How You Could End Up With a Gel Nail Allergy (With Fariha Ali @Nailjob)

Summary

Gloss Angeles Episode Summary: "How You Could End Up With a Gel Nail Allergy (With Fariha Ali @Nailjob)"

In this insightful episode of Gloss Angeles, hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan delve deep into the world of nail art and health with special guest Fariha Ali (@Nailjob). As a renowned nail expert with over a decade of experience, Fariha brings invaluable knowledge to the table, addressing common concerns and misconceptions about gel manicures and nail care.

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1. Introduction to Fariha Ali

The episode kicks off with Kirbie and Sara warmly welcoming Fariha Ali, celebrating her as a "nail icon" and highlighting her stellar reputation in the industry. Fariha shares her journey from art school to becoming a distinguished nail artist in Los Angeles.

[01:05] Fariha Ali: "I didn't grow up in this country. I came here for college and then moved to LA to pursue my passion in art and photography."

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2. Journey into Nail Art

Fariha recounts her transition from graphic design to nail art, emphasizing the pivotal moments that steered her career towards nails. Meeting seasoned nail artists and the necessity of obtaining a proper license were significant milestones in her path.

[05:06] Fariha Ali: "I met a nail artist at BeautyCon who loved my intricate designs, which pushed me to pursue nail school full-time."

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3. Content Creation and Style

Fariha discusses her unique approach to nail art, blending minimalistic designs with architectural consistency. Her content, often personality-driven and akin to ASMR, focuses on creating visually appealing nails without overwhelming details.

[07:12] Fariha Ali: "If you're a nail taker and pay attention, I literally give no useful information there. It's about my life and creating art."

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4. Skincare and Fragrance Favorites

Beyond nails, Fariha shares her passion for skincare and fragrances. She highlights Rejuran C PDRN 0.2% Turnover Cream for its efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation and maintaining healthy skin. Her fragrance collection, including Vanilla Powder by Matier Premiere and Angel Dust by Fugazi, showcases her diverse scent preferences.

[12:27] Fariha Ali: "Rejuran made all my hyperpigmentation go away within two weeks. It's a game-changer for healing."

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5. Understanding Gel Nail Allergies

The heart of the episode revolves around gel nail allergies. Fariha explains that gel allergies stem from methacrylate monomers, which, when not fully cured, can penetrate the skin and cause contact dermatitis.

[19:00] Fariha Ali: "Gels are synthetic polymers. When under-cured, the methacrylate monomers can penetrate your skin and bloodstream, leading to severe allergic reactions."

a. Causes of Gel Allergies

• Under-Curing: Inadequate exposure to curing lamps results in semi-cured gels that remain allergenic.

  [21:08] Fariha Ali: "Under-curing is the main culprit. If the gel isn't fully hardened, it can lead to severe allergic reactions."

• Type of Gel: Certain gels, especially builder gels with stronger monomers, have a higher potential to cause allergies.

• Exposure Frequency: Repeated exposure increases the likelihood of developing an allergy over time.

b. Prevention and Proper Application

Fariha emphasizes the importance of using professional-grade curing lamps and ensuring that gels are fully cured to prevent allergic reactions.

[24:14] Fariha Ali: "Use lamps that correspond with the gel's photo initiators. Professional lamps are designed to cure gels effectively, reducing the risk of allergies."

c. Tools and Products: Lamps

Choosing the right curing lamp is crucial. Fariha recommends trusted brands like Cocoist and stresses the importance of matching the lamp's frequency with the gel's requirements.

[24:14] Fariha Ali: "A high-grade professional lamp ensures that the gel cures properly, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions."

d. Safe Removal and Rehabilitation

For those already experiencing allergies, Fariha advises taking a break from gel applications and allowing the nails to grow out naturally. She recommends using nail strengtheners like OPI Nail Envy and maintaining hydration with regular hand creams.

[35:55] Fariha Ali: "Take a six-month break from gel applications to let your nails recover. Use nail strengtheners and keep your nails hydrated."

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6. Dip Powder Nails vs. Gel Nails

The discussion touches upon dip powder nails, explaining that while they can be as durable as gels, hygiene practices are paramount. Fariha advises ensuring salons use clean containers and avoid double-dipping to prevent contamination.

[40:35] Fariha Ali: "Avoid dipping your fingers into shared jars. Ensure salons sprinkle the powder individually to maintain hygiene."

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7. Maintenance: Cuticles and Dry Nails

Proper cuticle maintenance is crucial to prevent nail lifting and damage. Fariha recommends gently pushing back cuticles during showers rather than cutting them, which can lead to infections and deterioration.

[33:14] Fariha Ali: "If you don't trust someone to cut your cuticles properly, just push them back gently during your shower."

For dry nails, she emphasizes maintaining moisture with high-quality hand creams and avoiding over-oiling, which can trick the skin into producing less natural oil.

[45:00] Fariha Ali: "Creating a humid environment around your hands helps maintain moisture without over-oiling."

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8. Press-On Nails: Proper Removal and Risks

Fariha addresses the challenges of removing press-on nails, acknowledging that improper removal can lead to damage. She advises soaking in warm, soapy water or using specific adhesive removers to minimize harm.

[51:17] Fariha Ali: "Press-ons can be tricky. Soak your nails in warm, soapy water to gently remove them without causing damage."

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9. Nail Care Recommendations and Favorite Brands

Fariha shares her love for Orly's Builder in a Bottle, praising its reliability and effectiveness. She also expresses admiration for Korean and Japanese gel brands for their innovation and quality.

[53:14] Fariha Ali: "Orly's Builder in a Bottle is my absolute favorite. It’s dependable and works wonders in every appointment."

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10. Conclusion and Follow Fariha Ali

The episode wraps up with Fariha inviting listeners to connect with her on social media. She can be found on Instagram at @nailjob, TikTok at @nailjobofficial, and soon on her new platform, @sensejob.

[54:45] Fariha Ali: "Follow me on Instagram @nailjob and TikTok @nailjobofficial for more nail art inspirations and tips."

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Key Takeaways:

• Gel Nail Allergies: Primarily caused by under-curing gels, leading to severe allergic reactions. Proper curing with professional lamps is essential.

• Dip Powder Hygiene: Ensure salons maintain individual servings to prevent contamination.

• Cuticle Care: Gentle pushing back during showers is preferred over cutting to maintain nail health.

• Press-On Removal: Use soaking methods to minimize nail damage during removal.

• Product Recommendations: Utilize high-quality products like Orly’s Builder in a Bottle and OPI Nail Envy for nail strength and health.

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This episode serves as an essential guide for anyone passionate about nail art, offering expert advice on maintaining healthy nails while enjoying creative designs. Fariha Ali's expertise provides listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their nail care routines.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Berea Ali]

G L A M Los Angeles.

[Kirby]

Hi, Kirby.

[Sarah]

Hi, Sarah. Welcome to Los Angeles. You have nail questions, we have nail answers, and it's a job for nail Job. So today's guest is. I'm not just saying this because I've known her for a decade at this point. It's been a long time.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, it's been a long time.

[Kirby]

Wow.

[Sarah]

But she is a nail icon. Okay. She's been doing nails for over a decade. I think you probably had just gotten started when I met you. Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

Just when I started.

[Sarah]

She has the best sense of humor and the most amazing artistic eye, and that has made her a star in the field. Please welcome Berea Ali.

[Announcer]

Woo hoo.

[Berea Ali]

Yay. It's me.

[Sarah]

We met at a place called Enamel Diction back in the day.

[Kirby]

Oh, no longer. No longer.

[Sarah]

Like, for a long time. No longer.

[Kirby]

No. There's, like, so many amazing nail salons that, I mean, because of COVID and everything, but that are no longer here, and it makes me so sad.

[Sarah]

It is very sad. But stars came out of that salon, Chon.

[Berea Ali]

Yes. No. Belle was never there, but, yeah, they were, like, a bunch of people. A bunch of us.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, honestly, the owner, Mariana, she was so amazing. I'll forever be grateful to her for all the kind of, like, industry exposure she gave us.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

And I mean, to this day, like, one of Chon's, like, biggest clients, Chloe, we got from her.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. So she was amazing. And I always felt so sad that that salon didn't make it.

[Kirby]

I know.

[Sarah]

But everyone ended up thriving, so thank.

[Berea Ali]

You, Mariana, for listening.

[Sarah]

I know, I know, but. Okay, so we're gonna talk all about nails we posted in our Slack channel. What nail questions do you have? Fariha is the person she teach. When I see her and she does my nails, I learn something new every single time. And that's why I'm so glad she's here. I was like, you have got. I'm like, cut us into your busy schedule of doing everybody's bomb ass. Nails. So we can talk all about nail health and nail art. But before we get into that, I would love to know a little bit, I mean, the listeners as well.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

About your background. How did you even get into nails and nail art?

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, so I. I mean, I didn't grow up in this country. I kind of like came over here for college and then I moved to LA and I was like, going through. Because I went to art school, so I. And it was a liberal arts school, so they don't teach you anything technical. So like, I went to school for photography and video and print and stuff like that. So when I moved here, my professors kind of linked me up with a photographer who does like, celebrity photography, et cetera. And I was just like, oh, I'm gonna assist him. It's gonna be great. And the first time I was assisting him, I almost put kind of smashed the gear into Hans Zimmer's Bentley. And I was just like, I don't think this day labor job is for me. I just can't. Cause I'm like, I have to do this for 10 years until I can get my own photo slave, you know? And I'm like, I can't do this. So I' like this. I can't carry things that I don't have enough upper body strength. And so I just like went into.

[Sarah]

You're so petite or tiny.

[Berea Ali]

I was just like. So I went into doing, like, graphic design because, like, I had, like, some understanding. Like, I have aesthetic understanding, but I don't really know that much about, like, the ins and outs of graphic designing. There's like a lot of technical stuff. I would. And I just got out of school and I had like, I'm like, I'm not gonna pay more to go back into school. So I was just like, winging it. And then I had some jobs and somehow I got like holed into this like, restaurant menu making thing.

[Sarah]

Ooh.

[Berea Ali]

No, not ooh. It was not cute. It was like older clientele. I don't know.

[Kirby]

It was like, that was kind of fun.

[Berea Ali]

It was interesting. It was interesting. I wasn't having the best time, so I was doing a lot of administrative time, administrative jobs, and then, like, graphic design things. And I was failing at it. And then I started doing my own nails around that time. And then I just kind of like started, you know, a Tumblr. And then I was doing. And I was like, doing very, like, because I just come out of art school, like, very art inspired nails, et cetera. And then I met a nail Artist who's like, really cool nailers. Like, nail swag. And like, it was like beauty con. The first beautycon.

[Sarah]

Wow.

[Berea Ali]

And then I saw. I met her, and she's like, I had these, like, nails that I did that were like dogs playing instruments. It was, like, hilarious. And she saw it. She was like, oh, my God, that's really good.

[Kirby]

That sounds so intricate.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, it was. It was a lot. And then. Because. But I. I had, you know, zest for life back. Back in the day. Yes. So I was doing all that, and then she met. I met her. I introduced myself. Like, she's like, oh, my God, I love your nails. I'm looking for an assistant. Like, can you assist? Like, what do you do? And I was like, yeah, sure, I'll assist you. And she's like, do you have a license? Blah, blah. I'm like, I don't know what that is. And she's like, well, you can't work with me unless you have a license. So I was just like, okay, great. And, like, kind of forgot about it. And then six months later, she's like, hey, did you ever get. End up getting the license? And I was just like, no, I haven't. But I. And inside I'm like, but I think I'm gonna get fired from this job, so this is a great time. So I was just like, okay, you know what? I'm gonna go to nail school. Thank God. I mean, my husband could support me financially. So I just did it full time. I finished it. And weirdly enough, I actually didn't end up working with her. I ended up going to Enamel and House of Polish instead. Because what I realized is that I didn't have any friends here. Like, I don't know anyone in la, you know? Like, Natalie had a lot of connections and whatnot. She already had a build clientele. So I was just like, if I work at her studio, I will learn a lot of things, but at the same time, I won't be able to build my clientele because it would be whoever doesn't want to go to her, maybe, but they would always prefer to go to her.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Berea Ali]

Whereas if I go to a salon, I can kind of build up my clientele, et cetera. So I kind of. That's just. It just went on from there.

[Sarah]

That's how we met.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, that's how we met. Yay.

[Sarah]

Okay. I love this. So. And then from there, she's just been absolutely killing it. I love your videos where you do nails and you do the voiceover, because it's usually not even about the nails. It's about something else going on. So it's like fully personality driven. And then you're also watching. It's kind of like the ASMR TikTok videos where you're watching something else happen, but then you're listening to something completely different.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. I mean, honestly, if you truly. If you're a nail taker and you pay attention to the videos, I literally give no useful information there.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

Like you learn nothing.

[Sarah]

Yeah. It's not educational.

[Berea Ali]

It's not entertaining.

[Sarah]

100.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. When someone's like, oh, what did you do there? Did you show this step? And I'm like, well, this isn't really about.

[Sarah]

You're like, this is my life, actually. Yeah, exactly.

[Kirby]

But I think, oh, my God, look at these designs. Like, I don't even know where to begin. Like, how you would even create. And some of these.

[Sarah]

The cherries are so cute.

[Berea Ali]

I will say, like, if you. In the bigger context of, like, nail art and whatnot, my nail looks are more on the minimal side.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Like, I mean, not in. Within, like just nails in general, because not most everyone gets nail art, but within, like, the niche. I. One of my clients, I was just like, what is my style? And she's like, actually, maybe your style is more architectural. Yes. Because I like consistency throughout all the nails. I like there to be some sort of, like, you know, some driving look about it or something that's like, visually interesting, but I don't like it being too distracting, I guess. So it's not even that crazy. So I never see it. But of course, people who don't normally get it, they're like, oh, this is very interesting. And which is why a lot of looks that I find to be really boring and I wouldn't ever post before now I post because I'm like, to someone, someone's trash is someone else's treasure.

[Sarah]

100%. All of them. They're not.

[Kirby]

None of these are trash.

[Sarah]

No, they're all amazing. I agree. If you look at Fariha's Instagram page, you would think, oh, what is she talking about? This is so. Like, some of these are really eccentric looking. Some of these are more detailed. But one of the things I love is I went to her and just said, okay, I'm going to Alaska for the holidays. I really liked this idea of the, like, the tempered glass that you had done on.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Like on somebody else. I can't remember exactly what that look was. Maybe it was a few.

[Berea Ali]

Like, I did it a few times. On, like, a dark colors and light colors.

[Sarah]

Yes. And then I said, I want mine to be a little bit more of, like, a neutral so that people have to look a little bit more closely to see. And so we did what we did. Like a sparkle shade.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. We did a glitter. Like a very dense glitter. And then we did a silver cat eye. And then we did the texture. Like, we did a matte and then we did the texture.

[Sarah]

Yes. And so this texture, it looks like we called it baccarat.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, like baccarat glassware. Or like Murano, I couldn't really find. But it looks like the vintage textured glassware.

[Sarah]

Yes. And I love. That's how we eventually ended up on this. And we started with this. You know, I said, oh, I love this look. And then we kind of made it our own, because if you look on her Instagram, everything is so different.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

She posted something the other day. I can't even remember what it was. Go, how the hell did you even think of this? And she was just like. I don't know. We just, like, started vibing off of a conversation. And then she came up with this beautiful work of art on this one. Woman's nails. It was the most. It was the craziest thing ever.

[Kirby]

But no, you're truly, truly talented.

[Berea Ali]

Thank you.

[Sarah]

She has the best nails. And also, literally, if you come to la, we obviously are gonna link her in the show notes. But go to her. Book in advance.

[Kirby]

Treat yourself.

[Sarah]

It's hard to get her. It's hard to book her. Nail her down. Cause she's booked and be as busy.

[Kirby]

As Nail her down. Wink, wink.

[Sarah]

Yes, but get in there.

[Kirby]

All right, Freeha, we have to ask you what is on your beautiful face? What are you currently obsessed with in terms of, like, skincare, makeup?

[Sarah]

Fragrance.

[Berea Ali]

Yes. Oh, yes. Yes. I'm a fragrance junkie. Frag head. That's what you.

[Sarah]

Frag head. Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Yes. That's what I am. It's a problem. It's an addiction I try to stay away from.

[Sarah]

She smells amazing.

[Kirby]

Yeah, you do.

[Berea Ali]

Thank you. Thank you. Especially for you, Vicious. Okay. So I actually brought in because I wouldn't remember what things I use, so I've been using this tear tier. This is the glow one.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

Not the red one. The red one is a bit too stiff for me. I like a bit more sheerness to it because I'm really bad. I think I've lost the art of doing makeup in the last couple of years because I've been working in a cave, you know, full of People I'm not trying to impress or whatever, even for myself, because I hate taking off makeup. So when you lose the art of putting on makeup, you need things that will be forgiving. So this one is very forgiving. And I'm really glad that the Korean cushion foundations are now coming up with more colors.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Because I got into cushion foundations around, like, 2015, 2016, when, like, two brands made a shade that was two shades lighter than me. Darkest.

[Sarah]

Right, right.

[Berea Ali]

So now this is, like, my new fave.

[Sarah]

It was, like, alabaster to snow, and that was the entire thing, like, different.

[Berea Ali]

Stages of, like, dead to resuscitated.

[Sarah]

Yes, yes.

[Berea Ali]

Like Nosferatu to freshly.

[Sarah]

Exactly.

[Berea Ali]

So it wasn't my color, but now I love it. I love. So that's what I put on today.

[Sarah]

It looks. Your skin looks very glowy.

[Kirby]

Love.

[Berea Ali]

I really love it. And then I brought in the cream because I've been obsessed with it. So have you guys heard of rejuran? Yeah.

[Kirby]

Like, can I.

[Berea Ali]

What?

[Kirby]

You would get, like, at, like, a clinic.

[Berea Ali]

At a clinic. Yeah. So rejuran, which is, like, usually it's like, a sperm. Yeah. I mean, yeah, it could be salmon sperm. It's like. It's basically, like, marine derived, like, bio something.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. So they usually inject that in your skin in order to create collagen and whatnot. And then my friend, like, who does all this stuff, he was. I was like. He did, like, he was just, like, doing something on my face, and then I'm like, oh, you know, this is gonna bruise. And then he said, oh, just take this. Use it. And honest to God, this made, like, any bruising, all my hyperpigmentation go. Like, it. It kind of healed my face so fast. I was, like, shocked. I couldn't believe it was, like, actually this. But I know that this is it. Cause I don't usually use too many things on my face. And because, like, I'm, like, on my brown skin, I tend to, like, if I get a bruising or hyperpigmentation, whatever, it stays for a really long time.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Berea Ali]

But this, like, within, like, two weeks, everything is just, like, looking. So basically, if you get anything. I'm not saying that this is gonna replace if you have to do resurfacing or whatever, but this really helps with the healing process. So this is, like, called the Rejuran C PDRN 0.2% turnover cream.

[Kirby]

I didn't know that they made creams. Like, I thought it was only, like, injectables, or they would apply it and then do like, microneedling. Because I've been wanting to get the Rejuron, but I have heard, for the injections anyways, that sometimes it doesn't dissolve right away. And so that's why a lot of people like the microneedling, because you apply it topically. But I didn't know. But I want. Whatever goodness is, of course, that way.

[Berea Ali]

Of putting it in is gonna create. I mean, just like, you'll get the results that they promised.

[Kirby]

100%.

[Berea Ali]

This is very surface level.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

But it definitely. It's amazing.

[Sarah]

I'm totally sold on this.

[Berea Ali]

And I. I looked it up before coming here. I'm like. Cause my friend got it from Korea, and I also saw, like, this is like a hack. Like, when you go there, people are like, people don't know about this. You can get this at the pharmacy, et cetera. But I looked it up, and they actually have Rejuven has a USA website. And you can get, like, the. And you can get, like, the night cream, the eye cream, all of it.

[Sarah]

Oh, my gosh. I love this. One of the things that I love listening to Fariha about are she is a beauty girl. Like, obviously, nails. But you love skincare.

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Even though you said you're not doing makeup as much anymore. Like, you're very, very well versed in this world. And so we were talking about you went to Korea and got some treatments at one point.

[Berea Ali]

I mean.

[Sarah]

Yeah, she knows her shit.

[Kirby]

So fun.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

So I like. Yes. I'm an obsessive person, which is like. Yeah, perfumes.

[Kirby]

Wait, yeah. So share what perfume you're wearing.

[Sarah]

She smells amazing all the time.

[Kirby]

Delicious.

[Sarah]

I love her fragrance recommendations.

[Berea Ali]

I think I have, like, four vials on my person at all times for different moods. Okay.

[Sarah]

I can't wait.

[Berea Ali]

Okay, so the first one, Vanilla Powder by Matier Premiere. That's the one that I was wearing. It's a French house, and it's kind of like a woody Vanilla.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Which I like. It's not too sweet.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, it's like more of like Apollo Santo. Yes. Which is, like, really? I don't know.

[Kirby]

It feels very warm and welcoming.

[Berea Ali]

Very beast mode, as they call it. So you can wear it. I literally smell it two days later on my shirt.

[Kirby]

Love that.

[Berea Ali]

This other one, Z. New perfumes. This is a Mexico City perfume house. It's like, kind of floral situation.

[Sarah]

Oh, I love that she's passing it over.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, you got to smell it.

[Sarah]

This. Was this the one you were wearing when you did my nails last night?

[Berea Ali]

No, no, no. That Was like more of like a cardamom. That one was Lunthelene.

[Sarah]

Yes. Lunpholine.

[Kirby]

It's like jasmine or something.

[Sarah]

Oh, I'm obsessed with this one.

[Kirby]

That smells really good.

[Sarah]

Okay, we're gonna link all of these if we can find them.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

She just keeps pulling more out of her purse.

[Berea Ali]

And this is my new obsession. This is Angel Dust by Fugazi.

[Sarah]

Ooh.

[Kirby]

Also, she makes her own travel minis.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, of course. As you do. Ooh. This one's like a more like, you know, this is like a glossier. You on crack.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Sarah]

But I like this one because I don't like glossier you on me.

[Berea Ali]

No.

[Kirby]

Oh, it does. It does smell like glossy au, but just like, a little bit, like, more potent.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. This is like a pepper. This is a more like a complex glossier. It depends on your skin chemistry, et cetera. But this is like, kind of in between. Like, this is almost like another 13 from Le Labo. Then glossier. It's like the same family as this.

[Kirby]

But, like, I like that on crack.

[Sarah]

Angel dust.

[Berea Ali]

So this is the angel dust X straight from Fugazi.

[Sarah]

Wow.

[Berea Ali]

The bottle.

[Kirby]

You should do a video of you making your own little vials.

[Berea Ali]

I should. I just started a fragrance Instagram. Oh, did you? I did.

[Sarah]

Oh. Immediate follow. And you guys can hear. She's clearly well versed in all of everything fragrance. So I take these to heart. Like, I'm going to be buying all of these. I'm so excited.

[Berea Ali]

It's a scents job.

[Kirby]

Oh, there you sense Job.

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Wait. S, E, N, S, E, J, O, B. Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

S E. Oh, sorry. S, N, J, O, B. Yes.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

I was trying to get sense Job. Someone took it.

[Sarah]

Damn it.

[Berea Ali]

It's okay, I'll forgive them.

[Kirby]

Yeah. Is it an actual, like, do they create anything? Of course.

[Sarah]

Of course. It's a debt account.

[Kirby]

Speaking of some sense.

[Sarah]

Yes. Okay, let's get. Let's get Fariha's common sense when it comes to nails.

[Kirby]

God, we have so many questions.

[Sarah]

We do, we do. We're gonna try to.

[Berea Ali]

I'm excited.

[Sarah]

We have. Okay, so right from starting right now, we have 30 minutes.

[Kirby]

So let's go. Let's go. Let's get through these.

[Berea Ali]

Chop, chop.

[Sarah]

One thing that Fariha brought up to me was when I was getting my nails done. Gel allergies. Okay.

[Kirby]

Worst fear.

[Sarah]

Correct.

[Berea Ali]

You should fear it.

[Kirby]

I fear it.

[Berea Ali]

It's a bad one.

[Kirby]

Jeez.

[Sarah]

So we were talking about someone that we both know, and she was saying I was watching her do her gel nails at home. And I said to myself, she's going to develop a gel.

[Berea Ali]

I was thinking that I really hope I'm wrong, but I can see this crash come in from miles away.

[Kirby]

Did you message her?

[Berea Ali]

No, because it's presumptuous and I don't know if I'm doing it right. But there was a fear, like an intuition that was telling me very high possibility and it happened.

[Sarah]

So why do people develop gel nail allergies?

[Berea Ali]

Okay, so I mean, should I be nerdy about it?

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Okay, so basically gels are like a type of like, I mean it's like a synthetic polymer, much like other plastics, right. Before it becomes a polymer, like the actual wet gel, it's a methacrylate monomer. That's the form it is, right? So methacrylate monomer becomes a polymer which is like a hard plastic. When the light hits it and it's like, I guess it polymerizes right into the plastic, it forms long chains, et cetera. Once it is in the polymer stage, like which is what we are wearing right now, it is hard enough and the molecule size is big enough where it doesn't penetrate your nail bed. But when it is in the wet state, which is in the monomer, whatever methacrylate state, it can kind of penetrate your bloodstream and it can go through your skin and it interrupts with the proteins in your body. And so it kind of creates like the longer the exposure is and depending on time, et cetera, you start contracting like you get like contact dermatitis. And it can be really bad and depends on person to person, not everyone will experience it. But through like exposure, like long exposures and the type of gel you're using, the type of methacrylate monomer that is in the gel, you can get it really bad and it looks like flesh eating disease. It's not cute.

[Kirby]

Okay, so does it have to do with how you're applying it or the product that you're using a lot?

[Berea Ali]

Most of the time it has to do with the under curing. So the main thing is you want it to get into solid state. So the way it gets a solid state to form an actual plastic polymer, whatever acrylic, what have you, is for it to be fully exposed to the light until the light hits it. It doesn't fully harden. And as long as it's not fully hardened, it's semi like wet, Right. Even though you can't tell, you can't feel it, but it is kind of semi Wet and it can penetrate your bloodstream or over your skin.

[Sarah]

You were saying that you saw this person and basically they weren't curing the gels long enough.

[Berea Ali]

No, I was just. That's the thing. When you look at the video and the most places are like oh, 30 seconds, what not. But a lot of the times the light that they're using isn't necessarily from the same manufacturer. And I mean I don't use the same manufacturer gel all the time, but my lamp is very strong. And because I don't use the same manufacturer gel plus lamp, I make my clients kind of over cure the gel, turn their hands around, like do the thumb separately, all that jazz. So the biggest amount of problems you get with gel, like peeling, chipping, all that stuff usually happens from under curing. I see. Wow.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Okay. Obviously there's the lamps that you can use. What about the like pens, like LED whatever that people use when they're doing you know, just one nail.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. So a lot of the people that developed allergies over Covid when they were doing like apres especially they were doing the gel X's on themselves. And gel X is like, you know the kind of the press on nail situation, it's like made of gel and then you adhere it with nail glue, like a gel glue. So that particular gel, whatever is in it usually it's a bit stronger. The formula is slightly different as in it has more like properties that you can, can be an allergen. So most people develop allergies from under curing.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

That's like a higher chance of you like if you just use gel polish there's like most of the time it won't happen. But when you're using more like builder gels, things that possibly have like stronger monomer or not stronger, like more allergic type like allergy causing monomers then higher chance. So most people were getting that plus they were using the small mini lamps that came in and those don't really have that much power. Yeah, you need a pretty high power lamp. Plus you need to like really be like when I do my own nails, I'm like constantly looking to see if the light is like the bulb itself is right above my nail. Because otherwise you really can't make sure. Like if it's in the shadow. Most people have problems with the thumb. Like it's because it's not so like the little ones sometimes not powerful enough.

[Kirby]

You would say the ones where it's like you're plugging into like a USB port, like that's probably not strong enough.

[Berea Ali]

Probably not. Those I would use for flash curing, which is only just to like hold the gel for a little bit. Like say I'm doing multiple nails. Like for her style, I had to hold each stripe in its position, but I had to do all of them. I couldn't have her put it into the lamp every time. So I would like do it for two seconds and it would freeze the gel, but it doesn't mean it's cured. Okay, so it holds it in place. Yeah, it holds it in place. Which is what essentially people were doing when they got the allergies. Because it feels like it's cured, but it's not.

[Kirby]

Right.

[Berea Ali]

So it's not powerful. You need to get a pretty high grade professional lamp.

[Sarah]

Do you have a favorite lamp in case people are still doing their nails at home or want to do their nails at home?

[Berea Ali]

I mean the last two lamps I used were pretty good. Like if you're doing gel X on yourself at home, get the apres lamp, the alpha lamp. It's pretty good.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

The one I'm using right now is the cocoist lamp and it's been pretty good for me.

[Kirby]

Is that like a good rule of thumb where, you know, there are so many brands now that are coming out with their own at home gel systems and they also usually come out with a corresponding lamp. Should you always try to use, you know, let's say like Olive and June has their own system now. Like should you use the lamp that is comes with the nail polish?

[Berea Ali]

Yes. Okay. It is definitely recommended. I will say though, there, there's always variations to that because there are many companies that are a bit more professional leaning than others are. So when you are maybe more consumer driven and not maybe a huge conglomeration, whatever, like a big R and D behind it, maybe you're kind of just putting the different components together. But if you are a very professional driven company, you would make sure that the light bulbs within your life correspond to the frequency that is needed for the gel to cure. Got it. There's like most of the lamps come with two different frequencies, which is like both like the new ones that the LED bulbs, it's like 365nm and 410 or something like that. That's the range for gels. So usually you can cure most gels within like that spectrum.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

But usually like a professional company would make sure that the photo initiators in their gel corresponds with the bulb that is being used in their lamps. So if you actually have a Lamp. That's professional. It's really great. And another company's, like, gel isn't curing. It's actually not on them.

[Kirby]

Yeah, yeah.

[Berea Ali]

Yep.

[Kirby]

That makes sense.

[Sarah]

Totally makes sense.

[Kirby]

Can you get over your gel allergy?

[Berea Ali]

I don't believe so. I don't. I haven't seen it happen.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I mean, I would just feel, like, traumatized. I wouldn't be able to use it again after. I think I have a fleshy day.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, it's like. It's pretty hard. I haven't seen anyone recover from it. It's the same as people who have lash. Like, eyelash, like, it's the same. Superglue is a type of. It's cyanoacrylate. This is a type of methyl methacrylate as well. So they're kind of in the same family. So when you form allergies to them, it kind of acts in the same way.

[Sarah]

So I have an allergy to eyelash extensions. I can't ever have them again.

[Kirby]

And then that would probably. Yeah, you don't need them. Don't feel bad for her.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, that's true.

[Kirby]

But that was probably changing because of the way that the person applied it, you think?

[Sarah]

I think it was just. I don't think it was the way the person applied it. I think I just had gotten them and gotten them and then just randomly.

[Berea Ali]

Yes. There are, like, two possibilities here. You could have possibly just gotten them. You were already susceptible to that material being allergen for you. It happens over time. Like repeated exposure.

[Sarah]

Yes, repeated exposure.

[Berea Ali]

But then sometimes the way, like, cyanoacrylate works, it solidifies with the moisture in the air. So if you put a glob of it on, like, when you attach, if you don't put a very. You have to put almost nothing. You put a glob on it, and there's, like, moisture. Right. It just cures the outside, and the inside never cures. So it's kind of the same with. When you're doing, like, gels and you put in, like, clear. Like, the client can kind of take it in and take it out for a second and take it back in, it'll still be curing. It's not advice, but it'll still be curing. Whereas if you. If I painted a dark color on them and they just took it out after 10 seconds, it's screwed.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

Because then the top cures, and the light never penetrates inside for it to cure. So like, super glue works like that. If you put too much super glue on the thing just comes off.

[Kirby]

Right, Totally. Yeah, that makes sense.

[Berea Ali]

So that when you do that with lashes, if that happens a few times, then it's high chance that.

[Kirby]

So what I'm hearing is you have to go to a trusted person. Nails and lashes. And also if you're doing your own nails at home, you have to be doing it properly.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. And you 100%, you also have to pay attention. I don't what you do as a client because I definitely, as I'm talking, I mean, you experience. I keep talking about it as I'm doing it. I teach my clients, like, why they need to make sure their hands are in the right spot. I tell them, like, girl, you want this to last. I want it to last, but you want it to last more than I do.

[Kirby]

Right?

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Berea Ali]

Put it in the right spot.

[Sarah]

Yeah. She's very meticulous about your hand placement and making sure that it stays in the right position. Doing your thumb more so than any other nail artist I've worked with.

[Kirby]

So would you suggest people do their own nails at home, their gel nails at home, or would you recommend them to really go to a professional?

[Berea Ali]

I mean, if you can afford to go to a professional, of course, like, you know, treat yourself. I mean, I started out doing my own nails. Right. So I mean, it start. It started for me somewhere. There was a lot of misinformation that was. There was actually no information when I started doing it. Zero information. Even now I feel like these things topics are not really touched on. I only really learned it when, like early on because I was learning to teach for this Japanese, like gel company and they really went into the nitty gritty of it because they were like, hey, if you have. This is why you have issues. Right, Right. So I learned through that and after that I was really curious and I kind of went on it. And for me, I don't really have time to do fixes. I don't want to deal with the client's issues if it can be prevented. Right. So obviously, like, I'm very nerdy about this, but if you are doing gels at home, like you have, you can do it. You just have to be very fastidious about it. You kind of have to learn and you also run the risk. Especially now that more like when I started doing it, the more powerful, like more heavier, like builder gels and stuff like that wasn't available for non professionals. Right. And now you get everywhere.

[Kirby]

Amazon. Yeah, yeah.

[Berea Ali]

And the ones on Amazon, like, it's not like I use what I Call the bowels of China products. Because, like, one of my friends was like, this friend from college, she was like, oh, my God. You know, I developed an allergy. I'm like, yeah, you know, the light, whatever. I was explaining to her, she's like, no, it was because it was like, not Hema free and this and that. And I'm like, yes, that is always good. I don't know why you're arguing with me because I've been doing nails for 10 years.

[Sarah]

But.

[Berea Ali]

Okay. But yes, I do use a lot of. Like, it's not always Hema free, what I'm using, but if you're really, really careful, it won't be an issue. Whereas if you're just picking out something, you run a higher risk of developing those allergies.

[Sarah]

When you say Hema free, for people that don't know, what does that mean?

[Berea Ali]

Hema is hydroxyethyl methacrylate. So this is a type of. So the different, like, yeah, the different gels, you know, there are different methacrylate monomers and there are different types of it. So Hema is one of the ones that like. Or like hydroxy whatever, what I just said. Yes, that's one of the ingredients that they use a lot. But that is one of the ingredients that has been noticed. Like, they've seen that it can cause more allergies than some of the other ones.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

So a lot of them are doing, like, Hema free, but I don't know, you just gotta be careful. Like Hema free or. No.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

It's the plastic.

[Kirby]

We have, like, so many other questions. I have one more question about this. The semi cured strips.

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Do those. Could that pose a risk for allergies? Like, I feel like I see those everywhere now.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, I actually. I don't think so. I actually did. I did a collaboration with somebody to do those. I think those function in a different way because the base layer is kind of adhesive.

[Kirby]

I see.

[Berea Ali]

The base layer isn't gel. Yeah, it's the top that's gel. I think that's because it's a few layers of materials that they use. So the base layer is kind of a sticker. The way it sticks to your nail is not the way gel bonds to your nail.

[Kirby]

So that's a safer option.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. So it's like a sticker and then. But the top cures. It's a semi cured. Right. So the top cure. So it's harder and it's the shape of your nail, so it sticks longer.

[Kirby]

Got It. Okay.

[Berea Ali]

Whew.

[Kirby]

Sorry. Go for it. I feel like I learned so much. Okay, let's talk about cuticles.

[Berea Ali]

Oh, yeah.

[Kirby]

That's another favorite topic our listeners want to know. Should we push them? Should we trim them? What should we be doing? What should we be asking for at the nail salon?

[Berea Ali]

Okay, so if you don't know and trust the person, just tell them to push them back. You have to push them back, because if you have dead skin on your nail plate, then the gel is most likely to lift because it never adhered to your nail plate to begin with. So as the nail grows out, that dead skin starts pulling out like it's part of your nail. I mean, your skin, your finger skin, but the nail is growing out, but the gel was on top of that skin because it wasn't pushed back. So that's where the lifting happens. So you have to push it back. You have to kind of do that. But if you get them to cut it and if they don't cut it properly, like, I actually only prefer to cut hangnails because when I did, I tried. I mean, not that I'm hating on Russian manicures. I'm not. I think the people who are really good at it can do an amazing job. But when I tried to do it for, like, for six months or like, around a year, I did it. So at first it was amazing. But then over six months, period, I started noticing my clients are getting more excited to see me be like, oh, my God, my cuticles were so bad. And then I started noticing. I'm like, do you. I mean, have you noticed how it only got this bad because we started doing it so much, and over time, it's like your body thinks it's under attack when you overcut.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

You know what I'm saying? It's like, forms calluses. So if you can cut it straight. For example, if you're cutting a jagged. It grows back, grows out, like in a hangnail. So, like, if you don't know how to do it right. And I can't even. I'm not a. Like, even as the machine can't do it right. So I wouldn't. I don't really recommend cutting, especially at home. Don't be doing that.

[Sarah]

Don't cut your own cuticles, please.

[Kirby]

Oh, my God.

[Berea Ali]

Honestly, the only thing I do for myself is when I'm taking a shower after I'm done with the hair washing, like, I push my cuticles back with my other hand.

[Sarah]

In the shower?

[Berea Ali]

Yes, in the shower.

[Sarah]

Oh. Cause they're soft enough?

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Just gently push.

[Berea Ali]

No cuticles.

[Sarah]

I mean, you do, you have amazing nail beds.

[Berea Ali]

Just in general, I mean, but I'm saying I never cut them. I never really do any like cuticle softener even.

[Sarah]

That's a great tip. I think that's really smart. I need to put a pusher in my shower now.

[Berea Ali]

You don't even need to shower. What do you do with your nails?

[Sarah]

Can you.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, that's what I do.

[Sarah]

You're just. Oh, you're not even bringing a tool.

[Kirby]

No, you just.

[Berea Ali]

Because when you take a tool, especially if it's a metal tool and your nail is really soft, you're. You're messing it up more.

[Sarah]

Okay. So just use your other hand and get.

[Kirby]

Love that. I love that. Yeah. At the end of the shower.

[Berea Ali]

Okay. It's amazing. It works. Amazing.

[Sarah]

Okay, what is the best way to rehab nails from drilling, improper removal, etc.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. So when people have damage from nail that like drilled improperly and they're like, should I be getting my nails done or not? Like, if it's a friend, I'm like, are you still going back there? Because if you're still going back there, you're constantly be in danger of more damage. If you're still going back there, then take a six month break.

[Sarah]

Got it.

[Berea Ali]

You know, let it grow out. Like cut it all off and let it grow out and then face more damage.

[Sarah]

Right. You're like, listen, if you're not gonna learn from your mistakes, you have to take a pause. Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

Like if you don't know, that's me. But for example, like if, say I had some clients who had like damage and came to me, like, I am very, like, I really am careful about not damaging for myself, not for them. Cause when it's damaged, it starts lifting and more problems. It doesn't last as long. So it's in my best interest to make sure the nail plate isn't damaged. And I also use a base coat that I don't have to take off every time. So I kind of feel it almost like a hard gel fill or whatever. So if I can avoid doing that, that part of the nail avoids getting prepped every time. So like the damaged part slowly grows out. But if you can't find someone like that, then just go take a break.

[Sarah]

Is there anything that they can be doing at home during that break? Like if your nails are starting to flake, starting to peel, things like that. Like what products are tools do you think we should be using?

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, like I think nail teaks they make. That one's pretty good. It's like a nail strengthener. You do have to apply a coat every day.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

In order to see results. Also like OPI Nail Envy.

[Kirby]

Oh, my gosh. I was just gonna ask about that. So my whole refinery team is obsessed with the OPI Nail Serum.

[Berea Ali]

The serum.

[Kirby]

Yes. They've been. They, like, all of them rave about it.

[Sarah]

Repair mode, bond building. Nail serum. A bond builder for your nails.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, it's actually. I mean, I've used it. I've used it. I. I mean, I don't know. I'm not a good test sub.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I feel like it's like something you need to be really consistent with. Right.

[Berea Ali]

You need to be. It's like, like lash serum, right?

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

You gotta. You gotta be good with it. I'm sure it works.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

If they've made claims, then.

[Sarah]

OPI Nail Envy, you said.

[Kirby]

Yes, sir.

[Sarah]

Product that you.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, yeah. So, yeah. Because then it'll add a bit of, like. I wouldn't. I mean, not hardness and necessarily, but some, like, weight to it. And also you can hide the imperfections because it comes in like, you know, their iconic colors, like bubble bath, et cetera. So it adds, like, a bit of color. Not a lot of, like, you don't have to, like, put on a base coat, this and top coat.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

You can just put that on and, like, it'll look clean and fresh if you don't want to, like, you know, mess. If you don't feel comfortable showing your natural nails because it's really damaged.

[Kirby]

I liked the Essie one. Essie makes their treat Love and color collection. So it's like, like, basically that. Where it's like. I mean, I had to use it for a very long time because I didn't like to have bare nails. But it's supposed to treat your nails. I mean, it. Obviously it's not. Nothing's gonna look as good as when you get them professionally done. But I guess it is important to take a break sometimes.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. No, I mean, absolutely. I mean, for. I mean, I. I'm not trying to, like, flex about this or anything, but, like, for my clients, it actually doesn't really make a difference if you. Cause some of them, like, should I take a break? I'm like, it's completely up to you.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

If you don't want to come in, do this. But actually, nail wise, it doesn't make a difference because the way I'm doing it, I'm just growing out. You're not even touching on that part. It just grows out, and then you're fine. But if you feel like you need to take a break, you need to take a break. But if you're going to different people or whoever's doing your nails is not very consistent about that aspect of it, then taking a break is so much safer than, like, trying to do this and that on top of it.

[Sarah]

So we've talked about how gel manicures, how they can be bad for you at home and in the salon. But in general, are gel manicures bad for you and is dip bad for you? I just. A lot of questions are freaking out about whether or not they should be getting gel or dip, period.

[Kirby]

They're like, dip is. What do you call it? Unhygienic, Whatever.

[Sarah]

Unsanitary. Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

I'm not like, I know how dip works, obviously, but. And it's more like closer to, like, it's kind of like a resin glue that they use. They call it, like powder gel or whatever. I mean, gel as in it's not a UV gel. You can call it gel. In terms of consistency, it is a gel, like glue. Looking wise. But it's like, kind of closer to. I would say, like a superglue kind of vibes. Right. So you. If you. The proper way to do it is actually for them to put the powder. Sprinkle the powder on top of it.

[Sarah]

Instead of dipping your nail.

[Berea Ali]

Dipping your nail into it every time. So the way. If you look at manufacturers, like videos of it, like, especially like opi, et cetera, who are very concerned about hygiene, they always sprinkle it on top of it. So if the salon is fastidious about it and you like getting dip powder done, then just make sure that they sprinkle it. You go to a place where they sprinkle it, and they don't, like double dip, triple 1000 dip on the same container.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

That makes sense.

[Sarah]

Would it be okay if they have a separate container for each individual person?

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, sometimes they do that.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

Sometimes they just pour it out in a little plastic cup and do all that. I mean, I don't have a ton of experience with it, but I would think you'd have to put in so much in there. There's, like, a lot of wasted product.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

And most salons don't want to do that.

[Sarah]

No. But no matter what, you shouldn't be dipping your finger into the jar. The jar that multiple people are using.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, that is. Yeah, you should avoid that.

[Sarah]

And then for gel, I. I think most people, they're worried about Things like the uv, the UV and the dermatitis, like we mentioned. But the uv. I mean, I do wear UV gloves sometimes. But like, what are your thoughts?

[Berea Ali]

Okay, so as I was saying, there's like the nanometer, like frequency or like the wavelength range is like towards like the low end of UV to mostly now it's visible light spectrum. So the lowest, like the highest frequency light there is on the UV lamps is 365, which is very low energy UV. So you get more sun damage in driving in your car than you can ever get through those. But however, UV damage over time extended many, many years. I'm sure it has some effect. Just like, you know, my secret deodorant does. Yeah, I mean, I'm not gonna say it's not gonna kill you. It might.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Berea Ali]

But the air is killing me, so I don't even know. But if you're concerned about it, like, why not just put on SPF on your hands before you go into the salon?

[Sarah]

Wear gloves. Yeah, or gloves.

[Kirby]

$10 on Amazon.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, even if they clean, they're not cleaning your whole hand, like with alcohol when they're putting on the gel, they're just cleaning your nail plate. So the sunscreen will still be there. It'll be effective.

[Kirby]

What about when you're feeling the heat? Oh, yes, when you're putting. Some people, I will say, you know, when you put your nails under the lamp and then it gets really hot, it almost feels painful. Is that bad? Is something bad happening?

[Berea Ali]

No, it is basically during the polymerization process when the monomer or oligomer, whatever turns into like, it forms polymer chains. Part of the process of solidifying is it creates like, it generates thermal energy. So the thicker, the harder the like, the harder the gel is, the more heat is usually produced. There are many gels out there that now are doing like low heat, non heat, like whatever or like for me, I usually flash cure it for two seconds before they put it in, so the heat experience is minimized. So if your nails are really, really weak, then even something that other people don't feel, you will feel it. But it's just the fact that the gels are hardening.

[Kirby]

And also I feel like it matters how thick they apply the gel. Right. It's almost better to do thin layers. I don't know, maybe. You tell me.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, I mean, when you're using colors, you have to actually apply thin layers because otherwise it'll be uncured gel.

[Kirby]

Got it.

[Berea Ali]

You don't actually want to glob it on, but when you're doing stuff like builder gels and doing fills, you have to do thick layers. You kind of have to build it in and it's unavoidable at that point. But for that you have to ask your tech to kind of flash cure it so that it kind of. You avoid the heat spike. Because the heat spike is just like two seconds or whatever. But when you feel it, it's like, yeah, it's really painful. So if you are unsure, just before you do the full cure, just put your hands in for two seconds and then take them out and then wait for the heat to dissipate and then put it in again.

[Kirby]

Got it?

[Berea Ali]

Cool. Thank you.

[Sarah]

Okay, I'm going through the slack because I'm trying to see. I'm gonna crowdsource the top questions. People are talking about dry hands, dry nails in the winter. Do you have a favorite hand cream? Hand lotion for the chronically dry handed people.

[Kirby]

Do you like oil?

[Berea Ali]

Honestly? Okay, this is something I discovered over. I mean, don't get too excited. Don't get too excited. This is something that I discovered over Covid. Cause my hands, I usually don't have cuticle problems. My hands are pret great. They're not dry. I don't get those calluses. And then when the lockdown I stopped doing nails, my hands started getting crusty and I was just like, what is happening? Like I'm not even working. Like, why are my hands getting so. I mean, yes, I was washing hands, my own hands, whatever, but I'm like, this is really strange. And then I was like trying to figure out what the difference is. And it was the fact that I wear nitrile gloves all day long. So basically the most problem, especially in LA area, is happening because of humidity. So when you're washing your hands, blah, blah, blah, no matter how much, sometimes even you over oil, your body's tricked into thinking it doesn't need to produce more oil. So over oiling isn't a great thing either. I mean, of course you should like bring back whatever you're losing. But the best way to avoid it is if you can create a fake sense of humidity around your hands. So when you wear like well fitted non powdered gloves for like a certain amount of time during the day, it gets the moisture from itself. So it's not like any external thing that your body has to trick itself into. Like it's not depleting yourself or stopping yourself from creating sebum, it's just that you need the humidity.

[Kirby]

Interesting.

[Sarah]

So then what would you recommend? Because I don't know if people would want to be wearing those gloves on.

[Kirby]

A regular basis overnight.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, if you could wear it overnight, amazing. If you can wear it like a part of the day, you know, you just really. If you have a humidifier, it's great, but if you don't. Can't do any of those. One of my new favorite lotions is the labdanum one from Necessaire. I love. I really like that formula and the consistency of it. And I feel it's not too oily and it's not too, like, watery. Yeah, it's a really good one.

[Kirby]

I feel like people just need to reapply throughout the day.

[Berea Ali]

They do need to reapply.

[Kirby]

Like, leave it by your laptop.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. If necessary. Or like a dead cool is listening to this. I would love to do a collaboration nail oil.

[Kirby]

Oh, I know that necessary. Or we both know the necessary team. We'll let them know.

[Sarah]

Manifest. Okay.

[Kirby]

I feel like we should get rejuron. Like.

[Berea Ali]

Oh, absolutely. That's not a bad idea. It's not a bad idea.

[Kirby]

You should team up with them.

[Sarah]

When I do micro needling or cool peel, I make them do my hands.

[Kirby]

Oh, my God. Smart, smart.

[Sarah]

I do. I do. So many questions about peeling. They're like, my nails are always peeling.

[Kirby]

Or I see, like a gel.

[Sarah]

Either the gel or just their natural nails. What do you find is the culprit? Usually people not applying polish properly. Improper removal.

[Berea Ali]

There's certain base coats. Like, if you're using regular polish, like just, you know, lacquer. There's some for the adhesion part. Like, when they're using the base coat, it's more acidic, so it can cause, like, the dry, like, the white spots and peeling over time. I mean, you just have to, like, put oil on your actual nail plate between, like, applications. So if you take off your regular, like, just lacquer that you had on, you take it off. And if you have hard nails, there's like a hard, like, a more chance of it getting brittle because of the dryness and the acidity of the base coat. So you take it off. Just give it a day. Just put on oil on it and let it, like, sink in. Like, people has experienced that a lot on pedicures. Right. When you take it off, there's the white spots.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

Yep. Not enough time between, like, because they're applying the oil or whatever, and then they're immediately putting it, like, cleaning it, putting it back on if you can get it. I mean, no one's doing this. But if you can get a day.

[Kirby]

Take a break.

[Berea Ali]

Take a break, then. Yeah, it'll go away. A lot of the. If you were talking about like, I think one of the things you were wondering about, like nail thickening.

[Sarah]

Yes. Okay. That was a question that we removed because I was like, we don't have time, but now we have time.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, that. That happens. It's like usually, usually when people get sick or with age or like if they're going through like say chemo or something, it causes like change in their blood circulation and change in the body moisture. So that causes like your nail matrix to produce like the nail plate in a very different way. So. And when their like nail is getting thicker, less moisture is also get more brittle. And then it peels and it breaks, etc.

[Sarah]

Wow.

[Berea Ali]

It's all related.

[Kirby]

So thick is not necessarily a good thing.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, if you didn't have that to begin with and it's suddenly unnaturally thickening and then you can see like ridges, etc. There's like a. There's something about it. You can like, you know, when it's unhealthy and it's not part of your. It's not natural. Yeah. And then if it is from vitamin deficiency or whatnot, usually in these cases that's a great time to do hair and nail vitamins.

[Kirby]

Do you have any favorites?

[Berea Ali]

I just started. I just got the Mary Roth, the liquid vitamin.

[Sarah]

Oh, yeah.

[Berea Ali]

I'm excited.

[Sarah]

I don't know, actually telling me about this.

[Berea Ali]

Something about a Mary Ruth. Mary Ruth?

[Sarah]

Yes, it's Mary Ruth. And then I got an ad for it and now I'm like, now we're.

[Kirby]

All gonna get ads for it. Yeah.

[Sarah]

Sorry. But apparently Mary Ruth makes a really great probiotic.

[Berea Ali]

Oh, yeah. So I mean, girl, again, it's one.

[Kirby]

Of these things where it's like, if we take it every day, then let's see.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, honestly, I believe in nothing. So. We'll see. We'll see.

[Sarah]

Except Korean skincare.

[Berea Ali]

And I read that too. Sometimes I'm like, oh, did you. Did anything really happen?

[Sarah]

Right. Yeah. Am I being tricked into something?

[Kirby]

Like, I appreciate we should all approach everything with a little skepticism. Yeah, skepticism and being a little sus.

[Sarah]

Okay, we're gonna end it on this press on nails. Really, really big.

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Sarah]

More than ever.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, Love that.

[Sarah]

Is there a proper way to remove press ons? Because I glue my press ons. Like I every nook and cranny. I will put glue on my nail. And then, I mean, I haven't Done press ons in a minute, but I'll put glue on my nail. Glue on the, press on, press on, and then meld them together. Not a ton of it, but. And then I have gone to the nail salon where people have been like, this is a nightmare to take off. It is glued to your nail.

[Berea Ali]

I really didn't want to disappoint you on the last question, but I would have been that person.

[Sarah]

Wow.

[Berea Ali]

Because I honestly, I don't even know because I have done tried a lot of different things. I feel like I haven't fully managed to take off every single nail without any damage.

[Sarah]

Okay. I just feel in general, press ons are damaging.

[Kirby]

They're dicey if you want them to last.

[Berea Ali]

Yes.

[Kirby]

But if it's like, for one. One day, one night.

[Sarah]

And the stickers, little jelly stickers, they don't do.

[Berea Ali]

In my head, they don't do, like, trying to. I'm like, oh, I'm gonna do some ASMR videos. Right. And then I didn't have my nails done. I'm like, okay, I'll just do press ons. I don't know. That's like somebody else's life. I don't know.

[Kirby]

I could. I could I grab something in my purse. I lose three nails.

[Berea Ali]

It's gone. I mean, God bless everyone who has been able to figure it out.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

They don't wash dishes, they have no children, and they don't have to touch anything for a living.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah, they don't. I think it's just for the video.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Berea Ali]

And then it's like, yeah, good luck.

[Sarah]

Otherwise, you have to use the glue. Yeah. You have to.

[Kirby]

There's no other way.

[Sarah]

And then it's kind of like it's with God at that point.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

I mean, if they pop off, they pop off. That doesn't mean you're gonna have no damage.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, don't listen to me, though. There are many people out there who have figured this out.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Berea Ali]

People who work with press ons a lot. Like, to me, it never felt worth it enough to spend that much time figuring it out. I've heard a lot of people soak their hands in, like, you know, like, olive oil plus dish soap, plus this and that, like warm water. Usually that takes off the adhesive a little bit.

[Kirby]

You really believe that there's no damage, though? I'm sure there's, like, a little bit of damage, yeah.

[Berea Ali]

I mean, I believe that, but according.

[Kirby]

To them, there's not.

[Berea Ali]

Yeah. I mean, if they can do it, I am.

[Sarah]

I want to know okay, Fariha, gosh, before we let you go, I know I said last question, but do you want to shout out any brands that you love and you love working with on nails?

[Berea Ali]

Oh, my God. All the Korean gel brands, actually, they're never listening. No, I try to tag them on everything. Be like, send me things. Because I love you. I love you. I'm like, that weird stalker. But yes, I love them. I mean, I love all the Japanese Korean brands. They're amazing to work with. Are we talking nails or are we talking other stuff? Nails, yes.

[Kirby]

Like, how about nail tools?

[Berea Ali]

Oh, yes. Orly. I freaking love Orly. Very underrated.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Berea Ali]

Their builder is like, my absolute favorite. And I'm not just saying this because, you know, they've someone that I've, like, I've talked to or whatever. It's just that I do use their product, like, on every single client. I use the builder in a bottle in every single appointment that I do.

[Sarah]

Didn't the founder of orally create the French manicure?

[Kirby]

Yes, he did.

[Sarah]

That is bonkers.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Yes, that is bonkers.

[Berea Ali]

I love that. And I refuse to do French manicures on people. I'm kidding.

[Sarah]

I'm like, okay, note to self, don't ask Fariha for a French.

[Berea Ali]

It's just that I am so, like, I get so OCD about it. It takes me so much longer than it really should.

[Sarah]

Totally. We're just saying something. Given how intricate you get with your.

[Kirby]

Nails, feel like I have a million more questions. We'll have to do a part two.

[Sarah]

I know. I'm so glad you came.

[Kirby]

Thank you.

[Berea Ali]

I live in the area, guys.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

And I love that you really got in the weeds with us. This was so educational and so informative. So if people do want to follow you and your witty videos on social media, where can they find you?

[Berea Ali]

They can find me on nail job on Instagram. I have nail job official on TikTok, but I'm trying to change it and sense job, which is very new and baby.

[Sarah]

Up and coming.

[Berea Ali]

Up and coming. Yeah. But yes, that's where they can find me.

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