Nail glossary

HEMA

The acrylate monomer in most gel systems — and the most common trigger of gel manicure allergies. Also called: Hydroxyethyl methacrylate.

HEMA is the small, reactive molecule that lets gel polish cure into a hard film. Fully cured, it is inert; uncured product touching skin is how sensitisation happens — and once you are allergic, it is for life, with cross-relevance to dental composites and medical adhesives that share the chemistry.

Prevention is craft: product kept off skin, full curing in the system's own lamp, immediate cleanup of contact. HEMA-free lines exist for the sensitised, guided ideally by dermatologist patch testing.

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