I found out I was allergic to methacrylates January last year, even though I wore gloves in every service, since changing to LE I am now 100% free of effects. I am so grateful to you all for enabling me to carry on doing nails. ️💛

@jimmcconnell6079

Жыл бұрын

This makes me VERY happy to hear it! Thank you for sharing.

This is one of the reasons I love light elegance! Yall are so up front about everything and explain the science. I love that your products are so much safer and hypoallergenic. If at all possible I wanna keep myself and my clients free from allergens as much as possible.

@jimmcconnell6079

Жыл бұрын

Thank you ... we try our best 😌

Thank you for this break down I would love to hear your thoughts on “private labeling” next. Ie: someone private labels their nail polishes as their own polishes and sales them for about 7x’s more $ than their are buying them for..,, etc....

OMG I'm not even a nail technician, I'm just interested in doing my nails at home in the future and I'm in this corner of the nail world and learning so much. I'm so happy to have found The Nail Hub and Light Elegance.

This is so great- love the chemistry lesson!!

Thank you so much for this information: I’ve been doing nails for 5 years and have recently found out I’ve developed an allergy to HEMA. I believe I may have encountered a high concentration from my nail liquid that I’ve been getting from my local nail supply. I wish I would’ve known this information sooner, and wish nail school would’ve taught us about this. They unfortunately don’t teach you enough

@LightEleganceHQ

Жыл бұрын

We are so sorry to hear that you have experienced allergies to HEMA. But we are so glad you have discovered this video and have learned a lot from it. We are working to change the industry and spread this information widely to prevent more allergies and the use of harmful ingredients causing symptoms

So grateful for than important information we have to ve more professional everyday and learn more about the products that we use to bring a safe and healthy service so thanks so much God bless you always 😊

This was an amazing, knowledgeable vlog!!! TFS this information LE I say, you are the best for a reason 💕

@LightEleganceHQ

4 жыл бұрын

We are glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching! :)

Thank both of you for the breakdown very very helpful Mr. Jim and Mrs. Liz thanks for sharing much love always 💅💕💕💕

@LightEleganceHQ

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Such an informative video. Super super useful

This is really helpful!! Wish this was covered more in nail school. ❤

@LightEleganceHQ

3 жыл бұрын

We couldn't agree more! Our goal with Light Elegance University, Chemist Corner with Jim and lots of our other content is to help nail professionals continue to be educated well beyond nails school. We never stop learning and improving!

Thank you for educating us on importance of the ingredients. I am Not trained professionally. However I believe I know now more than some nail technicians out there. I started doing my own nails at home, and I’m really passionate about it. I have been educating myself for months now. In Canada I don’t have have to be licensed to do others nails. However I understand how important it is to follow the product safety & hygiene rules. They are created to protect customers as well as nail techs. I’m very disappointed that I am not able to purchase your products. Is there anything I can do? Or is there another brand products that will give me the same safety and quality that I will be able to purchase?

@jimmcconnell6079

Жыл бұрын

Hi Anna - in Canada, the education program is distributor dependent. Contact your local distributor who sells LE and see what it would take to become a certified LE technician. Once you go through their training, you can do services on clients or, if you choose, on yourself (or both). So long as you are trained and certified, you can purchase the products.

Another very interesting & educational video, so thank you both very much. It answered many questions that as a technician for many years, I wanted answers to. All I can say is I am so glad that I've now switched completely to '' Light Elegance products '' because I now feel very secure & safe with the brand both for myself as a technician, but much more importantly, that I am doing the best I can for my clients, hah mind you one or two things that came up I will definitely be addressing in my salon, yes small things but they still need addressing, so many thanks again. It's great that in our industry we never stop learning, so our wonderful job never gets boring. I look forward to the next video.Warm regards from across the pond Xv

@LightEleganceHQ

4 жыл бұрын

This is our way and we wouldn't change a thing about it. Thank you for watching and for your kind comment! :)

In the sds sheet video, might be an idea explaning acrylates and methacrylate the same way you just explained hema? Thanks for this very helpful video!

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Hi MA Gicquel - this is a fine idea. Thank you!

I wish I'd seen this when I started my nail journey, just over a year ago... I've just developed an allergy to something in nail products (still trying to identify it, but it's probably HEMA) and I thought that I would have to stop wearing gel extensions and polishes!!

Thank you so much for this video! I have had all the symptoms that Liz mentioned and have unfortunately become allergic to HEMA. My question is, does your acrylic monomer have HEMA in it, can I wear this safely, or am I better off sticking to your gels?

Hi Jim Thankyou for another great video. I was wondering if you have any concerns or opinions about akzentzs products and their ingredients. Especially hard gels. I think if I understand correctly their (hard gel) contains di/bi hema . Is this safe to use being a different variation /oligemer?

Some brands dont come with the ingredients label, not saying its of course, but nail salons use very popular expensive brands with no ingredients info in the bottles. Its not just a matter of cheap or expensive

I have a question: Does the dust from filing the gel nails can be kept less airborne by using some kind of gel emulsion like substance? I have found a video done by meticulous manicurist (youtube channel) and she used some kind of product that doesn’t let the particles fly around. Can this be done on gel nails as well?

Hi!! I'd Really like to know about mma. Here in Brazil we are told that the big problem is to have a monomer with MMA in it, that these are dental products, And we should look for products with EMA in it. Is that true? Are this the same as HEMA? Really confused here on this. Thanks for this vídeo, really happy to learn more from a real chemist because we get various information that are just repeted so much that we dont really know if its true or just missinformation. Mariana from Brazil! 😗

I am very thankful for this and other videos Mr. McConell has made. However, this video also leaves the impression that HEMA is bad, and as a result I believe it has brought into question a lot of reputable brands who have been manufacturing their own products responsibly, even with HEMA, for many years. Additionally, Mr. McConell has said himself he was "incorrect about HEMA" in a separate video on HEMA, and I only wish both statements could be reconciled.

@PaolaPonceNails

Жыл бұрын

Not here to cause any issues. Light Elegance is tried and true. The chemical situation, should simply be left at that... When buying from a reputable source, ANY uncured gel or repeated exposure to it on the skin can lead to allergic reaction. Even the "safest" gel nail products state this in their safety data sheets.

@jimmcconnell6079

Жыл бұрын

@@PaolaPonceNails Hi Paola - you are correct in that any uncured acrylated resins can cause allergies. We are currently studying the quality and completeness of the cure with respect to many monomers and at what percentage do we see a significant amount of leaching of uncured resins from the product post curing. I do know the following: 1) HEMA, HPMA, HEA and HPA are all water soluble. Any uncured resin that is water soluble could have a significant impact on allergies or over-exposure. The goal is to minimize the amount of leaching of any uncured resin from a system post curing. Gathering this level of information takes time and once we have gathered all that we need, I will make a few more statements of these findings. HEMA has proven to be an allergen to a greater number of people than other monomers that we typically use in gel products. The concentration of HEMA in the formulation might have a lot to do with how fast the body detects and reacts to it. Until more information can be studied, it would be best to use formulations that have been demonstrated to be less allergenic, cure them well in a high quality curing light, keep them off of the skin and the results will be better than if these steps are not followed. Research is an on-going process and should always be challenged by other scientists to make certain that the truth is always being discovered. My personal theories are no different. The BEST science is science that comes from collaboration. This is why I rely heavily on my personal team of chemists and biologists to make sure that we get the most honest answers to questions before we release any information.

Very comprehensive and valuable info. It is a shame that after binge watching all things Light Elegance and labouring through: Jim McConnell Gel Chemistry , Celina Ryden, Liz on The Nail Hub .... etc I find that this product is not available to anyone other than those in the business ..... I really do believe that using this product is very straightforward and I am so disappointed. Amazing product that hopefully one day will be available to everyone 😒

@natashasharik2067

4 жыл бұрын

Cassandra C-B If you could buy dental products would you do your own teeth? You need the proper education to do nails effectively & safely, even on yourself. Too many professional nail product brands have sold out to us Nail Professionals resulting in these products getting into untrained hands and grossly damaging the reputation of the industry. Hair extensions, eye lash extensions & nail enhancements need to be applied by professionals who have the biology, hygiene & application knowledge & qualifications, otherwise you invite all sorts of problems for unsuspecting users & clients.

@TheVelvetraven

4 жыл бұрын

@@natashasharik2067 You can't possibily think that putting polish/gel on your nails is akin to dental work ...... hahahahaha ... its pretty straight forward stuff .... I think most women could handle it

@natashasharik2067

4 жыл бұрын

Cassandra C-B I wasn't referring to just gel polish. But you would be amazed what messes untrained customers can create. It's not so much in the application, but the removal, where a damaged nail disaster can happen, then of course they post everywhere how 'xyz' product 'wrecked their nails'. Light Elegance are not going to be part of that. Their technician education program is a big part of their ethos. You would have to purchase their lamp also, which is an expensive investment, especially out of the US. Not using the right lamp is a huge issue with UV cured products. With another lamp, it may look cured, it may feel cured, but there's a very good chance it isn't, which creates all sorts of problems & open you up to allergic reactions. There's a lot more to nail technology (yes, even gel polish) than what you see on a few you tube videos. That's why their products are not available to the general public.

@TheVelvetraven

4 жыл бұрын

@@natashasharik2067 I and five of my girlfriends have been doing our nails for 20 years ... all of us have a horror story of trips to the 'professional' ... me I've had my nail plate sanded and was unable to proceed with having the acrylic nails done ... and on another occasion had my cuticles clipped so badly that they were bleeding and I had to go to a very important dinner looking like that. I am very particular when it come to what I put on my skin and nails and after researching and finding what I thought was an amazing product that was the best thing for the health of my nails and cuticles I am unable to purchase it and am forced to use crap products .... yep two sides to every story. I agree that every product has its own nuances and that being careless is stupid and irresponsible but does that mean that those of us who are not stupid and irresponsible don't deserve to have access to upmarket products. For every one idiot there are 100 others who successfully do their own nails every month without issue.

@natashasharik2067

4 жыл бұрын

Cassandra C-B There's also the insurance & government regulatory issues. Without professional only products, there's no professional nail industry. Without that the research & development on products won't change much. Unfortunately the industry isn't strictly regulated like say podiatry or dentistry, so it's a bit like buying a used car. We have a chronic shortage of good, quality, qualified technicians amongst an over saturation of discount chop shops & cowboy wanna bes. If you & you friends are that good, I encourage you to enrol & get your qualifications & join the industry! The cutting edge technology will always be technician only, until it gets superseded by something new. I'm not going to keep arguing, but currently it's a broken industry that needs fixing, & that's going to mean tougher & more rigorous regulations than there currently is.

I have those white bottle gel polishes and just looked at mine and no list; and I can tell you they did not come in a box when I purchased them. Very concerning!!

what about the gel bottle, i heard a lot of people getting allergies because of the ingredients, i have some colors of this bran and am afraid to keep using it... can you tell me about it? by the way im changing little by little to light elegance, i just love the products and the chemistry corner ❤️❤️

@LightEleganceHQ

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jilidza, Unfortunately, we can't talk about specific brands and their ingredients. If you are curious about certain ingredient, you can ask us about each ingredient and get an idea that way.

If a product Contains: DI-HEMA TRIMETHYLHEXYL DICARBAMATE, 2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE, ..... Etc. Does the Hema get bound by the bis-hema? Kind regards,

Ive heard Ethyl Acetate is also a cause for concern but what about Ethyl Methacrylate

@jimmcconnell6079

3 жыл бұрын

Ethyl acetate is a solvent and I have heard of little concerns regarding ethyl acetate - it may dry the skin but there are few reports of allergy issues. Ethyl methacrylate is quite safe in most reports for allergies.

I'm looking to buy products that don't have HEMA in them, or atleast bound to other molecules. On one brand I came across this "Polyurethane acrylate oligomer" and further down the SDS it said: "Most gels are composed of oligomers made primarily from urethane (meth)acrylates. Using the designation di-HEMA trimethylhexyl dicarbamate, the official INCI name of urethane dimethacrylate, which is substantially the equivalent of polyurethane acrylate oligomer" This ingredient is 50-75% of the product, and has HEMA as the second ingredient on a scale of 1-5 %. So how would I read this? Is this one of those lower risk HEMA's or should I steer clear of this product since I'm allergic to HEMA??

Is it possible for there to be a low odor monomer in an acrylic system that doesn't contain HEMA?

@jimmcconnell6079

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, there are other monomer that can be used that are low odor or no oder that are not HEMA

Can you please tell me if my colour product is safe? It contains the following: Polyurethane acrylate oligamer, HEMA ( 2- Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate), Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone, Bis-Trimethybenzoy Phenyphosphine Oxide, Pigment

Hello! If a polish has bis-HEA does that mean that it should be ok for nails? Similarly to bis or di-HEMA?

@jimmcconnell6079

Жыл бұрын

Hi Sian - Bis-HEMA ... , Bis-HEA ... or Di-HEMA ... are all designations for the use of either HEA or HEMA to be part of the building blocks to make an oligomer. THe oligomers are generally regarded as safer ingredients than the monomers. This does not mean that monomers are not safe or that people will not develop an allergy to an oligomer, but it does mean that as a general rule, the oligomers with HEA or HEMA in their molecule are safer than just the HEA or HEMA monomer alone.

I have a really important question. If I use a hema free monomer (kiara sky) and use acrylic powder that I have that’s not the same brand (igel beauty, mia secret) will that still be hypoallergenic? Please I need to know. I want to mix brands but I heard it can give allergies if the acrylic does not cure properly since I’m mixing formulas. But does that still apply with a hema free monomer? Any response please. I just need something.

@jimmcconnell6079

3 жыл бұрын

based on your statements above, your products should be all HEMA monomer free. While this is true, there isn't enough information to make the statement that they are hypoallergenic without knowing all of the ingredients in the monomer. You may safely state that you are using HEMA monomer free acrylic.

Is your Light Elegance monomer MMA free?

What if it says Acrylates copolymer as the first Ingredient?😫

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Goofy Lama (I love the name) - this is a good question. I have already replied to your email, but I will post here, too. Acrylates Copolymer is a plastic that can be dissolved in solvents or even monomers. It adds a safe plastic to the gel that is extremely unlikely to cause allergies.

If I already have the HEMA allergy (severe), should I be concerned with Di-HEMA or Bis-HEMA ?

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Christine Stoeber - The bound HEMA (Bis-HEMA or Di-HEMA ...) should not have any allgenic affect for you if you have an allergy to HEMA. The manufacturers that we work with that supply our oligomers filter out any unreacted HEMA after the manufacturing process. I always suggest taking a bottle of our product with you to your allergist and have the doctor performa RIPT test (contact test) before you use the material.

@naomipask1809

3 жыл бұрын

I can’t tell if it is the HEMA, the acrylates or the acetone but when using standard gel products, I get burning and itching within hours and after a few days, I blister and peel all over my finger tips and under my nails. I look like a snake shedding it’s skin. There is a company in Australia called Diamonds and Gloss that sells HEMA free products. All of them. HEMA free. The founder Mel, is a qualified Nail Tech and was horrified over the allergies and how so many companies were still using the allergens in their products. I have tried the samples Mel sent me and had few problems until I tried to remove it. I refuse to accept that I am not meant to have long beautifully painted nails so I am sticking with D&G Australia for now. Have you guys heard of this company and how do you feel about HEMA free products.

Hi Jim, the gels I'm currently using contain: DIETHYLAMINOETHYL, METHACRYLATE/HEMA/PERFLUOROHEXYLETHYL, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, COPERNICIA CERIFERA WAX, BENZOPHENONE etc. Should I be concerned?

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Hi ChristianGyrl 3 - I am not certain if you should be concerned or not. This one had me stumped and have done a little more digging into what the main ingredient (Diethylaminoethyl Methacrylate/HEMA/Perfluorohexyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer) is and how it is used. What product are you using? Are you or your client's showing any signs of swelling, redness, irritation, onycholysis, ...? If not, then you are most likely fine. The main ingredient (Diethylaminoethyl Methacrylate/HEMA/Perfluorohexyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer) seems to be closely associated with pigments and based on the name, could be used in gels. I will do some more digging on this one.

@christiangyrl3

4 жыл бұрын

@@jimmcconnell6079Thanks for the quick response. I do my own nails. I'm not a professional. The product I use is from a company called anself (Anself 36 Colors Nail Gel Art Polish Pigment UV Gel Set) I already have eczema on my hands. I dont know if its this product or a flair up. When I use this product I get a horrible reaction. Swelling, tightness of skin, itching, blisters etc.

@christiangyrl3

4 жыл бұрын

@@jimmcconnell6079 Hi, Jim thanks for your quick response. Yes, I'm displaying all those signs and its horrible. I am using Anself 36 color gel. I'm not a nail professional. I do my own nails at home. I did my research based on your video and unfortunately most if the products available to D.I.Yers like me are not made with the best ingredients.

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

It sounds like you need to stay away from that product and get healed. The main ingredient is used as a pigment dispersant for products such as mascara. This would lead me to believe that it should be safe and perhaps other ingredients are actually used in the gel system you are using.

@christiangyrl3

4 жыл бұрын

@@jimmcconnell6079 thank u so much

I became one of those women that suddenly has allergic reaction that itch around my cuticles Brocken skin under my nails little bumps clear ones that are driving me crazy. What can I do if I removed all the gel products from my own nails ( I am using gel nails extensions and gel polish) right now ) if I used acetone I will melt the gel and sparse all the HEMA more in my finger and nails ? How will be a better way to remove it? this is insane I will never used this anymore. Why acrylic neither fiber glass nails produce this reaction on me ? I m use nail extensions all my life I was so happy when gel come out and now going back to heavier enhancements for my nails I’m not very happy about it please help ?

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Dear Isabel - I am very sorry that you are experiencing this reaction to the gel system that you are using. I surely hope that it is not Light Elegance. It is possible that the best way to get the gel off is to file it, but before you do anything, please communicate with me directly. I don't want you to reference the gel product brand on this forum because that is not what this segment is about. Let's get your issue handled between us to make sure you are safe and healthy. You can phone us at +1 541 526 1417 or email me at jim@lightelegance.com. Best regards, Jim

@isabelperez4573

4 жыл бұрын

Jim McConnell thank you very much for being interested in talking to me about this situation I will contact you to your email again thanks 🙏

I just looked at some of the ingredients on my bottles. Some of them dont list the ingredients but says I can request a MSDS, is that still somthing to be worried about? And most of my products contain Ethyl Methacrylate and/or Ethyl Acetate? Is that still safe to use, I dont however get any allergic reaction from the products that I use.

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Petro - it is always good to have the SDS on hand. In the USA, you are required by state law to have the SDS in the salon for every chemical product you purchase. If you require assistance in understanding the SDSs that you have, please let us know and I can assist.

@petrovandiggelen5190

4 жыл бұрын

@@jimmcconnell6079 Hi Jim. I did get the MSDS list that I requested, is there maybe a email address that I can forward it to you, and maybe you can tell if there is anything I should be aware of?

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

@@petrovandiggelen5190 yes, please email me at jim@mclabs.us.com and I will review it. I will write back to you as soon as I can to give you my summary.

What concentration of HEMA is safe in nail products?

@jimmcconnell6079

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Nat Perry, there is no definitive level of HEMA that is safe - that "safe" level will vary from one person to another. For example, I have not dveloped an allergy to HEMA so any level of exposure would be considered safe for me. Someone else could have a severe allergy to HEMA and as such, any level of exposure would be unsafe. The EU is considering passing regulations limiting the percentage of HEMA in a formulation such as acrylic L&P or in gels to 30% of the formulation's concentration. The issue is quite complex - more complex than what we are discussing here. If you have specific questions relating to a product that you are concerned about, please email me directly at jim@mclabs.us.com.

@natperry7511

3 жыл бұрын

@@jimmcconnell6079 thank you Jim. I found this video very informative. Keep up the great work.

So are they saying The Gel Bottle is bad

@jimmcconnell6079

4 жыл бұрын

Hi MrsBrown817 - I am not saying that The Gel Bottle is bad but there are some concerns with some clients and nail technicians that are rising into view regarding the use of some products that are manufactured and sold wherein these materials seem to have a higher suspected incidence of allergic response and evidence of causing onycholysis in some people. We are conducting a study in hopes to help determine what exactly is occurring to cause the onycholysis and how to get the incidence of this disease to stop. Initially, some companies like The Gel Bottle (TGB) as well as other companies seem to be at the center of various studies about allergies and onycholysis. There is no evidence that TGB is the issue, so more studies need to be conducted to determine how best to reduce the incidence of onycholysis and allergic response rates. We also believe that the companies whom are buying their materials from other countries like China are operating with the best of intentions but may be subject to misinformation from the actual manufacturer of the products that they purchase.