The DIY gel nail trend has taken off on social media, with many people choosing to do their own nails at home. However, a TikTok video from @alina.gene highlights the potential risks involved in this practice. In the video, she describes developing an acrylate allergy after doing gel nails at home, which now causes her severe pain when exposed to acrylates.
@alina.gene warns viewers against self-applying nail polish that requires a UV light to cure, emphasizing the difference between at-home use and salon use. Salon professionals have access to higher-quality chemicals that are less likely to cause reactions, as well as the proper training to safely apply the products.
While an allergy to gel nails or acrylates may not be life-threatening, it can have serious implications in certain situations, such as receiving medical care. Common medical products contain acrylates, and developing this allergy could pose challenges in accessing essential medical treatment.
To provide further insight into this issue, we consulted an allergist to analyze the viral TikTok video and shed light on the potential risks associated with at-home gel nail application. For more health news stories like this, follow KFF Health News on Instagram @KFFHealthNews.
This article was originally published on khn.org, a national newsroom known for producing in-depth journalism on health issues. KFF is an independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism, with KFF Health News being one of its core operating programs.