Nail Collaborative hold in high regard. With a solid educational background and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Rachel recognizes the importance of staying well-informed in a dynamic beauty industry.
​
Rachel's journey with us began on a note of serendipity. While exploring TikTok for inspiration and learning from her peers, she discovered Amber The Nail Whisperer and was immediately drawn to the profound expertise shared on our platform, The Healthy Nail Collaborative. Her enthusiasm for enhancing her professional skills and contributing to the community quickly made her a valued member of our collaborative.
​
Driven by her educational pursuits, Rachel embarked on her first initiative to enrich the resources available on our website. She has meticulously designed an informative poster titled "Nail Myths," which addresses common misconceptions in nail care. This poster is not just a decorative addition to her nail room but a conversation starter, aimed at educating her clients and elevating their understanding of nail health.
​
Looking ahead, Rachel is committed to developing a range of educational materials, including worksheets, posters, and tests. Her goal is clear: to empower nail technicians and clients alike with essential knowledge that fosters a safer and healthier nail community. It’s initiatives like Rachel's that inspire a deeper, more meaningful engagement with the practices that shape our industry.
​
At The Healthy Nail Collaborative, we are excited to support Rachel’s efforts and are eager to see how her projects will enhance our collective mission to nurture an informed, vigilant, and thriving nail care community.
​
Healthy Nails Collaborative Breaks Barriers to
Safety Information with Free Access
We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking development at the Healthy Nails Collaborative - a new financial undertaking has enabled us to offer our knowledge pathways and resources completely free of charge. This exciting shift is made possible by the support and commitment of Arch Rival Nails, paving the way for a new era of accessibility and inclusion in the nail care community.
Gone are the days of barriers to essential safety information - thanks to this generous initiative, we are now able to provide a wealth of resources to professionals and enthusiasts alike, without any cost. This newfound freedom of access extends beyond our wildest dreams, empowering individuals within and outside the nail industry to embrace best practices for product safety.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our arch rivals for their unwavering commitment to product safety and their belief in our shared mission. Their partnership has not only elevated the standards of our industry but has also demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving positive change.
With this monumental leap towards inclusivity, the Healthy Nails Collaborative is poised to become a global hub for safety information, reaching individuals from all corners of the world. Our doors are now open wide, welcoming everyone to join us in creating a safer and healthier future for the nail care community.
Join us in celebrating this pivotal moment in our journey, as we embrace the spirit of unity and progress. Together, we can build a brighter and safer tomorrow for the nail industry, one free resource at a time.
Top 10 Most Hazardous Nail Products
The order of Nail Products hazardousness is determined by considering the potential risks and harmful effects of each product on the skin and similar ingredients.
​
In terms of hazard, it is important to consider the concentration and formulation of the products, as well as the duration and frequency of exposure.
​
1. Acrylic Monomer is placed first because it contains chemicals HEMA/EMA that can irritate the skin, eyes, and damage your respiratory system. Methacrylates, cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions when overexposured. They are more potent and have a higher risk of adverse effects compared to other ingredients on this list.
2. Protein Bond is second because it can also cause skin sensitivity and allergic reactions if overexposed. It contains chemicals HEMA, (1-METHYLETHYLIDENE)BIS[4,1-PHENYLENEOXY(2-HYDROX Y-3,1-PROPANEDIYL)] BISMETHACRYLATE and ethyl acetate that trigger allergic responses when overexposed. Protein Bond is ranked after acrylic monomer due to its lower potency.
3. Gel Polish/gels: Gels are third because it contains chemicals that are harmful if overexposed. The uncured gel can cause skin irritation, sensitivity and allergies. While gels are generally safe to use if used correctly, they are ranked slightly lower due to the risks associated with prolonged exposure and incorrect application techniques.
4. Acid Primer: Acid primers are placed fourth because they contain corrosive acids, such as methacrylic acid or phosphoric acid. These acids can cause skin irritation, burns, and sensitivity if overexposed. Acid primers are considered by many to be more hazardous than the previous products due to their corrosive nature. However, acid primer should be used in tiny amounts minimizing the risk of extended exposure. While Acrylic monomer is used in larger quantities and requires more extensive exposure during the nail application process.
Acid primer is considered less hazardous compared to protein bond because it typically contains milder chemicals. Acid primers usually
​​
