I’m a nail tech that developed a gel allergy: here’s my advice

Sophie Pritchard, founder of Creative Claws salon and academy in Anglesey, Wales, shares about her allergy experiences and lessons learned…

I’ve been part of the nail industry for about 13 years and things have changed a lot since I joined. PPE wasn’t really a thing when I started out. Gloves? Dust extractors? Masks? Practically unheard of. It was all about the client’s nails, not protecting nail technicians. I was working my first full-time salon job and I loved it – until my body decided to rebel.

It started subtly: just a couple of fingers on my dominant hand feeling sore. I pushed through it, thinking it was something that would go away. But it got worse.

The soreness turned into splitting, weeping skin. My fingertips were raw and painful. I tried creams and steroid ointments, but nothing helped. I tried gloves, but my fingers were so inflamed and sensitive that they only made things worse. The sweat inside would sting, and the tightness irritated my damaged skin. It was agony, but I was working full client days and didn’t want to let my customers down. I thought ‘that’s just salon life‘.

A few months later, I booked a two-week holiday. Away from the salon and products, my fingers finally had a chance to heal. It was the first real relief I’d felt in months. That’s when I started to suspect this wasn’t dermatitis or a coincidence, but it still took me years to figure out it was a gel allergy. Looking back, all the signs were there, but I didn’t have the knowledge, awareness or support to put the pieces together.

My gel allergy is contact-based and still flares up sometimes. I wear gloves religiously and double up depending on the quality of them. Yet, if I get a tiny bit of uncured gel on my gloves, I instantly get a red burn mark.

There was a point when I thought my nail career was over. At my worst, there were days when I couldn’t hold a knife and fork properly because my fingers were so sore. I’d have to rip off my gloves mid-service sometimes, because the pain would become too much to handle. Trying to stay professional and finish a treatment when your skin feels like it’s on fire is not easy.

Nail technicians should always wear gloves. Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Look after your hands; they’re your livelihood.

Recently I discovered a game-changing product: rubber finger covers. They’re stretchy, cushioned and create a solid barrier. I use medical-grade nitrile gloves and pop a cover over my middle three fingers before putting a glove on. They’ve helped so much, especially if my fingers are already sensitive from gripping tools.

My allergy is something I’ll have to deal with forever, but I’ve found a way to make my nail career work. I’ve learned how to protect myself and while nails are still my passion, I’m also passionate about hand health and helping others protect themselves. I’m determined to keep my career sustainable for the long haul.

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