What is the best gel cleaner?

There are numerous debates around what kind of cleaner works best with the sticky gel residue commonly referred to as the dispersion layer.  What we have learned is that as with most products, there are two parts to the equation.  Part One being the product itself.  Part Two being how we use the product.

We do an experiment in our New to Ni Class & compare Ni Cleanzer to 99% alcohol & observe the results.   We’ve observed, learned & experienced that 99% alcohol leaves a residue that sits on our surfaces, tools, brushes, containers & skin which can easily lead to Contact Dermatitis for nail techs.    It has also been observed to plug bits & files killing them prematurely.

We’ve had numerous techs come to Nail Innovationz from using other lines & cleaners after developing Contact Dermatitis. After switching to Ni Cleanzer & the methodz/systemz for using it, their skin finally cleared up and returned to normal.

By methodz, one method I’m referring to is the Ni two step Cleanzer method.  After 9 years as a tech, I too developed Contact Dermatitis.  I had been suffering with it for almost 5 years when I began developing the Ni line.  I either needed to stop doing nailz or figure this out once & for all.  Eliminating & preventing this problem from ever happening again for myself or others was a challenge that was close to my heart, (& all over my hands!)

As I began researching,  one of the things I did was contemplate the theory of disinfection.  The principles behind disinfecting and sterilizing state that it is impossible to sanitize/clean & disinfect in one step.  Or sanitize/clean & sterilize in one step.   (Similar to washing dishes or clothes, we can’t wash/clean & rinse/disinfect in one step) To actually achieve a disinfected  or sterilized state, we must first sanitize (which only means clean or wash & which only “removes” most of the microbes) & THEN disinfect separately (to “kill”  MOST remaining microbes or sterilize to kill ALL remaining microbes).

I began experimenting with this theory & started using the newly formulated Ni Cleanzer & 4 nail wipes (2 for each hand).  We saturate the first wipe with Cleanzer and use it to “clean/sanitize” the nailz  & remove MOST of the gel residue.  Discarding the first nail wipe, we use a second, new wipe saturated with Cleanzer to “disinfect” & completely remove ALL the dispersion layer or ANY raw gel from ANY surface (skin, desk, jars, brushes, etc.)  And repeat for the second hand.

When testing a cleaner, look for oily or sticky streaks that you can leave your fingerprints in.  Our surfaces should be so squeaky clean, that we can not feel a film or see so much as a fingerprint if we touch the surface.  Look at the edges of your bits and files.  Do they look or feel gummy?  Gummy edges on bits, files, or any other surface is an indication that either the cleaner is not effective, or it is not being used effectively.

We have experienced the money thought to be saved by using some cheaper cleaners or by not using a cleaner properly, costs more in the long run in plugged files & bits.  Or as in my case, it almost cost me my entire career in nailz.  In my 20 years in the industry I’ve seen many successful techs leave nailz due to contact dermatitis.   I love nailz & I’m passionate about the best results possible for myself & others.   I share this experience and information in hopes of helping others as they strive for their personal best & a life-long, healthy career in nailz.

– Avry Bablitz