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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

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.