Insider nails

With dermatologists recently issuing a warning that acrylic and gel-polish enhancements are causing a “contact allergy epidemic” in the UK, we asked whether any of your nail techs had ever suffered such a reaction on the job. More than three quarters (82%) said they’ve never experienced a contact allergy, having followed the correct working techniques and curing times to ensure such an issue doesn’t arise. For more advice on how to stop a reaction from occurring, check out Katie Barnes, PB’s Nail Professional of the Year 2018’s, top tips on page 150.

When asked which job had the most damaging effect on clients’ nails, a huge 31% of you agreed that cleaners were impacted the most, followed by gardeners (26%), mechanics (14%), hair stylists (14%), nurses (11%), teachers (1%) and waiters (1%). Lecenté also came out as your number-one choice for nail art glitter. For the latest nail news, turn to page 149, and on page 82 we reveal which pro brands are bringing their winter collections to PB North.

On the spot

What job do you think is the hardest on clients’ nails?

1. Cleaner

2. Gardener

3. Hair stylist

4. Mechanic

18% of your nail techs have suffered an allergic reaction (contact allergy) to acrylic or gel-polish products

Which brand does the best nail art glitters?

1. Lecenté

2. Magpie Beauty

3. Jessica

4. Bio Sculpture

METHODOLOGY Insider is compiled from a monthly survey of spas and beauty salons. The people who participated represent a cross-section of the industry and were polled by email from August 30–September 7, regarding business for the month to August 31. Nail business for the Insider Nails page was calculated from data provided by spas and salons that offer nail services among other treatments.

The figures given represent the average score for each answer. Brands are ranked when mentioned by several respondents.

August 2018 in numbers

HOW DID TREATMENT BUSINESS IN AUGUST 2018 COMPARE WITH AUGUST 2017?

56% BETTER

38% SAME

6% WORSE

NAIL TREATMENTS PERFORMED ON AVERAGE PER WEEK

37

HOW DID RETAIL BUSINESS IN AUGUST 2018 COMPARE WITH AUGUST 2017?

23% BETTER

68% SAME

9% WORSE