Nail Divas

Ok, I’m going to say something which many people in this industry are going to hate me for… except those of us who trained properly and took the time to understand the chemistry.

**I TOLD YOU.**

Now that TPO has to be removed from gel polishes and builder gels, the old TikTok and Instagram techniques of chucking it on like you’re icing a cake and just pressing 60 seconds are not going to work anymore.

The reason you are all getting lifting and peeling with newly formulated gels is NOT the product — it is YOUR technique.

Photoinitiators are designed to work in layers. TPO reducied the need for techs to work in thin layers because it is a highly reactive photoinitiator that polymerised quickly… although not always thoroughly, as those who developed allergies from thick application will know only too well.

Now that safety net has gone, poor application and curing habits are being exposed for what they always were — bad chemistry.

So techs will need to go back to the classroom and re-learn builder gel and gel polish methods — and pay attention to the science this time.

I’m old and I’ve been in this industry for close to 30 years. Those who trained with me will know I banged on about the dangers of under-cured product, polymerisation and exothermic reactions every single day.

Yes… it’s a bit boring.

But isn’t it great when you listened — and now you know exactly what to do next? 😁

I'm going to say this because it's true and those of you that know me well will know it is.

But I TOLD YOU this decades ago! And I'm not alone.

Panic in the industry is rife right now, but mandatory reformulation of gel products was inevitable.
I've banged on about under polymerisation and cross contamination for decades. Not alone either. Many of us older techs could see the perfect storm on the horizon years ago.

Responsible education has always emphasised:
• No skin contact
• Immediate removal of spillages
• Controlled product placement
• Correct curing protocols
• Compatible lamp systems

The real danger is not always the ingredient on the label and the greatest risk does not lie in a single ingredient. It lies in incomplete polymerisation. And incomplete curing leaves residual monomer.

Residual monomer increases sensitisation risk.
Polymer chemistry does not respond to trends. It responds to physics!

The rapid growth of the industry without consistent educational standards has increased improper exposure. This is the real issue.
Throwing products away may feel decisive, but that is just hysteria.

Nail chemistry has not suddenly become dangerous. What becomes dangerous is an industry that forgets it is working with chemistry at all.

The chemistry has not changed.
Our standards must.

From 1st November we will be hoping out of the Fresha app. It's become too expensive yo be worthwhile.
To make bookings from 1st November please message or call Sian's mobile 07804 901638.

Here we go again. The old Daily Mail has decided that gel manicures are the new bogeyman of Beauty. With their usual incendiary headlines and emotional hysteria they are creating the impression that gel manicures will choreograph everyones sudden demise and have been banned in the EU. Well it's nonsense. They haven't. It is just one ingredient, a photo initiator called Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide......(TPO because nobody wants to keep typing that one!)
Systemic exposure from properly cured gel is negligible and the Mail’s fearmongering is about as grounded as a lead balloon.
Congratulations to the Daily Mail for turning mice fertility studies into full-blown cosmetic Armageddon. If this is your idea of journalism, then I’d rather take nail polish instructions from a fortune cookie
So, it's all about the science.....unless you’re the Daily Mail in which case it's bo****ks!

A little but of ladybird (ladybug) nail art today.
Hot or Knot and Satin Slippers

Next Thursday, on the 8th of August our long standing Nail Divas salon will be closing. Carly Bridgeman will be starting her new venture, Bridgeman Beauty in its place. Whilst saying goodbye is never easy we wish Carly and her new venture Bridgeman Beauty all the success for the future. Carly will bring her own approach a vision and we look forward to seeing her flourish. To help Carly establish a good foundation we have donated our existing equipment and products and the first month's rent. We want to take the opportunity to wish her all the best on her new endeavour.
Sian and the Nail Divas team.

😍

Hi folks, this is Dom. You may have found a few glitches with booking online this past week. We apologise. Sian has retired🥂 and as you can see is sunning herself in Barcelona. While she's away I've been making some updates which I'm told have stopped a few of you accessing our Fresha page to book. Bear with me whilst I put everything in place. It won't take much longer but I need to make these changes so that everyone can get an appropriate appointment.
Carly will be remaining in the salon and her appointments can be booked through her new business, Bridgeman Beauty on Fresha.
Eivissa will be offering mobile appointments on the original Nail Divas Fresha page and Sian will be doing one day a week from home.....when she gets home 😆

It is with mixed emotions that we announce big changes at Nail Divas, which has been a beloved part of the Whitchurch community for the past 22 years. Throughout our journey, we have provided exceptional nail and beauty services to our valued clients, building lasting relationships and cherished memories along the way.

This tough decision was made by Sian, the founder, owner, teacher and senior nail technician. Despite the fun times and attention-grabbing conversations, she feels that at 60 it’s the right time to quit and retire. Sian’s husband Ian sadly passed away last year and Sian has decided to take things at a slower pace. Nail Divas won’t be completely ending though. Sian will still be keeping her hand in one day per week providing nail services to some of her long standing clients from her home in Newport.

Our salon has not only been a place for beauty and self-care but also a beacon of opportunity and empowerment. Alongside Nail Divas ran our charity Fourteen-A Ltd, which enabled us to commit to equipping many students with the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the beauty industry. It has been our privilege to see these individuals grow and flourish, securing jobs and making their mark in the world.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and supportive community for their unwavering support over the years. Your patronage and trust have been the cornerstone of our success, and we are extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve you.

As we close this chapter, we take pride in the legacy we leave behind and the positive impact we have made. Though the doors of Nail Divas are closing, the spirit of our mission will continue to inspire and uplift.

On a positive note, our charity Fourteen A Ltd will carry on running as usual. We will continue teaching and ensuring the continued success of the country’s up and coming nail technicians and beauticians.

Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce big changes at Nail Divas, which has been a beloved part of the Whitchurch community for the past 22 years. Throughout our journey, we have provided exceptional nail and beauty services to our valued clients, building lasting relationships and cherished memories along the way.

This tough decision was made by Sian, the founder, owner, teacher and senior nail technician. Despite the fun times and attention-grabbing conversations, she feels that at 60 it’s the right time to quit and retire. Sian’s husband Ian sadly passed away last year and Sian has decided to take things at a slower pace. Nail Divas won’t be completely ending though. Sian will still be keeping her hand in one day per week providing nail services to some of her long standing clients from her home in Newport. These can still be booked online using the app or "Book Now" button.

Carly will be taking over the salon on 1st July under her new name (she hasn't decided yet) where she will be concentrating on skincare and beauty treatments. She'll be open for more hours too. Eivissa will be mobile so you can still book a Nail Divas home appointment for nails with her. She covers all types of nail extension, including BIAB and is amazing at nail art too. Sian has promised to keep popping in to help the girls out when they need her!

Our salon has not only been a place for beauty and self-care but also a beacon of opportunity and empowerment. Alongside Nail Divas ran our charity Fourteen-A Ltd, which enabled us to commit to equipping many students with the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the beauty industry. It has been our privilege to see these individuals grow and flourish, securing jobs and making their mark in the world.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and supportive community for their unwavering support over the years. Your patronage and trust have been the cornerstone of our success, and we are extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve you.

As we close this chapter, we take pride in the legacy we leave behind and the positive impact we have made. Though the doors of Nail Divas are closing, the spirit of our mission will continue to inspire and uplift.

On a positive note, our charity Fourteen A Ltd will carry on running as usual. We will continue teaching and ensuring the continued success of the country’s up and coming nail technicians and beauticians.

Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey.