Acrylic Nail Allergy: Alternatives for Lengthy Nails

A reader has discovered she has an acrylic nail allergy, the same who wrote in last month interested in formaldehyde free gel nail polish. It seems Teresa has once again stumped Ask the Pro Stylist, or has she?

Happy Hump Day! Whoop Whoop! Welcome to another Wednesday when Ask the Pro Stylist attempts to answer your beauty question. This week Teresa wrote in again after learning she has an acrylic nail allergy. Readers may remember Teresa was on the lookout for formaldehyde free gel nail polish following an allergic reaction to the gel. After some diligent research, we offered her a few alternatives and then listed the names of formaldehyde derivatives.

Hi Deirdre,

So last month I asked you about gel nail products that don’t have any formaldehyde in them, and you were kind enough to do the research and found a few products for me that would work. So now I would like to ask the same question but apply it to acrylic nails, because I also have the same reaction to acrylics as it turns out. I am so bummed about this discovery. I am hoping that you have good news for a girl that loves to do her own nails and look pretty too.

Thanks,

Your friend Teresa from Sams Valley, Oregon

I put out a few feelers to nail technicians and they weren’t sure, however, they do know of a rare few who have suffered an acrylic nail allergy. I also did a little research on the ingredients within the acrylic nail powder and learned it contains Methacrylate Monomers, which the FDA revealed has caused a mild reaction in a limited amount of individuals. Seems like Teresa is one of them. Now, I am not a chemist, however the name alone is quite similar to the formaldehyde derivatives listed as a follow up to Teresa’s original gel manicure question, but I cannot be certain. What I am sure of is there have been documented cases of allergies using acrylics, although small, and it seems this ingredient is in most of the acrylic nail powder I could find.

So, what are Teresa’s alternatives for lengthy nails? I would try silk nail wraps. You are nail fashion savvy and they are easier in my opinion to apply to one’s own hand; I used to do my own.

Backscratchers Salon Systems offer a variety of nail extension options, and I have been informed by a representative that they do not use formaldehyde (their video is linked above).

I also spoke with a rep from Custom Nail Solutions, a unique nail application system that creates perfectly sized artificial nails suited to your fingers. I was assured this product is also formaldehyde free.

Here’s hoping this helps with Teresa’s acrylic nail dilemma. If you have a similar beauty question about hair, skin care, makeup etc. that you would like to see here, please email me at DeirdreAHaggerty@gmail.com

Happy Styling!