What Nail Technicians Need to Know
There has been a lot of discussion recently about HEMA and TPO in nail products, leaving many nail technicians unsure about what the changes mean for their salon and existing stock.
In this blog, we'll explain the latest regulations and what they mean for professional nail technicians in the UK.
What Are HEMA and TPO?
HEMA (Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) and TPO (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) are ingredients commonly found in gel nail products.
HEMA helps improve adhesion and durability, while TPO is a photoinitiator that helps gel products cure under UV or LED lamps.
Although these ingredients have been widely used throughout the nail industry, regulatory changes are affecting how certain products can be sold moving forward.
What Do the New Rules Mean?
The important thing to understand is that the regulations mainly affect the sale of products containing these ingredients.
If you purchase HEMA or TPO-containing gel polishes before the relevant deadlines and they have been legally placed on the market, you can continue to use them in your salon until they are finished.
There is no requirement for salons to immediately dispose of existing stock that has been purchased legally.
As always, products should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and by trained professionals.
Can I Still Use My Existing Stock?
Yes.
If you already have HEMA or TPO gel polishes in your salon, you can continue using them until they are used up.
Many nail technicians are choosing to maintain their current colour collections rather than replacing products unnecessarily.
This allows salons to continue providing clients with their favourite shades while transitioning to future product ranges at a pace that suits their business.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Stock Up
As many suppliers prepare for regulatory changes, a large number of HEMA and TPO gel polishes are being heavily discounted.
For salons, this creates an excellent opportunity to expand colour collections at significantly reduced prices.
If there are colours you've been considering but haven't purchased because they weren't essential, now may be the perfect time to add them to your collection.
Many technicians are taking advantage of sale prices to:
- Top up their most popular colours
- Purchase seasonal shades
- Add trend colours to their collection
- Expand their colour range without a large investment
- Ensure they have sufficient stock for future client appointments
With discounts available across many HEMA and TPO ranges, it's often more cost-effective to purchase additional colours now than to wait and potentially pay full price for alternative formulations in the future.
Planning Ahead for Your Salon
Every salon is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Some technicians are gradually introducing HEMA-free and TPO-free alternatives, while others are continuing to use their existing stock until it is fully depleted.
The key is understanding that products already purchased can continue to be used professionally, allowing salons to make informed purchasing decisions without unnecessary pressure.
Final Thoughts
The recent HEMA and TPO changes do not mean that salons must immediately stop using products already in their possession.
Existing stock can continue to be used until it is finished, helping salons avoid waste and maximise the value of their current inventory.
With many HEMA and TPO gel polishes currently available at discounted prices, now is an excellent opportunity to stock up on your favourite shades, try colours you may not usually purchase, and ensure your salon is well prepared for future client demand.
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