In today's beauty and self-care industry, gel nail polishes have become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking long-lasting and flawless manicures. But what happens when a product meant to enhance your beauty ends up causing harm instead? This is the story of 'This is Gel,' a brand born out of one woman's determination to revolutionise the gel nail polish industry by prioritising quality, safety and sustainability.
Meet Becci - the brains behind the brand (and no, this is not Becci writing this blog yet referring to herself in the 3rd person. How dare you).
Becci's journey into the world of gel nail polishes began much like any other beauty enthusiast's. She loved the elegance and longevity of gel manicures, the brilliant shine, and the chip-resistant polish that looked as good on day fifteen as it did on day one. But her story took a different turn when she realised that she was highly allergic to certain ingredients found in the gel polishes commonly used in her local salon.
The culprit, as it turned out, was #HEMA, or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, a key component in many gel nail polish formulas. Becci's experiences with HEMA-laden products were far from pleasant. She would often experience a burning sensation and, shockingly, even bruising around her nails, making gel manicures a far cry from the pampering, glamorous experience they were meant to be.
Becci tried multiple salons and nail technicians, but the results were consistently the same – painful and unsightly reactions that left her frustrated and discouraged. Becci's quest to find a solution led her to enrol in a nail technician course offered by a reputable brand.
However, much to her dismay, she experienced the same painful reactions even when wearing gloves throughout the course. It was a horrifying revelation that highlighted just how pervasive and potentially harmful HEMA-containing products were in the industry.
But instead of resigning herself to a life without beautiful, long-lasting nails, Becci decided to take matters into her own hands. She envisioned a brand that would cater to individuals like herself, who had experienced allergic reactions to gel nail polishes. 'This is Gel' was born from her passion for providing a safe, high-quality alternative to traditional gel manicures.
The primary motivation behind 'This is Gel' was to create a brand of HEMA-free gel polish that put quality and safety at the forefront. Becci's vision was clear: she wanted to offer a line of gel nail polishes that contained none of the harsh chemicals, including HEMA, which had caused her so much pain. She wanted to make sure that her brand's products would not only be safe for the wearer but also for nail technicians who worked with these products daily.
Through meticulous research, formulation, and collaboration with experts in the field, 'This is Gel' was created, a brand dedicated to providing gel nail polish products free from harmful chemicals. Becci's focus on quality and safety not only sets her brand apart but also ensures that customers can enjoy the glamour and longevity of gel manicures without the fear of allergic reactions or adverse effects. She is also working closely on projects with national industry leaders in sustainability research to identify areas of improvement in her own business and the wider beauty industry.
Since it's launch in mid 2023, 'This is Gel' has since garnered a loyal following of beauty enthusiasts, nail technicians, and professionals who appreciate the brand's commitment to product safety and sustainability. Becci's journey from suffering allergic reactions to becoming an entrepreneur is a testament to the power of perseverance and a dedication to making a difference in an industry that often prioritises aesthetics over health.