Airbrushing is a popular technique in the nail industry that has been around for decades. Its so popular as its the easiest way to create that beautiful ombre effect we all strive for and struggle to achieve with other methods.
In recent times we have seen a dangerous trend towards nail techs using their UV gel to airbrush, this is something UV gel was never designed for and this unprecedented use poses risk to the nail tech and client alike.
There are several reasons why UV gels should not be used to airbrush, lets have a look at them...
1. Health and Safety Concerns
- Respiratory Risks: Spraying UV gel creates fine particles and fumes, which can be inhaled. Even though UV gels are designed for nail application, the atomized form can contain potentially harmful chemicals that pose respiratory risks without proper protective equipment. The appropriate, specialist PPE that would be required to protect the airway from this type of chemical would be such that you would not find in a typical salon setting.
- Allergen Exposure: The fine mist from airbrushing spreads the monomers, which are allergens, contained in the UV gel, increasing the risk of allergic reactions for both the nail technician and the client, particularly in confined spaces without heavy duty ventilation. As we all know, nail products are not designed to come into contact with the skin. The nature of airbrushing means that the product is vaporized into tiny particles which can spread far and wide, inevitably leading to skin contact.
2. Product Properties
- Viscosity Issues: UV gels are typically thicker than the type of liquids used in airbrushing, such as acrylic inks or paints. To make UV gel sprayable, it would need to be diluted significantly, which can compromise its performance and durability, not to mention potentially making the product unstable.
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Curing Problems: UV gels need to be applied in thin, even layers and cured under UV or LED light. Airbrushed gel might be too thin or uneven, leading to improper curing, which can cause:
- Lifting or chipping.
- Skin reactivity / allergy due to uncured gel remaining on the nail or skin.
3. Clogging and Equipment Damage
- UV gels can clog airbrush nozzles due to their thicker consistency and curing properties. Cleaning the equipment becomes difficult, and improper cleaning can damage expensive airbrush tools.
As airbrushing is traditionally done with acrylic or water-based paints that are specifically designed for the technique, these paints are considered safe for airbrushing (with the appropriate equipment), whereas UV gel is not formulated for this purpose. There are no widespread industry guidelines or products specifically for airbrushing with UV gel, therefore the practice is done entirely at the risk of the nail technician and is likely a practice not covered by insurers.
Conclusion
Airbrushing with UV gel is impractical and unsafe due to the risk to you and your client health, the affects it may have on the performance of the products and the potential damage that may be incurred by the equipment. If you want to incorporate airbrushing techniques, it’s best to use airbrush-safe paints and products designed for nails, and always ensure appropriate PPE and ventilation practices are followed. Alternatively, to create that perfect ombre effect, revert to the good old sponge method.