Nail Allergy Symptoms and Solutions: A Guide for Clients and Nail Techs
Whether you're a client who’s developed a reaction or a nail tech supporting someone who has, navigating a nail allergy can feel overwhelming. That’s why at HONA, we’re committed to empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to continue enjoying beautiful, healthy nails safely.
In this guide, we’ll break down the signs of an allergy, how to tell the difference between an allergy and an infection, and what steps both clients and nail techs should take when a reaction occurs.
What is an allergy
Firstly, what is an allergy, A nail allergy happens when the immune system reacts to certain ingredients in nail products. Instead of accepting them, the body sees them as a threat and triggers a reaction.
Common allergens include HEMA, HPMA and IBOA. These are often found in traditional gel systems and can cause sensitivity over time, especially with repeated contact. Overexposure is one of the main causes, and it can happen through product touching the skin, using the wrong lamp, or applying under-cured products.
At HONA, we believe prevention is key. That’s why all our systems are free from HEMA, HPMA, and IBOA giving both clients and techs peace of mind.
What to Do If You or Your Client Suspects an Allergy
If you suspect that you or your client may be developing an allergy, the first step is to remove all product from the nails immediately. It’s important to remember that as a nail technician, you cannot diagnose an allergy, but you can recognise the signs and take the right steps to protect your client’s health.
Always recommend that your client visits their GP for professional allergy testing. Once a diagnosis has been made, you can compare the results with your product SDS (Safety Data Sheets) to ensure every ingredient is safe for future use. This is also the perfect time to explore hypoallergenic options like the HONA system, which is free from HEMA, HPMA, and IBOA.
Here’s a breakdown of the next steps:
For clients:
• Stop using all nail products straight away
• Book an appointment with your GP for allergy testing
• Share your results with your nail technician
• Ask about hypoallergenic nail systems before booking your next appointment
For nail techs:
• Cease treatment immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction
• Advise your client to seek medical advice before continuing any services
• Review your product ingredients and SDS sheets , are they truly Hypoallergenic?
• Use consultation forms to track past reactions
• Always patch test new products with allergy-sensitive clients
Taking these steps seriously not only protects your clients, but also builds trust and professionalism in your service
Find a hypoallergenic nail tech today
How to Tell If It’s a Nail Allergy or an Infection?
For both clients and techs, here’s a guide to help differentiate between the two: Recognising Contra-Indications
How Often Should Nails Be Redone After a Reaction?
Post-reaction care always comes first. Whether you're a client or a nail tech, it's important to give the nails and surrounding skin time to recover before jumping back into regular appointments.
For clients, After noticing a reaction:
- Remove all product from the nails as soon as possible
- Keep the nail bed and surrounding skin clean and moisturised
- Apply cuticle oil regularly to support healthy regrowth
- Monitor for signs of ongoing irritation, flaking, or sensitivity
Once you’ve seen your GP, received a diagnosis, and your nails have fully recovered, you can consider having your nails done again. Just make sure you:
- Find a nail tech who uses a hypoallergenic system (like HONA’s)
- Ask for a patch test with any new products
- Book shorter, gentler appointments to start
- Stay in regular contact with your tech if anything changes
With the right approach, safe nails are still possible.
For nail techs, If a client returns after experiencing a reaction:
- Confirm they’ve had a diagnosis and are ready to try again
- Use their allergy test results to cross-check with your SDS sheets
- Stick to products that are free from HEMA, HPMA, and IBOA
- Start with a patch test at least 48 hours before treatment
How to Conduct a Patch Test:
- Apply a small amount of the product (e.g., gel polish, base, or builder) to a nail tip or a discreet area on the natural nail
- Ensure no product touches the skin
- Cure it fully using the correct lamp
- Do not file or seal the test area, leave it as-is
- Ask the client to monitor for 48 hours and report any redness, itching, or discomfort
- If no reaction occurs, proceed with the appointment and consider regular check in, keeping an eye on the nail's health.
Final Thoughts
Nail allergies aren’t the end of your nail journey! they just mean things need to be done a little differently. With the right aftercare, a clear diagnosis, and a system that prioritises safety, clients can still enjoy beautiful nails, and nail techs can continue delivering high-quality services. At HONA, we believe in giving both techs and clients the tools they need to work safely and confidently. Whether you're adjusting your service offerings or looking for products that are genuinely hypoallergenic, we’re here to support you every step of the way.